Yesterday I needed comfort food. Coming off of a sinus infection, getting my butt whooped at work, I needed something that would satisfy my soul. Soup always does that, so I went with chicken corn chowder. Melt a little butter in the bottom of a big pot. Add two slices diced bacon and let some of the fat render out. Then add pretty much as you get it cut, and cut it all about the same size:
about a pound of cubed chicken thighs - bought boneless/skinless because they're easier
a red onion
a couple of red skinned potatoes, not peeled
a few carrots
a couple stalks of celery
a red bell pepper
Season with salt and pepper, and let it all brown a bit. I like my soup to have some body, so I added a few tablespoons of flour and let it cook in the fat. (If you are GF, skip this step, I'll show you what to do when it's time.) Then add a couple of cups of frozen corn. If you have fresh corn, use that of course, but frozen corn is just fine. (I'm not one to use frozen veggies, but corn is one that I have no problem with.)
Add a couple of cups of good chicken stock, stirring well, then the same amount of milk. (used whole, i wouldn't recommend using skim, no need to use cream.) Bring this to a simmer, and add a handful of chopped fresh parsley. You can also add other herbs if you like, but for me, it's the simplicity of this soup that makes it great. Now, if you're GF, add a couple of tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes. Yup, the perfect thickener. It also makes amazing fried chicken, which I am now craving...
Anywhoooo, stir in the potato and let this all cook until the veggies are tender, about 20 minutes. I do recommend stirring often, as it does brown fast on the bottom because of the roux and the milk, but that's it. Served it to The Man and The Roomie with little sandwiches made from a double Gloucester cheese that has chives in it and thin slices of black forest ham on whole wheat rolls, warmed slightly in the oven just to get the cheese a little melty. The Man liked it so much he's taking it for lunch today, and I'm sending a container for a buddy because I know he'll love it.
I think all of our souls felt better after this one.