Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect blend of flavors, making it a comforting and hearty meal any time of the year.
This chicken tortilla soup is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that warms the soul. Serve it with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with tender chicken and fresh vegetables
- Easy to make with minimal prep time – just toss everything in the slow cooker!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro
A Comforting Classic
Chicken tortilla soup is a beloved dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many households. This simple slow cooker version allows you to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of spices like chili powder and cumin fills your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul. Whether it's a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup is the answer to your dinner dilemmas, providing both satisfaction and warmth.
Healthy and Nutritious
Not only is this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients. The addition of black beans and corn provides a good source of fiber, while the chicken offers lean protein. Fresh vegetables like onions and garlic not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
By choosing fresh, wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a meal that's both satisfying and health-conscious. This soup is a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, making it a perfect choice for families looking to eat healthier without compromising on taste.
Customization at Its Best
One of the standout features of this chicken tortilla soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Want a little more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian option? Simply substitute the chicken with extra beans or lentils for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Topping your soup is where the real fun begins! From creamy avocado slices to crunchy tortilla strips, the options are endless. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness. This flexibility makes the soup a crowd-pleaser, as everyone can tailor their bowl to their liking.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb 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 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Combine Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, 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 Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve
Serve hot with tortilla strips and your choice of toppings.
Enjoy Your Soup!
Tips for the Perfect Soup
To ensure your chicken tortilla soup turns out perfectly every time, consider using bone-in chicken for added flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back in. This creates a creamier base while still keeping some hearty chunks for texture.
Make sure to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone's palate is different, and a little extra salt or a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavors significantly.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage, but it's best to omit the toppings until you're ready to serve.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much. This will help restore its original texture and flavor, making it just as delightful as when it was first made.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken tortilla soup makes a fantastic standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad. For a heartier option, serve it alongside quesadillas or nachos topped with your favorite fixings.
Don't forget to set up a toppings bar! Let your family or guests personalize their bowls with options like diced onions, jalapeños, and lime wedges. This interactive element not only adds fun but also allows everyone to enjoy the soup exactly how they like it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
→ Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños or increase the chili powder for more heat.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your tortilla strips are gluten-free as well.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect blend of flavors, making it a comforting and hearty meal any time of the year.
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 lb 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 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, 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 and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve hot with tortilla strips and your choice of toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 24g