The Coziest Creamy Salmon Chowder Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Imagine a chilly evening, maybe a bit rainy outside, and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket. What’s missing? For me, it’s often a warm, comforting bowl of something utterly delicious. When that craving hits, my mind immediately goes to chowder – specifically, a rich, velvety, soul-warming creamy salmon chowder recipe.

There’s something magical about the combination of tender salmon, soft potatoes, and savory vegetables swimming in a luxurious, creamy broth. It feels indulgent yet wholesome, sophisticated yet undeniably comforting. Maybe you’ve tried salmon chowder before, but have you found the one? The recipe that hits all the right notes – perfectly cooked fish, creamy-but-not-heavy broth, and layers of flavor that make you close your eyes in satisfaction?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. This isn’t just any salmon chowder; this is designed to be your new go-to, the recipe you’ll turn to again and again for a dose of pure, delicious comfort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Salmon Chowder

Beyond just being delicious (which it absolutely is!), this specific recipe has a few key features that make it truly special and user-friendly.

Rich Flavor Meets Perfect Texture

We strike a beautiful balance here. The natural richness of the salmon shines through, complemented by savory aromatics like onion, celery, and garlic. The creamy base, achieved with a simple roux and good quality dairy, is luxurious without being overly thick or heavy. Tender chunks of potato add substance, and fresh herbs like dill provide a bright counterpoint. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful – the definition of a best salmon chowder recipe experience.

Surprisingly Simple for Weeknight Comfort

Don’t let the “creamy” and “luxurious” descriptions fool you into thinking this is an all-day project. While it tastes like you slaved away for hours, this homemade salmon chowder comes together relatively quickly. With clear steps and readily available ingredients, you can absolutely whip this up on a weeknight when you need a comforting meal without excessive fuss. It’s the perfect intersection of impressive flavor and achievable preparation.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

This recipe is fantastic as written, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to add corn for sweetness, bacon for smoky depth, or even swap in different herbs. It’s a universally loved flavor profile, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or even serving guests. Everyone appreciates a good chowder, and this one is designed to please palates.

Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Salmon Chowder Recipe

The quality of your chowder starts with the ingredients you choose. Let’s break down what you need for this exceptional creamy salmon chowder recipe.

Choosing Your Star: The Best Salmon for Chowder

The salmon is key! Aim for about 1 pound of good-quality, skinless, boneless salmon fillet.

• Type: Richer, oilier varieties like Atlantic, King (Chinook), or Sockeye add wonderful flavor. Coho or Pink salmon are milder but still work well.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Both are fine! If using frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cubing. Patting dry is crucial even for fresh salmon to ensure it doesn’t water down the chowder.
• Preparation: Cut the salmon into roughly 1-inch cubes. Check carefully for any pin bones the fishmonger might have missed.

Building the Creamy Base: Dairy, Broth, and Thickeners

This is where the magic happens:

• Fat: Unsalted butter provides richness for sautéing the aromatics.
• Thickener: All-purpose flour combines with the butter to create a roux, the foundation of the chowder’s body.
• Liquid Gold: A combination of broth and dairy creates the perfect consistency.
  • Broth: Fish stock is ideal for enhancing seafood flavor, but low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes.
  • Dairy: Heavy cream yields the most luxurious result. Half-and-half offers a slightly lighter but still creamy texture. Avoid low-fat milk, which lacks richness and can sometimes curdle.
• Potatoes: About 1-1.5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed. Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully while becoming tender and slightly creamy. Russets work too but break down more, leading to a thicker chowder.

Essential Aromatics, Veggies, and Herbs

These supporting actors add depth and freshness:

• Aromatics: Finely diced yellow onion, celery, and minced garlic form the flavor base.
• Optional Veggies: Diced carrots add a touch of sweetness and color. Corn (fresh or frozen) adds lovely pops of texture.
• Herbs & Seasoning: Fresh dill is classic with salmon. Fresh parsley adds brightness. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. A bay leaf during simmering adds subtle depth (remove before serving).

Ingredient Checklist

Mastering Your Creamy Salmon Chowder Recipe: Step-by-Step

Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps for chowder perfection.

