Seafood Chowder

4.96 from 66 votes
79 Comments

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This thick and hearty Seafood Chowder is full of savory flavor! Seasoned fish, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth make this the best seafood chowder ever!

Spoon resting with a piece of shrimp in a bowl of Seafood Chowder. Biscuits on the side.
Featured with this Recipe
  1. Ingredients in Seafood Chowder
  2. What Kind of Fish is Best for Chowder?
  3. Suggestions for the Best Seafood Chowder
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. More Hearty Soup Recipes
  6. How to Make Seafood Chowder
  7. Seafood Chowder Recipe


This is the best seafood chowder recipe! It is my absolute favorite. It’s even better than the seafood chowders I’ve had at fancy seaside restaurants. The broth is seasoned with garlic, onions, hot sauce, thyme, and more flavorful ingredients. You can add tender red potatoes, cod, crab meat, lobster, scallops, or any seafood you like.

Our creamy seafood chowder recipe is packed with protein, calcium, and essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal for seafood lovers. It shares similarities with our Clam Chowder recipe, but this one is even easier to make and offers more versatility. To complete the perfect seafood feast, serve this chowder with biscuits, hot and cheesy garlic bread, or easy cornbread.

Ingredients in Seafood Chowder

  • Butter
  • Celery 
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Clam juice
  • Red potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Salt and pepper
  • Thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Tabasco sauce
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Shrimp
  • Cod, halibut, or haddock
  • Half & half
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
Ingredients to make Seafood Chowder including half and half, broth, clam juice, shrimp, cod, tabasco, old bay, onion, scallions, celery, carrots, red potatoes, flour, milk, spices, bay leaves, garlic and butter.


What Kind of Fish is Best for Chowder?

  • I love a firm, white cod for this seafood chowder, but you can use chunks of halibut or haddock too. However, any kind of good, white fish will work. But, if you’re unsure of what to use, you can ask for suggestions at your local meat counter.
  • Shellfish is also so delicious in this gorgeous soup. Look for shrimp that is raw but peeled and de-veined. Again, you can find it at the meat counter, or you can find bags of frozen shrimp in the grocery store.
  • This recipe is technically considered a fish chowder but you can add crab meat, too. That would be delicious!

Suggestions for the Best Seafood Chowder

  • Sometimes, I sauté the fish and shrimp in some butter to get a little crust around each piece, then add it to the soup. This adds another step, but the buttery crust is so delicious!
  • You can add other favorite chowder ingredients like corn and bacon to this recipe as well.
  • I add extra Tabasco sauce when I’m making this chowder just for me and my husband because we like the extra heat. But, you can vary the hot sauce as you need to for your family.
  • Dice red potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Also, try Yukon golds or any other waxy potato that will hold its shape during cooking.
  • I’m all about watching calories, but please do not leave out the half and half in this recipe! You’ll need it to make this chowder extra creamy and rich. Moderation in all things, right?
Two bowls of Seafood Chowder with wooden spoons resting in the bowls. Cheddar biscuits on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chowder?

Chowder is a cream based soup that usually has a seafood and vegetables.

What is the difference between Clam Chowder and Seafood Chowder?

They are very similar, but instead of clams, this recipe’s main ingredients are shrimp and white fish.

What are the different types of Chowder?

There are many types of chowder, but these are the most common:
New England Clam Chowder
Bermuda fish chowder
Clam chowder
Corn chowder
Fish chowder
Smoked salmon chowder
Southern Illinois chowder
Seafood chowder
Spiced haddock chowder
Potato Chowder
Bacon Chowder

How do I store leftover seafood chowder?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seafood chowder can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw frozen soup in the fridge prior to heating on the stove-top.

READ NEXT: Easy Crockpot Soup Recipes: Cozy Meals for Cold Days

More Hearty Soup Recipes

Like this seafood chowder? Then you’ll love these other hearty soup and chowder recipes:

How to Make Seafood Chowder

Large bowl of Seafood Chowder with a spoon. Garnished with green onions.

Seafood Chowder

4.96 from 66 votes
This Seafood Chowder is full of savory flavor. Seasoned fish, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth make this the best seafood chowder ever!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 8

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and add celery, onions, leeks and garlic over medium heat.
    Pot with sautéed celery and onions for Seafood Chowder. Wooden spoon on the side.
  • When vegetables have softened, add chicken broth, clam juice, potatoes, carrots, black pepper, salt, thyme, bay leaves, and Tabasco sauce.
    Pot with ingredients to make Seafood Chowder.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to medium-low heat to simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are almost fork-tender.
    Pot with base with cooked vegetables for Seafood Chowder.
  • Season shrimp and cod with Old Bay seasoning.
    Bowl of raw shrimp and cod seasoned with Old Bay for Seafood Chowder.
  • Add shrimp and cod to the stock pot and simmer another 7-8 minutes or until fish flakes easily and shrimp turns pink.
    Cooked seafood in pot with vegetables and broth for Seafood Chowder.
  • Add half and half. Combine flour and milk until flour is dissolved.
    Mixing bowl with flour and milk next to a whisk for Seafood Chowder.
  • Slowly stir into the chowder until you reach your desired thickness (you may not need all of it). Stir until thickened and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Pot of Seafood Chowder
  • Remove bay leaves and serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.
    Laddle holding a large scoop of Seafood Chowder.

