Crock Pot Clam Chowder

By Diana Rattray

Updated 10/23/17

Slow Cooker Clam Chowder
Slow Cooker Clam Chowder. Photo: Diana Rattray
Ratings (61)
  • Total: 4 hrs 25 mins
  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 4 hrs
  • Yield: Serves 8
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
434 Calories
25g Fat
23g Carbs
29g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This is an easy and great-tasting clam chowder for the slow cooker, made with potatoes and milk, a little bacon or salt pork, and canned minced clams. Cornstarch makes the chowder thick and satisfying.

Bottled clam juice is the best choice for the liquid, but water or chicken stock may be used. If you use salted or low sodium chicken broth in the soup, you might need to cut back on the salt. Add a small portion of the salt and wait until it is nearly done to taste and add more, as needed. 

It's a very popular chowder and with a dozen 5-star reviews under our previous review system. One reader wrote that  she took it to work and there wasn't a drop left. If you take it to a potluck, take several copies of the recipe!

Ingredients

  • 4 (6 1/2 oz.) cans minced clams with juice
  • 6-8 ounces salt pork or bacon, diced
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 6 to 8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 cups water (use all or part clam juice for best flavor)
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups half and half cream or milk
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps to Make It

  1. If necessary, chop or slice the clams into bite-sized pieces.

  2. In a skillet, fry the diced salt pork or bacon and onion until golden brown; drain. Drain and add the pork or bacon and onion to the slow cooker with the minced or chopped clams.

  3. Add the onion, potatoes, and the water, low sodium chicken broth, or clam juice. Add 2 teaspoons of salt (1 teaspoon if you used broth) and the freshly ground black pepper.

  4. Cover and cook on high 3 to 4 hours or until vegetables are tender.

  5. During the last hour of cooking, combine 1 cup of the milk or half-and-half with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the cornstarch mixture and the remaining milk or half-and-half to the slow cooker and stir to blend. At this point, taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, as needed.

  6. Top each serving with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley and serve with saltines, oyster crackers, or crusty French bread.

Tips and Variations

  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped celery to the skillet along with the onions.

  • Use less salt pork or bacon to cut fat and calories. Or make the dish with diced lean ham instead.

  • Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh garlic when the onions and bacon are browned and cook for about 1 more minute. 

  • For a richer chowder, use half-and-half instead of milk.

  • Fry a few extra strips of bacon. Crumble the extra cooked bacon and refrigerate it to use as a garnish for the finished chowder.

  • Instead of chopped fresh parsley, use sliced green onion tops, shredded mild cheese, or chopped chives to garnish each serving.