Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and hearty dish, perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending all your time in the kitchen. This recipe harnesses the flavors of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a range of spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s not just about taste; this soup is also about convenience and satisfaction, making it a go-to meal for families and busy individuals alike.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
You’ll love this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let them meld together while you go about your day. The blend of spices brings warmth and depth, while the fresh toppings add a burst of flavor and texture. Not to mention, it’s a versatile dish that you can customize according to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to serve a crowd or just want a comforting bowl for yourself, this soup delivers every time.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
For this delicious Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Shredded cheese, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Directions
Making Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is as easy as combining your ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s how to prepare this comforting dish:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the two pounds of chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. These will be the base of your soup and will absorb all the lovely flavors as they cook.
- Add the Vegetables and Beans: Next, layer in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced onion, and minced garlic. Each ingredient adds its unique flavor, contributing to the heartiness of the soup.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the four cups of chicken broth to the crock pot. This will help create a deliciously rich soup base, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the two teaspoons of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, along with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. These spices add warmth and depth, giving the soup its signature flavor.
- Stir to Combine: Gently stir all the ingredients to combine them well. This step is crucial as it ensures that each component is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Cook Your Soup: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, you’ll find that the chicken breasts have softened beautifully. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the broth, creating delightful bite-sized pieces.
- Ready to Serve: Your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Ladle it into bowls and prepare for serving.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a fun and customizable experience. Dish out generous portions into bowls, allowing for a comforting and hearty meal. Top your soup with crispy tortilla chips for crunch and texture. A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds richness; you can choose your favorite kind, whether it’s cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. To finish, garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You could also provide lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make the most of your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients over canned ones. Fresh garlic and onion can deepen the flavor of your soup.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
- Swap Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily use turkey or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Bulk It Up: For a heartier soup, you can add diced bell peppers or zucchini. These veggies will not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value.
- Overnight Prep: To save time, prep your ingredients the night before. Chop vegetables, and season the chicken. Store everything in the fridge, so it’s ready to go in the morning.
How to Store Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Storing Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is quite straightforward. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup; it will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
There are many fun ways to vary your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup to keep things interesting:
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with cubed butternut squash or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian variation.
- Creamy Version: Towards the end of cooking, stir in a cup of cream cheese or sour cream to make the soup creamy and rich.
- Cilantro Lime: Add a splash of lime juice and extra cilantro just before serving for a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens the dish.
- Southwestern Style: Toss in some chopped bell peppers and corn for a southwestern twist; this adds extra sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded cheese during the last hour of cooking for a cheesy flavor throughout the soup.
FAQ about Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
You can pair this soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or your favorite toppings like avocado and lime wedges for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale to boost the nutritional content of your soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegan version.
How do I make my soup spicier?
To increase the spice level, add chopped fresh jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or extra chili powder to the mix before cooking.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, or freeze it for future use. Just reheat and enjoy!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts Can be substituted with turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup onion, diced Fresh ingredients enhance flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred.
- 4 cups chicken broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegan version.
- 2 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1 tsp cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper Add according to preference.
Toppings
- Tortilla chips For serving.
- Shredded cheese For topping. Can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.
- Fresh cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Layer in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Gently stir the ingredients to combine.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken in the broth using two forks.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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