Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder - Creative Homemaking

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts (or thighs))
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
• Cooked bacon bits (optional, for topping)