Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, all you need to do is toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
This soup is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Serve it with crispy tortilla strips for added texture!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Rich and savory flavor that warms the soul
- Versatile: customize with your favorite toppings
The Comfort of Homemade Soup
There’s something truly special about a steaming bowl of homemade soup, especially when it's as hearty and satisfying as this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of home, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Using a slow cooker not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. The result is a deeply satisfying soup that is both nourishing and delicious. Plus, when you come home after a long day, the aroma of this soup wafting through your home will make you feel instantly relaxed and at ease.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this chicken tortilla soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. If you're a fan of fresh flavors, tossing in some lime juice just before serving can elevate the dish remarkably.
Additionally, this soup serves as a fantastic base for a variety of toppings. From crispy tortilla strips to creamy avocado slices, the options are endless. You can even substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein like quinoa for a different twist, making this a dish you can enjoy any day of the week.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is an ideal choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can also be frozen for longer preservation. Just portion it out into airtight containers, and you’ll have delicious, homemade meals ready to go for busy days ahead.
When reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This hearty soup maintains its flavor and texture, making it a practical and satisfying meal option that can save you time while still providing the comfort of a home-cooked dish.
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 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, 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
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado slices as desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tortilla soup!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your leftover chicken tortilla soup, let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, or use the microwave for a quick reheating option. When reheating on the stovetop, add a little chicken broth to restore its original consistency and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
This chicken tortilla soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, crusty bread or warm tortillas can complement the soup beautifully, making for a more filling meal.
For a festive touch, you might also enjoy it with a side of Mexican rice or corn on the cob. These accompaniments not only enhance the meal experience but also make it a delightful feast for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before serving.
→ What can I substitute for black beans?
You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or any other beans you prefer.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure the tortilla strips are gluten-free.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, all you need to do is toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Created by: Harriet Collins
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 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Crispy tortilla strips
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, 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.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado slices as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 660mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g