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red lobster clam chowder

Red Lobster Clam Chowder Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups clam juice (reserved liquid from canned clams plus 1 bottle, 8 oz, clam juice)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cans (6.5 oz each) chopped clams, drained with liquid reserved
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook the 4 slices of bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp; remove and reserve. Add the diced onion and celery to the drippings and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic for 1 more minute.
  2. Sprinkle the 3 tbsp of flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes over medium heat until the raw flour smell is gone.
  3. Pour in the 2 cups of clam juice and 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the 1.5 lbs of cubed potatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the 1.5 cups of heavy cream and warm for 3 to 4 minutes without boiling. Add the drained clams and stir gently for 2 more minutes to heat through. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. Ladle into warmed bowls, top with crumbled bacon and the 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

This chowder thickens considerably overnight as the potatoes continue to absorb liquid, so don't be alarmed if leftovers look almost solid from the fridge. A splash of broth or cream on the stove at low heat brings it right back. If you are serving a crowd, the recipe doubles cleanly; just use a larger pot and expect the simmer time to increase by about 5 minutes.