Short Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This easy-to-make soup combines tender shredded chicken, bold spices, and hearty ingredients, all simmered together in a slow cooker for an effortlessly delicious meal. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese, this soup is a satisfying and wholesome choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Rich and Flavorful: A well-balanced blend of spices, tomatoes, and broth creates a deeply satisfying soup.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and fresh vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with different toppings and spice levels.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies
- Tomato sauce
- Chicken broth
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Onion
- Garlic
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Sour cream
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño if using. Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and all the seasonings.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add Fresh Flavors: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for added brightness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with additional beans and use vegetable broth.
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for shredded beef or turkey.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Servings: 6-8
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How do I make this soup thicker?
You can blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add pre-cooked shredded chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best way to make crispy tortilla strips?
Cut tortillas into strips, toss with oil, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer all ingredients (except lime juice and cilantro) in a pot for about 30 minutes, then shred the chicken and serve.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and lime wedges all enhance the flavor.
Is this soup spicy?
It has mild spice, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting jalapeño and chili powder.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?
Use low-sodium broth and canned ingredients, and adjust salt to taste.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for any time of year. With minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting meal packed with bold spices, tender chicken, and delicious toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal made with tender shredded chicken, bold spices, and wholesome ingredients. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño if using. Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and all the seasonings.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add Fresh Flavors: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for added brightness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with additional beans and use vegetable broth.
- Different Protein: Swap chicken for shredded beef or turkey.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, easy tortilla soup, crockpot chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, healthy tortilla soup
No comment