Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty meal that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh vegetables. It's a hands-off recipe that allows the slow cooker to do all the work, making it a go-to option for busy families.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful broth that warms the soul
- Versatile ingredients to suit your taste
- Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep
A Hearty and Nourishing Meal
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich and flavorful broth warms the soul and provides a nourishing meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. With the perfect blend of spices and wholesome ingredients, every spoonful is a burst of flavor that brings a sense of satisfaction. You can serve it as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a soup that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Customizable Ingredients
One of the best features of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, simply replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
Feel free to experiment with the toppings as well! While tortilla strips and cheese are traditional, you can add other ingredients like sour cream, radishes, or even a dollop of guacamole for richer flavor. The possibilities are endless, making this soup not just a meal but a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. It's a fantastic way to ensure you have a healthy, homemade meal ready to go, saving time and effort on busy days.
Just reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, and it’s ready to serve. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after a day or two, making it a great option for leftovers. With this recipe, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup that feels fresh and satisfying every time.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 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 green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken tortilla soup!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken remains moist and tender, avoid overcooking. The low and slow method is key, but make sure to check the chicken's internal temperature to confirm it reaches 165°F. This guarantees it's safe to eat while keeping it juicy.
If you prefer a thicker soup, consider mashing some of the black beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This will create a creamier texture while still retaining the hearty feel of the soup. You could also use a blender to puree part of the soup before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup is packed with nutrients. The chicken provides lean protein, while the black beans contribute fiber and essential vitamins. Tomatoes and corn bring antioxidants to the mix, ensuring that your meal is not only satisfying but also beneficial for your health.
Additionally, the fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro add healthy fats and vibrant flavor, making each bowl a wholesome choice. Enjoying this soup regularly can help maintain a balanced diet, especially when paired with other nutritious meals throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete dining experience, consider serving this soup alongside tortilla chips for extra crunch or corn bread for a comforting side. A light salad with a citrus dressing can also complement the flavors wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
If you're hosting a gathering, set up a soup bar with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their bowls. This interactive element adds fun to the meal and encourages everyone to enjoy their unique creations.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 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 green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 24g