Healthy Fish Chowder Recipe

If you love chowder, also try our healthy grilled corn chowder. Chowder tastes especially great with a glass of chilled white wine and some crusty no-yeast bread!

Best Fish Chowder Recipe Tips

While this fish chowder recipe is simple to make, these few tips will help you to make it the absolute best. We make this healthier version using less cream so it has a lighter taste and feel, but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s a filling meal on its own but we recommend serving it with a generous amount of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It’s an easy recipe and since it’s made in one pot, clean-up is a breeze. Only 30 minutes stand between you and this warm and comforting dish — let’s make chowder!

What makes this the best fish chowder recipe

This fish chowder is a recipe I make every few months when I’m craving a creamy soup. I just can’t get enough of it, and I know you’ll love it, too!

Butter – we use butter for sautéing because we love the richness and flavor. Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots – this traditional combination of aromatics and vegetables makes up the flavor base of the chowder. Seasonings – dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Flour – an all-purpose flour works as a thickener for the broth. Clam juice – instead of using a lot of milk or cream, we use clam juice as the liquid base of the broth which gives it lots of delicious seafood flavor. Chicken stock – you could also use vegetable stock if you prefer. Red potatoes – no need to peel, we keep the skins on for a rustic chowder. You could also use other potatoes like yukon gold potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. White fish – any firm white fish fillets like cod, haddock, or halibut works well and will hold its shape when cooked. Corn – from a can or frozen. If you’re making this recipe while corn is in season, you could also cut it fresh off the cob! Heavy cream – a modest amount of heavy cream adds its signature creaminess to the chowder. Parsley – used as a garnish for serving. Minced chives would also taste great.

Cut your fish into equal-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly. The best soup is made with the best stock. If you don’t have homemade chicken stock on hand, try to use store-bought bone-broth – it adds a ton of flavor. Don’t skip the clam juice, it brings the traditional chowder flavor to the recipe. Whipping cream makes the soup wonderfully creamy. I add a small amount (½ cup) to keep the soup lighter. But if you like a really creamy fish chowder, feel free to add more.

A crunchy salad like our favorite kale salad or bacon kale caesar salad. Cornbread like our zucchini cornbread muffins or quinoa muffins. A delicious sandwich like our tomato bacon cheese toast, warm bruschetta, or grilled cheese apple sandwich. French fries like our garlic herb carrot fries or dill french fries.