Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
This soup is a comforting blend of shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and spices, topped with crunchy tortilla strips. It's a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty flavors that warm you up
- Easy prep with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
A Hearty Meal for Every Occasion
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl. With its rich, hearty flavors, it’s the perfect comfort food to warm you up after a long day. The combination of tender chicken, black beans, and sweet corn creates a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Whether it's a chilly evening or a casual gathering, this soup is sure to impress.
One of the best features of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños or extra chili powder. Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply substitute the chicken with more beans and vegetable broth. This recipe invites creativity and customization, making it a go-to for any home cook.
Effortless Prep and Cleanup
For busy weeknights, the last thing you want is complicated cooking and extensive cleanup. This slow cooker recipe simplifies your evening routine significantly. With just a few minutes of prep work, you can set your slow cooker and walk away. There’s no need for multiple pots and pans; everything is cooked in one place, ensuring an easy cleanup once the meal is over.
Additionally, this soup is an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and store it in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal without the fuss. This recipe truly embodies the idea of cooking smart, not hard.
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 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
Mix and match the toppings to customize your soup!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado as desired.
Enjoy your delicious tortilla soup!
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To elevate your chicken tortilla soup, consider adding a splash of lime juice right before serving. This brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing twist. You can also experiment with different toppings such as pickled red onions or crumbled queso fresco for an extra layer of taste and texture.
If you have leftover soup, it can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. Reheating is simple; just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You’ll find that the flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making leftovers almost as good as the first serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your chicken tortilla soup with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely. Alternatively, serve it with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a comforting touch.
For a beverage pairing, consider serving a light beer or a crisp white wine. Both options can balance the flavors of the soup without overwhelming your palate. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade can also be delightful companions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors will meld beautifully, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 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 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 25g