Name: Cozy Salmon Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb salmon fillet (fresh or cooked); 3 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred); 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups fish stock or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving something warm and nourishing that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful? This Cozy Salmon Chowder delivers just that—a creamy, hearty bowl loaded with tender salmon, buttery potatoes, and pops of bright, sweet carrots. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of luxury to your weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

This chowder has a gentle richness that doesn’t feel heavy, balanced by the freshness of dill and a hint of lemon. Whether you’re curled up on a snowy evening or simply want a soul-soothing dish, this recipe will become a staple. It’s also a great way to use leftover cooked salmon or elevate a fresh fillet into a satisfying meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make a truly cozy salmon chowder, having the right tools at hand can make all the difference in the experience and ease of cooking.

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for even cooking and preventing scorching as the chowder simmers. A Dutch oven also retains heat beautifully.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need this for cubing potatoes, chopping onions, slicing carrots, and mincing herbs with precision.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without damaging your cookware.
Ladle: Useful for serving the chowder neatly, especially when it’s piping hot.
Cutting Board: Go for a large one to keep your prep clean and organized.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters, especially for the broth and cream balance.

With these tools, your prep will flow smoothly, and you’ll build flavor with confidence.

Ingredients for the Cozy Salmon Chowder

Each ingredient in this chowder works together to create a well-rounded, comforting dish:

Salmon Fillet: The star of the chowder—flaky, rich, and loaded with Omega-3s. Fresh or leftover cooked salmon works beautifully.
Potatoes: A chowder essential. They add body and comforting starchiness to the soup.
Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Brings an aromatic base and gentle crunch.
Onion: A foundation for flavor that deepens as it sautés.
Garlic: Just a touch brings warmth and complexity.
Butter: Adds richness to the sautéed vegetables and helps form the flavor base.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the chowder to the perfect creamy consistency.
Fish Stock or Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the seafood without overpowering.
Heavy Cream: Creates a velvety finish.
Fresh Dill: Lifts the soup with brightness and a classic pairing with salmon.
Lemon Juice: Just enough to balance the richness with acidity.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, rounding everything out.

How To Make the Cozy Salmon Chowder

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and aromatic, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer

Gradually pour in the stock while stirring, ensuring no lumps form. Add diced potatoes and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Add the Salmon

Gently add the salmon pieces to the pot. Simmer another 5-7 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flaky. If using pre-cooked salmon, reduce this time to 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Herbs

Lower the heat. Stir in the cream, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Let it warm through gently—do not boil.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and garnish with more dill or cracked black pepper if desired.

Serving and Storing Your Cozy Salmon Chowder

This chowder is best served piping hot, with a hunk of crusty sourdough bread or a sprinkle of oyster crackers for texture. It makes a perfect dinner centerpiece or a generous lunch that feels like a treat. Garnish with extra dill or a swirl of cream if you want to dress it up for guests.

Leftovers? Even better. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat—avoid boiling, as this can break the cream and toughen the salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this chowder dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like unsweetened oat cream or coconut cream. The flavor will shift slightly but still remain rich and comforting.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! Canned salmon is a convenient option and still adds plenty of flavor. Just be sure to drain it well and remove any bones or skin if present.

Can I freeze this chowder?

Due to the cream content, freezing can cause separation. It’s possible but not ideal. If you do freeze it, stir well when reheating and expect a slightly different texture.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold their shape and offer a buttery texture, which works beautifully in chowders. Avoid russets, as they tend to fall apart.

Is it possible to make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the chowder a day in advance and reheat slowly before serving. It might even taste better the next day!

What herbs pair well with salmon chowder besides dill?

Fresh parsley, chives, or even tarragon can be nice alternatives if you’re not a fan of dill.

Want More Seafood Comfort Food Ideas?

If this chowder has you craving more seafood coziness, you’re in for a treat. You might also enjoy my Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup for a similar comforting texture with a poultry twist.

Another rich and indulgent option is the Easy Seafood Casserole, perfect when you want an oven-baked crowd-pleaser with plenty of creamy seafood layers. For something a little zestier, check out the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo that adds a Cajun kick.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple yet packed with seafood flavor, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna offers a creamy, garlicky pasta bake you won’t forget. And don’t miss the Mediterranean Salmon Patties for a lighter option that still lets salmon shine.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your soup or dinner boards for easy access. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you go for fresh or canned salmon? Add extra dill or a bit of spice? Leave a comment below and share your spin.

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