Get Ready: Prepping Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)

Organization is key! Prepare everything before you start cooking:

1. Dice onion and celery. Mince garlic.
2. Peel and cube potatoes (keep in cold water until needed, then drain).
3. Cube the salmon, pat dry, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Chop fresh herbs. Measure out broth and cream.
5. If using bacon, cook it now until crisp, crumble it, and reserve 1 Tbsp of drippings (discard the rest).

Layering Flavors: Cooking the Base and Roux

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter (or use reserved bacon drippings) over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Simmering and Finishing Touches for Perfection

1. Add Liquids & Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth. Add the drained potatoes and the bay leaf (if using). Bring to a simmer.
2. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally.
3. Cook Salmon: Gently stir in the cubed salmon (and corn, if using). Simmer for another 4-6 minutes, just until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Do not overcook!
4. Finish: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), chopped dill, and parsley.
5. Season: Taste carefully and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Rest: Let the chowder rest for 5 minutes off the heat for flavors to meld before serving.

Quick Recipe Steps Overview

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

Elevate your chowder game with these helpful hints and creative ideas.

Pro Secrets for Chowder Success Every Time

• Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: To prevent potential curdling or separation, add the cream off the heat and only reheat gently if needed.
• Pat Salmon Dry: Seems small, but excess moisture can dilute flavor and affect texture.
• Taste As You Go: Seasoning is crucial. Potatoes absorb salt, so taste and adjust, especially at the end.
• Uniform Veggie Size: Cutting veggies (especially potatoes) into similar sizes ensures even cooking.

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Chowder

• Add Bacon: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside. Sauté the aromatics in 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat for amazing smoky flavor. Garnish with crumbled bacon.
• Sweet Corn Addition: Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels along with the salmon.
• Smoked Salmon Twist: Add 4 oz of flaked hot-smoked salmon during the last minute of cooking for an extra layer of smoky complexity.
• Herb Variations: Swap dill for fresh thyme or add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a coastal vibe.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Savvy

• Serve: Ladle hot chowder into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley, a crack of black pepper, maybe some oyster crackers or crumbled bacon. Crusty bread for dipping is a must!
• Store: Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling. Freezing cream-based soups isn’t ideal as the texture can change.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits

This creamy salmon chowder recipe truly delivers on its promise: rich, flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. Whether you follow it exactly or add your own delicious twists, you’re sure to create a bowl of happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Salmon Chowder

recipessoft.com

Creamy Salmon Chowder packed with tender salmon, veggies & corn in a rich, cozy broth. Ready in under an hour!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cups fish stock or chicken broth
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ pounds skinless salmon fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
• Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the fish stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
• Add corn and salmon: Stir in the corn and salmon chunks. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through.
• Add dairy and season: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream and milk. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat gently for 5 minutes without boiling.
• Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Keyword creamy, salmon, chowder, comfort food, winter, soup, seafood stew, easy dinner, hearty, cozy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I prepare this creamy salmon chowder recipe ahead of time?

A1: Yes, absolutely! This creamy salmon chowder recipe is fantastic for making ahead. The flavors often deepen overnight. Simply prepare the chowder as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to adjust consistency, and avoid boiling.

Q2: What kind of salmon works best in this creamy salmon chowder recipe?

A2: For the best results in this creamy salmon chowder recipe, choose a salmon variety with good fat content like Atlantic, King (Chinook), or Sockeye. Their richness complements the creamy base beautifully. However, milder Coho or Pink salmon will also work nicely. The key is using about 1 pound of quality, skinless, boneless fillet, patted dry and cut into bite-sized cubes.

Q3: My creamy salmon chowder recipe isn’t thick enough, how can I fix it?

A3: If your creamy salmon chowder recipe seems a bit thin for your liking, you can easily thicken it. Make a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering chowder (before you add the cream) and let it cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired thickness. Remember it will also thicken slightly as it cools.

Ready to embrace the cozy?

Give this creamy salmon chowder recipe a try! It’s the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones. I’d love to hear how it goes – leave a comment below and share your chowder success stories or any tasty tweaks you made! Enjoy your delicious homemade chowder!