Friday Night Cozy: Just 5 ingredients. Creamy, hearty, and the kind of soup youll catch yourself thinking about tomorrow.

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder is one of those cozy, low-effort dinners that makes you feel like you’ve got life together… even on the days you absolutely don’t. Chowder is traditionally a hearty, creamy soup that New England fishermen made to stretch simple ingredients like potatoes, cream, and corn into a filling meal. This version keeps that same comfort-food vibe but simplifies it down to five basic ingredients and a slow cooker, so you can toss everything in before work and come home to a thick, chunky, stick-to-your-ribs soup. It’s especially great for those chilly Midwest evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without hovering over the stove. The potatoes stay nice and chunky, the corn adds sweetness, and the whole thing feels like a hug in a bowl.

This chowder is pretty hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls for dunking. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, especially if you toss in something crunchy like sliced apples or toasted nuts. If you want to stretch the meal a bit further, add a side of roasted veggies (broccoli or green beans are easy wins) or a quick grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort combo. For topping, set out shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and a little hot sauce so everyone can customize their own bowl.

2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch chunks
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn kernels
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of potato soup
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional but recommended)
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, hot sauce