About the Recipe
Chowder literally feelings like wrapping yourself in a heated blanket with wool socks on in the winter time. It's comforting, it's cozy, it's hearty. But the aftermath of too much dairy (how is everyone putting entire blocks of cream cheese in recipes??) wreaks havoc on my well being. I subbed the usual lactose culprits for coconut milk and opted to smooth boiled potatoes into a creamy consistency instead. The result is nutritious and delicious all in one spoonful.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp italian seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
2 tsp chipotle powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
2-4 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
32 oz chicken bone broth, reduced sodium
13 oz coconut milk, unsweetened
1-2 tbsp minced garlic
2 medium russet potatoes, roughly chopped
Optional toppings:
Diced jalapeños
Cilantro
Green onions
Crispy turkey bacon
Shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1
Start heating a large pot at medium heat on your stove. Once warm, add 1-2 tbsp olive oil. Add ground chicken and spices (paprika, italian seasoning, chipotle powder, cumin). Cover pot with a lid, and cook stirring occassionally until meat is browned. May take up to 10 minutes.
Step 2
Once browned and completely cooked, remove chicken and place in a bowl to the side. Add your chopped vegetables to the pot (red bell pepper, celery, carrot, and onion) and secure lid. Cook stirring occassionally until vegetables are soft and onions are almost translucent. About 7-10 minutes.
Step 3
Remove about half of the vegetables from the pot, placing them in the same bowl as the chicken that you set aside. Add the potatoes, bone broth, coconut milk, and garlic to the pot. Bring to a steady boil for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are completely cooked (able to be pierced with a fork).
Step 4
This is where things get advanced. In order to make this a true chowder consistency without dairy, you will need to blend the ingredients. I used an immersion blender to easily blend within the same pot in a few minutes. If you don't have one, set the soup aside, wait for it to cool, and then blend in your regular blender. Complete in batches if the contents do not fit. Blend until smooth. **PLEASE do not add hot soup to a blender. The heat combined with pressure will make it explode. Wait for everything to completely cool.
Step 5
Once you achieve desired, creamy texture, add the chicken and cooked vegetables from your bowl on the side. Warm on a low to mid low heat until all ingredients are lightly heated. Do not bring to a boil or simmer.
Step 6
Ladel your delicious dairy-free chowder into bowls, and serve with your favorite toppings. If adding any cheese or sour cream, make sure you take your Lactaid first!
Need some help? Check out the recipe video on Instagram and TikTok.