Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty and comforting dish. With its blend of tender chicken, beans, and spices, this soup brings warmth to any table. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor. Plus, the addition of crunchy tortilla strips makes every bite delightful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Flavor Packed: A rich combination of spices elevates the taste, making it a favorite among spice lovers.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a starter at parties; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or lime for a personal touch.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: This essential tool allows for slow cooking, enhancing flavors while requiring minimal effort.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping ingredients quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
– 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
– 1 medium onion (diced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 4 cups chicken broth
– to taste salt
– to taste pepper
– 1 cup tortilla strips (for serving)
– 1 avocado, diced (optional)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
– fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
– lime wedges (for serving, optional)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Crockpot

In your crockpot:
* Add the chicken breasts.
* Pour in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
* Add the diced onion and minced garlic.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle over the mixture:
* Chili powder
* Ground cumin
* Paprika
* Salt
* Pepper

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth

Carefully pour the chicken broth over all ingredients in the crockpot. Make sure everything is submerged for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for six hours or high for three hours.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the soup.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot in bowls. Top each serving with tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance the meal experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Tortilla Strips: These add a delightful crunch and are perfect for scooping up the soup.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and a fresh flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully over the hot soup, enhancing its richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb elevates the flavors and adds a burst of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brings brightness and balances the flavors.

Pair with Complementary Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs well with the savory soup, making for a hearty meal.
• Chips and Salsa: A side of tortilla chips with salsa provides an extra crunch and flavor contrast.
• Rice: Serving the soup over rice makes it more filling and satisfying.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can take your cooking to the next level. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality broth enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to modify the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully; consider this for optimal taste.
• Add Fresh Veggies: Incorporating bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition and add texture.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing sides with your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with spices; it makes a great base for serving soup over.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad that adds protein and fiber, balancing out the meal.
4. Quesadillas: Cheesy tortillas filled with delicious ingredients; they pair wonderfully with soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and nutrients to your meal plate.
6. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a comforting touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Ensure you use the recommended chili powder, cumin, and paprika for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Follow the cooking times closely; 6 hours on low is ideal.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Failing to properly dice onions or mince garlic can affect the texture. Take a few extra minutes to prep your ingredients well.
• Not using enough broth: Insufficient broth can make the soup too thick. Stick to the recipe amount of chicken broth for the perfect consistency.
• Neglecting toppings: Serving without toppings misses out on added flavor and texture. Use tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for a delightful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• It’s best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until hot, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour of cooking time on low.

How do I make it spicier?

To increase spice levels, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or substitute with different beans based on your preference.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and ingredients to suit your taste. Give this hearty recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings!

Print

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

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Description

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender chicken, savory beans, and zesty spices for a hearty meal. This easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep—just toss everything in and let the crockpot work its magic. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, each bowl offers a warm embrace of flavors, complemented by crunchy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings like avocado and cheese. Enjoy the rich taste while keeping health in check; this soup is loaded with protein and fiber to nourish your body without compromising on flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• 1 cup tortilla strips (for serving)
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• lime wedges (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. In the crockpot, add chicken breasts followed by black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and garlic.
3. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour chicken broth over all ingredients ensuring everything is submerged.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. After cooking, shred chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
7. Serve hot topped with tortilla strips and your choice of toppings.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or increase chili powder. Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.