Easy Creamy Clam Chowder

Dive into a bowl of comforting indulgence with this Easy Creamy Clam Chowder, a hearty, seafood-packed classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This rich and velvety soup combines tender chunks of russet potatoes, savory bacon, and briny canned clams, all simmered in a base of clam juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream for an irresistibly creamy texture. Enhanced with sautéed onion, celery, and garlic, this chowder is thickened with a touch of flour for that perfect consistency. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavor-packed recipe that’s ideal for busy cooks. Top it off with crispy bacon crumbles, fresh parsley, and oyster crackers for the ultimate New England-inspired treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups clam juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 6.5-ounce cans canned clams, with juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup oyster crackers (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon and set aside.

Step 2

Add the unsalted butter to the pot with the bacon drippings. Once melted, add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flour to brown slightly.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the clam juice and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Add the diced potatoes and let them simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7

Stir in the canned clams along with their juice, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chowder thickens slightly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Step 9

Serve hot, with oyster crackers on the side if you like.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1884.2 grams (1884.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2904

Total Fat 153.80g	197%
Saturated Fat 75.20g	376%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 420mg	140%
Sodium 7790mg	339%
Total Carbohydrate 296.00g	108%
Dietary Fiber 10.80g	39%
Total Sugars 10.10g
Protein 80.30g	161%

Vitamin D 5IU	26%
Calcium 345mg	27%
Iron 68mg	377%
Potassium 3468mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 41.0%