Slow Cooker Dungeness Crab & Leek–Yukon Chowder (WA Winter Style)

All the cozy, Northwest vibes in one bowl: sweet Dungeness crab folded into a silky, corn-kissed chowder with leeks and Yukon Golds. It tastes like a splurge, but the slow cooker does most of the work—perfect for a weeknight that needs a win.

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Ingredients

Wild-Caught Whole Fresh Dungeness Crab 1 lb $11.99 sale (was $18.99)
Organic Leeks (bunch) 1 bunch (2–3 leeks), white + light green parts only $5.49
Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes 1 lb (about 2 medium), diced 1/2-inch $4.99
Organic Garlic Bulbs 2 cloves, minced $2.79
Organic Rainbow Chard 2 cups chopped (stems thin-sliced) — optional but great $3.49
Kroger® Sweet Corn on the Cob 2 ears (kernels cut off) OR 1 cup frozen corn $5.99
Chicken stock (or seafood stock) 2 1/2 cups
Bay leaf 1
Dried thyme 1/2 tsp
Smoked paprika 1/2 tsp
Heavy cream or half-and-half 1/2 cup (to taste)
Butter 1 tbsp
Lemon 1/2 lemon (juice), plus wedges
Salt & black pepper to taste
Hot sauce (optional) a few dashes

Instructions

Prep the crab: If your crab is whole, crack and pick the meat. Keep the meat chilled. (If needed, ask the seafood counter to steam/clean it.)
Prep the veg: Rinse leeks well (they hold sand), then slice. Dice potatoes. Mince garlic. If using chard, slice stems thin and chop leaves.
Build the slow cooker: Add leeks, potatoes, garlic, corn, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and stock. Season lightly with salt and pepper (go easy—crab can be salty).
Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH 3–4 hours or LOW 6–7 hours, until potatoes are very tender.
Finish the chowder: Stir in butter and cream. If using chard, stir in the sliced stems first and cook 10 minutes on HIGH, then add leaves for 5 more minutes until just wilted.
Add crab last: Gently fold in crab meat and cook 5–10 minutes on HIGH—just to warm through (don’t overcook).
Brighten and serve: Turn off heat, stir in lemon juice, taste and adjust salt/pepper/hot sauce. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

Health notes: ~650–800 calories per serving (depends on cream/butter). Comforting and protein-rich; moderate-to-high saturated fat if you use heavy cream—lighten with half-and-half or evaporated milk and add extra greens if desired.

Drink pairing: WA pairing: Barnard Griffin Chardonnay (Columbia Valley) or a crisp pilsner.

Careme