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  • Don’t like the veggies or fish in this recipe? Swap them out for your favorites!
  • To prep ahead, wash and cut vegetables, cut and prepare fish, and remove shells and tails from shrimp.
  • To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to one month.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 726kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 46gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 298mgSodium: 2246mgPotassium: 1753mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 6796IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 465mgIron: 4mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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4.96 from 66 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made it exactly to the recipe using halibut and shrimp it turned incredible. I will definitely make it again.
    Thank you

  2. 5 stars
    IMADE IT. fI used whole milk and added a bit of h eavy cream. added one can of corn and had to make my own old bay seasoning. turned out great!

  3. 5 stars
    This was the best recipe for chowder. I added clams and fresh corn. Soooo delicious unfortunately I made to much so I hope it freezes well.

  4. 5 stars
    This recipe is great. We were laughing at the serving size though. We did one cup per serving and have 16 cups. Even checked to make sure we hadn’t doubled it. We figured this recipe is for Swedish or Sumo wrestlers!, 😂. Delicious. Froze some. Will make it again.

    1. 5 stars
      I followed this recipe exactly as started, except I used corn starch to thicken my broth, and I substituted the fish for a seafood mix with mussels, crabs, shrimp and clams. It came out so flavorful and it is definitely my FAVORITE seafood chowder recipe!

  5. 5 stars
    I haven’t made this yet but I will be. As usual this recipe is spot on. Thank you for another fabulous recipe. Seafood chowder is our favorite.

  6. 5 stars
    Made this. Best seafood chowder we’ve ever tasted…ever. Clam juice and leeks now added to my staple grocery list.
    Left out bay leaves. Cut shrimp amount in half then substituted with scallops. Only used half amount half and half. Otherwise, exactly followed recipe.
    Makes too much for two people. Froze leftovers. Thawed and reheated, the batch tasted just as good as original servings.
    Super fantastic seafood chowder. Thank you so much. Great special occasion recipe to cook ahead and freeze.

  7. 5 stars
    First time I’ve left a review for a recipe, but this one deserves it. This chowder is so delicious! I have made it three weeks in a row now. The first time I followed the recipe exactly and it was amazing. The next two times I used tilapia instead of cod. I also browned up a strip of bacon and cooked the veggies in the pan after. At the end I added half a bag of frozen corn in with the fish. Very yummy!

  8. 4 stars
    Made it and it was excellent. I did though have to just add cream as we do not have the product called half and half in Australia.
    I used cornflour to thicken it to be almost a broth in consistency instead of normal plain flour.

  9. 4 stars
    Nice flavors, but two suggestions: use only one quart of half and half (soupy otherwise) and go easy on the old bay.

  10. 5 stars
    This is my go-to chowder recipe. I’ve made it several times and it is always so freaking delicious and rich and hits the spot. Especially on those cold, rainy days. I’m bad at following recipes and almost never have all the exact ingredients on hand, so I appreciate how flexible this recipe is and that it always comes out amazing. We use a mix of white fish, including little reef fish fillets, and bits of shrimp, and often substitute ‘ulu (breadfruit) for potatoes. About to make it again now and, as usual, will be making a huge batch because everyone always goes back for seconds, and sometimes thirds. : )

  11. 5 stars
    This recipe is absolutely delicious. Perfect. I will look no further. Well balanced and flavorful.
    Thank you.

  12. 5 stars
    I made this with rockfish, scallops, and shrimp. It was wonderful. Will definitely make it again.

  13. 4 stars
    Made this for mothers day, and im going to make it again tomorrow. I added bacon and corn and it just made it extra delightful! Delicious recipe 😋

  14. 5 stars
    Made this recipe today with some soft-she’ll clams my boys and I harvested yesterday and 6 lobsters and halibut. Doubled the recipe and took your advice in sautéing the shrimp and fish prior to adding to the pot. Added cayenne pepper to the fish and shrimp and butter…delicious. I made my own soup stock from clams, lobster shells and legs, and substituted half for the chicken stock (also used vegetable stock instead as we had no chicken stock). Just before adding the milk/flour mixture I put in some biscuits and by the time they were ready, the chowder was ready to serve.
    My 15 and 14 year old sons loved the chowder and me? The best I ever had! Thanks for the detailed recipe and improvising suggestions!

