Slow Cooker Fish Chowder

This Slow Cooker Fish Chowder is a rich and satisfying dish, perfect for warming up during the cooler months. It features tender chunks of cod, a medley of vegetables, and a silky, seasoned broth that’s both creamy and comforting. Simmered low and slow, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a restaurant-worthy meal right from your own kitchen.

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Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or looking for an easy dish to impress your family, this fish chowder is the answer. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a hearty, nourishing form. Serve it with crusty bread or oyster crackers and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the ultimate comforting bowl.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 ribs celery, diced

• 2 cups diced potatoes

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 cup clam juice

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 pound cod fillets, cut into chunks

• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Transfer sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, clam juice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

3. Cover and cook on Low for 5 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

4. Add fish chunks to the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until fish flakes easily.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, flour, and water until smooth. Stir into the chowder. Cook for another 15–20 minutes, until thickened.

6. Remove the bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Chowder?

Using a slow cooker for fish chowder brings a number of culinary advantages. First and foremost is convenience. All the components are added to the pot, then left to cook slowly over several hours while you go about your day. This is perfect for busy families or anyone who doesn’t want to stand at the stove for an hour or more.

Secondly, the slow cooking process allows the flavors of the fish, vegetables, broth, and herbs to meld together in a way that stovetop methods simply can’t replicate in the same timeframe. You get a chowder that’s well-rounded, robust, and deeply satisfying—every spoonful is rich with layered flavors.

Lastly, slow cooking keeps the fish tender without turning it into mush. By adding the fish toward the end of the cooking process, it remains juicy and flaky, rather than overcooked and rubbery.

Regional Influences and Background

Fish chowder has roots in various maritime cultures. In New England, chowder is almost a way of life. It’s traditionally made with clams, but fish-based versions are just as celebrated. The creamy base, often thickened with flour or potatoes, is a hallmark of this regional cuisine.

On the Canadian east coast, particularly in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, fish chowder is a staple in many households. There, it may include a variety of local white fish and sometimes a splash of evaporated milk, which has become a nostalgic flavor in many homes.

This slow cooker version pulls from both traditions and updates the process for modern home cooks, without sacrificing the soul of the original dish.

Health Benefits of Fish Chowder

Fish chowder isn’t just comforting—it’s also nutritionally beneficial. The key ingredient, white fish such as cod or haddock, is low in fat and high in protein. These fish are also excellent sources of vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which are essential for proper thyroid function and nervous system health.

The potatoes and vegetables add fiber and important micronutrients like potassium and vitamin C. If you’re using evaporated milk or milk alternatives with added calcium and vitamin D, you’re further supporting bone health.

Unlike some heavy cream-based soups, this version typically uses evaporated milk, which is lower in fat but still gives a creamy texture. This helps create a comforting dish without going overboard on calories or saturated fats.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Fish Chowder

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served on many occasions:

• Weeknight family dinners: Throw it all in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a warm, complete meal.

• Holiday gatherings: Chowder can be an elegant and cozy starter for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or other festive dinners.

• Cozy weekends: It’s perfect for enjoying by the fire with a blanket and a slice of crusty bread.

• Potlucks and community meals: Fish chowder is easy to transport in a slow cooker and keeps warm for hours, making it ideal for sharing.

It’s also a popular choice for Seafood Fridays or as part of a Lenten meal since it doesn’t contain meat.

Pairing Suggestions

To complete the meal, here are a few delicious pairing options:

• Crusty bread or sourdough rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.

• A crisp green salad: Something like arugula or romaine with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

• White wine: Try a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

• Roasted vegetables: Add color and nutritional diversity to the plate.

You can also garnish your chowder with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even a touch of smoked paprika for added depth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fish chowder stores well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, though it’s best eaten within the first 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture. Store it in an airtight container.

To reheat, use a saucepan over low to medium heat and stir often to prevent the milk base from separating. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing is not ideal for dairy-based soups like this, as the texture may become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, try removing the dairy before freezing and adding it back in during reheating.

How to Customize Your Fish Chowder

One of the best things about fish chowder is how easy it is to personalize:

• Add bacon for a smoky touch and extra richness.

• Use different fish like haddock, halibut, or even salmon for a different flavor profile.

• Include other seafood like shrimp or scallops.

• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Go dairy-free by using coconut milk or almond milk and thickening with cornstarch.

• Add corn for sweetness and color contrast.

Whatever your dietary needs or preferences, this dish is flexible enough to accommodate them.

Tips for the Best Fish Chowder

To ensure your chowder turns out as flavorful and satisfying as possible, consider these expert tips:

• Sauté aromatics like onions and celery before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances their flavor and gives the dish a more developed taste.

• Don’t add the fish too early. Fish cooks much faster than root vegetables; add it near the end of the cooking process to prevent it from overcooking.

• Use high-quality broth. A good chicken or seafood broth forms the base of your chowder, so choose one with great flavor.

• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little salt or a splash of lemon juice at the end can bring all the flavors together.

• Garnish thoughtfully. Fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or a pat of butter on top right before serving can elevate the entire bowl.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Fish Chowder

Slow Cooker Fish Chowder is a shining example of comfort food done right—simple, flavorful, and nourishing. Its creamy texture, combined with tender fish and aromatic vegetables, makes every bite satisfying. The slow cooking process does all the heavy lifting, transforming everyday ingredients into a dish that feels gourmet yet homely.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting guests, or just want something warm and hearty to get you through a cold day, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s adaptable, affordable, and most importantly—delicious. Add it to your rotation of slow cooker meals and enjoy a taste of the coast, no matter where you live.