Ultimate Seafood Chowder Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Easy to Make

Discover the ultimate seafood chowder recipe that’s rich, creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. This delicious homemade chowder is packed with shrimp, clams, and fish for the perfect bowl of comfort.

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food that soothes the soul and satisfies the taste buds, seafood chowder ranks high on the list. This creamy seafood chowder recipe is loaded with tender shrimp, flaky fish, sweet clams, and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this easy seafood chowder delivers bold flavor and comforting texture in every spoonful.

In this article, we’ll guide you through creating the ultimate seafood chowder from scratch, using fresh ingredients and a few time-saving tricks. You’ll also learn pro tips for the creamiest chowder, how to store leftovers, and how to customize it to your liking.

What Is Seafood Chowder?

Seafood chowder is a thick, rich soup made with a variety of seafood, typically including shrimp, white fish, clams, and sometimes scallops or crab. It’s combined with potatoes, onions, celery, and a creamy broth that’s often enriched with milk or cream. Originating from coastal regions, seafood chowder is beloved for its hearty, satisfying flavor and versatile recipe base.

Why This Is the Ultimate Seafood Chowder Recipe

• Creamy and rich texture
• Loaded with fresh seafood
• Easy to prepare at home
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Chowder

Here’s everything you need to create the best homemade seafood chowder:

Seafood:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb white fish (cod or haddock), cubed
• 1 can chopped clams (with juice)
• Optional: ½ cup scallops or lump crab meat

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Liquids and Dairy:

• 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Potatoes and Herbs

Stir in diced potatoes, thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

3. Pour in Stock and Simmer

Add the seafood stock and the juice from the canned clams (don’t add the clams yet). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Stir in the Seafood

Add shrimp, cubed white fish, and scallops (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes or until seafood is cooked through. Add chopped clams and lump crab (if using) and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Add Dairy for Creaminess

Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the milk and cream. Let it heat slowly—do not boil, as this could cause curdling. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon juice to taste.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Tips for the Best Homemade Seafood Chowder

Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood

For the freshest taste, use wild-caught seafood. However, frozen shrimp and fish work well if thawed properly.

Don’t Overcook the Seafood

Seafood cooks quickly. Overcooking can make it rubbery, so be sure to simmer gently and monitor closely.

Add Corn or Bacon for a Twist

Want to jazz it up? Add corn kernels for sweetness or crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.

Make It Gluten-Free

This chowder is naturally gluten-free if you skip thickening with flour. If a thicker texture is desired, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour alternatives.

Health Benefits of Seafood Chowder

While it’s rich and creamy, this chowder can be quite nutritious, especially if made with lean seafood and limited cream.

• High in protein from shrimp, fish, and clams
• Omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health
• Vitamin-rich vegetables like carrots and potatoes
• Can be made lower in fat by using milk instead of heavy cream

Variations of Seafood Chowder

New England-Style Chowder

Traditional New England chowder is thick and creamy, often with just clams and potatoes. Our version is more seafood-rich, but you can adapt it to that style.

Tomato-Based Chowder

For a Manhattan-style chowder, swap the cream for crushed tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste. Add basil and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Spicy Cajun Chowder

Add Cajun seasoning, diced bell peppers, and a bit of hot sauce to give your chowder a Southern kick.

How to Store and Reheat Seafood Chowder

Refrigeration

Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before storing.

Freezing

Because of the cream, freezing is not recommended—cream-based chowders may separate or become grainy when reheated from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling, which can cause dairy to curdle and seafood to toughen.

Perfect Pairings for Seafood Chowder

• Crusty sourdough bread
• Buttery garlic toast
• Oyster crackers
• Fresh garden salad
• A glass of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chowder dairy-free?

Yes. Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still be rich and delicious.

What seafood works best in chowder?

Shrimp, cod, haddock, clams, scallops, and crab are all excellent options. Choose what’s fresh or available.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. In fact, chowder often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Final Thoughts

This ultimate seafood chowder recipe delivers everything you want in a bowl—rich flavor, creamy texture, and hearty satisfaction. Whether you’re craving a comforting winter meal or planning a dinner party, this chowder is sure to impress.

With just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, you can bring the flavors of the sea right into your kitchen. The best part? It’s fully customizable, easy to prepare, and deeply satisfying every single time.

So next time you’re in the mood for something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, give this easy seafood chowder recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.