  15. 5 stars
    I added more celery, shrimp & scallops and less half-n-half and this recipe is awesome!!! Made it several times already. My friends it is restaurant quality. Thank u to whoever shared this recipe!!!

  16. 5 stars
    I love seafood chowder but you never know what you will get at a restaurant. This is hands down the best I have ever had!
    I doubled the seafood (cod and shrimp) and halved the half and half (we like chunky chowder 😉) and my wife , who is the biggest critic of watery chowders, took a second serving of just the broth!!
    I made the chowder as per the instructions, with my adjustments and placed in in a crockpot on warm for 2 hours.
    You have spoiled me and I will never order a restaurant chowder again. Well done on this recipe!

  17. 5 stars
    This is the third time making this and it the best chowder I add a little more shrimp and clams but other than that it’s the recipe you won’t be disappointed

  18. Would this recipe work if cut in half? I want to try it, but it would be for just my husband and me. It looks delicious!!

    1. Chowder typically doesn’t freeze well. This will be best fresh or refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Hope this helps!

  19. 5 stars
    This was so good. I used shrimp, crab, cod and clams. It made so much we invited the neighbors over and we also sent some home with them and still have leftovers for tonight. Everyone loved it. Thanks!!

    1. Oh good! I am so glad you and your neighbors enjoyed this recipe! The combination you did sounds SO good! YUM! Thanks so much for the 5-stars!

  20. Would substituting seafood broth (or stock) instead of chicken broth be okay or would it be too salty? And still ok to add the clam juice? Also, is the clam juice from the can of clams the same as the bottle of clam juice (w/out any clams)?

    1. I haven’t used seafood broth before, so I can’t speak to how it would change the recipe. Clam juice is different than what comes out of the can – it actually contains extract of clams.

  21. 5 stars
    Made it for diner toning using frozen sea food mix-shrimp, scallops, clams, calamari, crab, and lobster except our 5 qt dutch oven couldn’t hold it all so we shorted 1 quart of half and half and thickened the mixture with corn starch. Sprinkled crispy bacon pieces on top too. It was delicious, we’ll be looking forward to eating this as a leftovers for the next couple of meals.

    1. Yes, definitely, if you like it thicker you can add more flour or some cornstarch!

  22. Hi
    I’m making this chowder for a large group as a first course so I’d like to make it a day ahead. Does it work well made a day before serving?
    Thanks

    1. Hi Janet– it tastes best fresh, but you should be able to make it a day ahead and re-heat. Hope this helps!

  23. 5 stars
    hi I am currently at my client’s house trying to make this recipe for him, you say three onions I’m sorry potatoes hi I am currently at my clients house trying to make this recipe for him, you say 3 I’m sorry potatoes but not what size or how much. Please reply to my email address as checking this website is very time consuming

    1. Hi Ddra– I am sorry we weren’t able to respond to this in time. Next time you have an urgent question– please e-mail (see “contact”) us as sometimes we are able to respond to e-mails more quickly than comments. We are getting SO many comments right now because of the holidays and we must answer them in the order received. Hope the chowder turned out ok for you!

        1. This should make about 8-12 servings, depending on if you serve as a main dish or a side dish. Hope this helps!

  24. I am making this tomorrow morning around 10 a.m. PST Friday. Your recipe is very vague regarding potatoes. Red come in multiple sizes. Can’t you just say cups, small medium large potatoes?

    . Diced, what size is this?

    Finely diced, same thing. Please reply to my email address, it is very difficult and time-consuming to come back to this recipe.

    1. Thank you for your comment, as we get hundreds of comments and e-mails it is extremely difficult to respond to each one in less than 48 hours. We try to answer emails/comments as quickly as possible and answer them in the order that we receive them. For the potatoes, you can dice them any size you would like– we like them to be about 1/2″ dices. It should be about 4-5 cups of diced potatoes. Hope this helps!

  25. 5 stars
    This chowder was really good! I followed the recipe, except left out the leek. My young kids even liked it! Will definitely make again soon!

  26. In your ingredients list, you mention the quantity “c” . I am not familiar with it. Is it a cup? Thank you.

    1. I’m from Australia can you give me a substitute for old bay seasoning we don’t have it in Australia.Faye

      1. You can use any kind of seafood or all-purpose seasoning salt if you can’t find “Old Bay” brand. Hope this helps!

  27. I am trying this tonight with shrimp and scallops. Also have to make a few changes due to food allergies. Can’t wait to try this!

    1. Approximately a teaspoon, but usually I just sprinkle it on until it looks like it is well seasoned. Does that make sense?