If you’re looking for a warm and comforting meal, Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with tender chicken, savory spices, and a touch of heat, this soup is both hearty and delicious.
The best part? Your crock pot does all the work. Just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a flavorful soup that’s ready when you are. Top it with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, or avocado for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices, for garnish
Timing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time on Low Heat: 7 hr
- Total time: 7 hr 15 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the hard work. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for a family dinner, a meal prep option, or even as a dish to serve at a party. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you like your soup mild or spicy, loaded with toppings or simple, this recipe has you covered.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans, and measure out the spices.
Step 2- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
Step 3- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the top, ensuring all the ingredients are covered. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 4- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 6- Add the Final Touches: Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices. Enjoy.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Slow Cooker
1- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lime juice really enhance the flavor of the soup.
2- Don’t Skip the Toppings: Tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado add texture and richness.
3- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
How to Customize Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
1- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
2- Go Creamy: Stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer soup.
3- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more beans or some diced tofu for a vegetarian version.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or some warm, buttered tortillas. For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve it with a side of rice or some homemade guacamole.
Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
1- Low-Carb: Skip the beans and corn, and use extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
2- Dairy-Free: Simply omit the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
3- Gluten-Free: Ensure the tortilla strips and any other added ingredients are gluten-free.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Tortilla Soup
Store: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
Can You Freeze Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Yes. This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Tortilla Soup
1- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the time.
2- Not Enough Seasoning: This soup relies on spices for flavor, so don’t skimp on them.
3- Skipping the Lime: Lime juice adds a crucial brightness that balances the flavors.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates :20g
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner that doesn’t require much hands-on time, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite toppings and customizations.