Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that requires minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and spices creates a warm and comforting meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with a slow cooker
- Rich flavors that develop over hours
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
A Flavorful Fiesta in a Bowl
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that brings warmth to any table. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty tomatoes creates a rich base that is both comforting and satisfying. With each spoonful, you'll discover layers of taste that make this dish a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. By using a slow cooker, you allow the ingredients to meld together effortlessly, resulting in a dish that's bursting with flavor without the fuss. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to make your life easier while delivering delicious results.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the standout features of this Chicken Tortilla Soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or some sliced jalapeños. Prefer a vegetarian option? Substitute the chicken with extra beans and vegetables. The possibilities are endless, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Toppings are where you can truly personalize your bowl. From crispy tortilla chips to creamy avocado and fresh cilantro, each addition enhances the overall experience. Encourage your family and friends to customize their servings, turning a simple meal into a fun and interactive dining experience.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prep. You can prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, ensuring that you can enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days.
When stored properly, the soup can last in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to save time while still enjoying nutritious and delicious meals.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
Make sure to adjust the toppings to your liking!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with tortilla chips and your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.
Enjoy your homemade tortilla soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're wondering whether you can use frozen chicken in this recipe, the answer is yes! You can add frozen chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker. Just be sure to extend the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper temperature and shred easily.
Another common question is about the beans. While black beans are a staple in this recipe, feel free to mix it up. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas can be excellent substitutes, allowing you to create a soup that suits your preferences.
Storage Tips
To ensure your Chicken Tortilla Soup stays fresh, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. As mentioned earlier, it can be kept in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy reheating.
When reheating, do it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. This will help restore its creamy texture and flavor, making it just as enjoyable as the first day you made it.
Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Tortilla Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal. A side of cornbread or quesadillas can also enhance the experience, providing a delightful contrast to the soup's warmth.
For a more indulgent option, you can serve the soup with loaded nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole. This makes for a hearty meal that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, perfect for game days or family gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that requires minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Created by: Harriet Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
How-To Steps
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve hot with tortilla chips and your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g