Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

A warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh vegetables to create a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe will impress your family and friends. With its robust flavors and customizable toppings, you’ll find yourself making it time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Perfect for busy cooks.
• Flavorful: A blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich depth of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for added texture.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious beans and vegetables.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools help streamline the process and ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making it easy to create delicious meals without constant supervision.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and easier preparation of your ingredients.

Ingredients

A flavorful, hearty, and comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup made easy with the slow cooker. It’s especially delicious piled high with all the best toppings!

For the Soup

• 1 3/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, (or chicken breasts (trim thighs of excess fat))
• 2 (14.5 oz cans) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
• 3/4 cups finely chopped yellow onion, (rinsed under hot water to remove harsh bite)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic, (rinsed under hot water to remove harsh bite)
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika, (sweet or smoked)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, (drained and rinsed)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving

• Tortilla chips, (crushed)
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Diced avocado,
• Diced Roma tomatoes,
• Sour cream (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Add chicken to a 5 to 7 quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks before returning it to the pot along with black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Allow to cook until heated through. Serve warm with tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, diced tomatoes, or sour cream as desired.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup ready to enjoy in no time!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is all about enhancing its delicious flavors with the right toppings and accompaniments. You can customize each bowl to suit personal tastes, making it a fun and interactive meal option.

Toppings

• Tortilla Chips: Crush them on top for added crunch and texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Use cheddar or Monterey Jack for a rich, creamy finish.
• Diced Avocado: Adds creaminess and fresh flavor that balances the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the heat and add creaminess.

Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the soup for a zesty kick.
• Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños can add an extra layer of spice for those who enjoy heat.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Always check dates on your spices to ensure they are potent.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances their sweetness and depth.
• Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes and broth for richer flavor profiles.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste Test: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Mexican Rice: A fluffy side that absorbs flavors well; consider adding lime and cilantro.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the soup’s spices beautifully; serve with tortilla chips.
3. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness; it’s easy to make with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers and zucchini bring smokiness; drizzle with olive oil and seasoning before grilling.
5. Salad Verde: A light green salad with avocado dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese make a satisfying accompaniment; serve cut into wedges for easy sharing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker – Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recipe’s ingredient list and amounts for best results.
• Not shredding the chicken properly – Leaving large pieces of chicken can affect texture. Shred the chicken finely for better integration into the soup.
• Using low-quality broth – A subpar broth can compromise flavor. Opt for low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Neglecting toppings – Skipping toppings like avocado or cheese can make your soup less enjoyable. Embrace toppings to enhance flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup that might help you out.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?

It typically takes about 6 hours on low heat in the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts. Just extend cooking time by about an hour.

What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Popular toppings include crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and sour cream.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients as desired. Give it a try—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican

Print Recipe

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered with zesty spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-prepare recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Customize your bowl with toppings like creamy avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, or shredded cheese for added texture. With its nutritious ingredients and robust flavors, this soup will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll make time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
• 3/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Place chicken in a slow cooker.
2. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken; shred it with two forks before returning it to the pot along with black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well.
5. Allow to heat through before serving warm with your choice of toppings.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. Consider adding sautéed onions and garlic beforehand for enhanced sweetness.