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 the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work!
This soup is a delicious blend of spices, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. It's a family favorite that can be customized with your favorite toppings!
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Rich and comforting flavors that warm the soul
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion
Whether it's a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect solution. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, suitable for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of tender chicken, beans, and spices creates a satisfying dish that warms both body and soul.
Additionally, this soup is not just filling; it is also packed with nutrients. With ingredients like black beans and corn, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also fueling your body with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more protein and fiber into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Customize to Your Liking
One of the best aspects of this tortilla soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or extra chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the spices and opt for regular diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies.
Don’t forget about the toppings! The options are endless, from creamy avocado slices to crispy tortilla chips. You can even add fresh ingredients like lime wedges or diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness. This customization makes it a fun dish to serve, allowing each person to create their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Store for Later
This soup is ideal for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch in your slow cooker, and it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it again. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions in airtight containers. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready at your fingertips whenever you need it. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup in no time!
Ingredients
Main 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 green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Then, add all the main ingredients into the slow cooker.
Season and Cook
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir well and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with your choice of tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
To achieve the best flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the added flavor will be worth the extra effort.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. After the soup has cooked, take a moment to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Every ingredient can vary in flavor, and this step ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your tortilla soup, consider pairing it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dining experience.
For a heartier option, you could also serve this soup over cooked rice or quinoa. This adds additional fiber and makes the dish even more filling, transforming it into a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Nutritional Benefits
This chicken tortilla soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The combination of lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn makes it a balanced meal. It's a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying a comforting dish.
Additionally, the spices used in this recipe, such as cumin and chili powder, have their own health benefits. Cumin is known for aiding digestion, while chili powder can boost metabolism, making this soup a smart choice for both taste and health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, just make sure to increase the cooking time.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your labels.
→ Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
→ What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with beans for a vegetarian version.
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 the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do all the work!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main 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 green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
How-To Steps
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Then, add all the main ingredients into the slow cooker.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir well and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Serve hot, topped with your choice of tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g