Easy WeightWatchers Crock Pot Corn Chowder

When I am craving something warm, creamy, and comforting, this Easy WeightWatchers Crock Pot Corn Chowder is one of my go-to slow cooker recipes. It reminds me of the corn chowder my mom made when I was growing up, only this version is lighter, easier, and completely WW friendly. I love that I can mix everything together in just a few minutes, let it simmer away in the crock pot, and come back to a cozy bowl of chowder that tastes like home.

This simple recipe uses basic pantry staples like diced potatoes, onions, creamed corn, and fat free evaporated milk to create a surprisingly creamy chowder without a lot of Points. A little seasoned salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce add depth, while optional real bacon bits make a delicious garnish. Served with crusty bread or a small salad, it is a satisfying, family-friendly meal that fits perfectly into a slow and steady WW approach.

Why I Love This Easy Corn Chowder Recipe

Easy to assemble. Everything goes right into the slow cooker.
Made with basic ingredients. Most ingredients are readily available in my kitchen.
Creamy but light. Fat free evaporated milk adds richness without many calories.
Hands-off cooking. The crock pot does most of the work.
WW friendly. Comforting, satisfying, and easy to track.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Onion – Fresh diced onion adds flavor. Frozen diced onions work too if you don’t like to chop or are short on time.
• Potatoes – Any diced potatoes are fine. Frozen cubed potatoes or hash browns make prep even easier.
• Seasoned salt – Adds savory flavor. Substitute regular salt plus a pinch of garlic powder.
• Worcestershire sauce – Gives the chowder a bit of richness.
• Black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds the best flavor.
• Water – Helps the potatoes cook evenly.
• Cream style corn – Provides sweetness and thickness.
• Fat free evaporated milk – Makes the chowder creamy without adding many Points. Low-fat evaporated milk also works.
• Real bacon bits (optional) – Use as a garnish for extra flavor, if desired.

WW Points and Calories?

According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving has about:

• Calories: 214
• WW Points: 5 To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old Points: 5 PointsPlus

How to Make WW Friendly Corn Chowder in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Step 2: Load the crock pot and slow cook

Add all the ingredients except the canned milk into your slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or until the potatoes and onions are tender.

Step 3: Add milk and cook

Add the milk and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and switch the setting to WARM until ready to serve.

How to Cook This Chowder in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Sauté the Onions (Optional): Turn on the Instant Pot (affiliate link) and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–5 minutes. (This step enhances flavor but can be skipped to simplify the recipe.)

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Optional Bacon Bits and Evaporated Milk: Add the diced potatoes, corn and water to the Instant Pot (affiliate link). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the timer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Add Milk and Blend: Open the lid and stir in the evaporated milk. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender (affiliate link) to blend a portion of the soup until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender (affiliate link), blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Ways to Add Protein or Extra Flavor

• Cooked chicken breast – If I want to make this chowder extra hearty, I stir in diced or shredded cooked chicken breast. It blends right into the creamy base and adds lean protein without changing the flavor too much.
• Shrimp, salmon, or tun -For a seafood twist, I sometimes add peeled shrimp during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking. Salmon or canned tuna also work well and give the chowder a coastal, chowder-house style flavor.
• Cubed tofu – For a plant-based protein, small cubes of firm tofu melt right into the chowder and take on its flavor. It is a great way to keep the recipe vegetarian without losing protein.
• Lean diced ham – A little lean ham adds a smoky, savory note that pairs beautifully with sweet corn. I add it at the beginning so the flavor infuses into the broth.
• Fresh herbs – Fresh parsley, chives, thyme, or green onions stirred in at the end brighten the flavor and bring a fresh finishing touch. Thyme especially works well with cream-style corn.
• Hot sauce or red pepper flakes – If I want a little kick, a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper instantly wake up the chowder without overpowering it.
• Chopped spinach or kale– Stirring in baby spinach or finely chopped kale during the last few minutes adds color, nutrients, and a little extra body. The greens wilt quickly and blend right in.
• Shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese – A small sprinkle of cheese on top melts into the hot chowder and adds richness. Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish, while cheddar makes it taste extra rich.
• Smoked paprika – When I want smoky flavor without adding bacon, I use smoked paprika. A small pinch gives the chowder a warm, smoky depth that feels very comforting.
• Extra vegetables – If I want to bulk up the chowder, I often add chopped celery, carrots, or bell peppers. They cook down nicely in the slow cooker and add more texture and sweetness.
• Cornstarch slurry – For a thicker chowder, I mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the milk before adding it to the chowder. It thickens gently and gives the chowder a creamier feel.

Recipe Notes

Sometimes I soften the onions in the microwave (affiliate link) for 1 to 2 minutes before adding them.
Frozen potatoes or hash browns make this even easier.
This is a great recipe to double for meal prep or freezing.

If you’ve made this Slow Cooker Corn Chowder, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

More Easy Healthy Chowder Recipes for WeightWatchers

If you are looking for more easy WW friendly chowders to add to your meal rotation, here are a few delicious options to try next.

• Slow Cooker Corn and Shrimp Chowder – If you enjoy creamy chowders with a coastal twist, you will love this lighter version made with sweet corn and tender shrimp. It cooks gently in the slow cooker and has a fresh, seafood-forward flavor without a lot of calories.
• Slow Cooker Manhattan Clam Chowder – This tomato-based clam chowder is a great option when you want something warm and hearty but not creamy. Packed with vegetables, clams, and bright flavors, it is a lighter alternative to the classic New England style.
• Mom’s Maine Corn Chowder – A nostalgic family favorite, this simple corn chowder tastes like the comforting bowls I grew up with. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together easily, and is naturally lighter than many traditional chowders.
• New England Fish Chowder – A lighter take on a classic creamy fish chowder. Tender white fish simmers gently in a flavorful broth until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Cozy, comforting, and much easier than it looks.

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