Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction. With tender chicken, nutritious beans, sweet corn, and a delightful blend of spices, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed throughout the week!

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
  • Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich flavor profile that delights the taste buds.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese to make it uniquely yours.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make cooking easier. Having the right equipment can streamline your preparation and cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

  • Slow cooker: This is essential for creating tender meat and rich flavors with minimal effort.
  • Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee consistency in flavor with every batch of soup.
Crockpot

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

  • 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 juice)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For Serving

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup tortilla strips (for serving)
  • 1 avocado diced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
  • lime wedges (for serving, optional)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts along with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and garlic.

Step 3: Season Your Soup

Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over all ingredients in the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth over the top of everything. Make sure all ingredients are submerged well.

Step 5: Cook Your Soup

Cover the crockpot lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

After cooking time is complete, remove chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them using two forks before returning them to the soup. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve your soup hot in bowls topped with tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Consider these suggestions to enhance flavors and textures while adding a personal touch to each bowl.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

  • Fresh Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
  • Lime Wedges – Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
  • Avocado – Diced avocado adds creaminess and richness to the soup.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

  • Tortilla Strips – Top each bowl with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
  • Shredded Cheese – A handful of shredded cheese melts beautifully in the warm soup.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop can add creaminess and balance the spices.

Enjoy with Fresh Bread

  • Crusty Baguette – Serve alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping.
  • Cornbread Muffins – These muffins complement the soup’s flavors perfectly.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

To create the best Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your soup is flavorful, hearty, and satisfying.

  • Choose Quality Ingredients – Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
  • Adjust Spices to Taste – Feel free to increase or decrease spices according to your preference for heat.
  • Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully; however, cooking on high is also effective if time is short.
  • Shred Chicken Well – Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly shredded before returning it to the soup for even distribution.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing sides with your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some great side dish options that complement its flavors perfectly.

  1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs well with the soup’s rich flavors.
  2. Beans and Rice Salad – A refreshing salad made with beans, rice, and lime dressing adds a healthy touch.
  3. Guacamole and Chips – Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips creates a delightful appetizer.
  4. Simple Green Salad – A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the soup.
  5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice add heartiness to your meal.
  6. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy zucchini fritters add texture and flavor alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

  • Not prepping ingredients properly: Always dice your vegetables and mince garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This ensures even cooking and better flavor integration.
  • Ignoring the spice measurements: Using too much or too little spice can drastically change the flavor. Measure your spices carefully for the best results.
  • Skipping the broth: The chicken broth is essential for a flavorful soup base. Don’t skip it, and adjust the amount if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.
  • Overcooking or undercooking the chicken: Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding. This guarantees safety and tenderness.
  • Forgetting toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor to your soup. Don’t forget to include tortilla strips, avocado, or fresh cilantro for a complete dish.
Crockpot

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Best used within 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup that may help you as you prepare this dish.

Can I use frozen chicken in my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they cook long enough to reach the safe internal temperature.

How can I make my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier?

To add more heat, consider using spicy diced tomatoes or adding extra chili powder and fresh jalapeños.

What can I substitute for chicken broth in Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

You can use vegetable broth or homemade broth as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I customize my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also mix in different types of beans for variety.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms both heart and soul. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings. Try it with various garnishes like lime wedges or shredded cheese to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup


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  • Author: Lara
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes mealtime effortless and satisfying. Bursting with tender chicken, nutritious beans, sweet corn, and a delightful medley of spices, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this versatile recipe allows for customization with your favorite toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro. Serve it with crispy tortilla strips for added texture and watch as it becomes a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 juice)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
  • Optional toppings: tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep vegetables by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
  2. In the crockpot, combine chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
  3. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  6. After cooking time is up, shred the chicken with two forks and return to the soup; stir well.
  7. Serve hot topped with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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