Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
This soup is a family favorite, combining tender chicken, flavorful spices, and crispy tortilla strips. It's a dish that warms the heart and soul!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with minimal effort required
- Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients
- Perfectly customizable with your favorite toppings
A Taste of Tradition
Tortilla soup is a beloved dish that hails from the heart of Mexico. This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup brings that traditional flavor to your table with minimal effort. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and satisfying broth that warms the soul. It's a wonderful way to introduce your family to classic Mexican cuisine while keeping things simple and convenient.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños. This recipe is perfect for those who like to experiment with flavors and make the dish their own, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy a personalized bowl of comfort.
Cooking with Convenience
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting. This is especially beneficial for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You can prepare everything in the morning, head out for the day, and come back to a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also enhances the flavors of the ingredients. The long cooking time allows the spices to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup that rivals any restaurant version. Plus, the convenience of having a meal ready when you walk in the door makes this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine.
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the best parts about this chicken tortilla soup is how customizable it is. Feel free to add your favorite toppings to elevate the dish even further. Crunchy tortilla strips add texture, while creamy avocado and tangy sour cream offer a delightful contrast to the hearty soup. Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors, and a squeeze of lime juice brings everything together beautifully.
Whether you prefer a milder taste or a spicy kick, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Consider adding diced jalapeños for heat or swapping in different beans for variety. The possibilities are endless, making this soup a fantastic choice for family meals, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Enjoy your delicious soup with your favorite toppings!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In your 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 until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir to combine.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful chicken tortilla soup!
Storing and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing this soup is a breeze. Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to label your containers with the date for easy reference.
When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works just as well. Just remember to cover the bowl to prevent splatters. The flavors will still be fantastic, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad to balance the meal. For a more traditional touch, serve it alongside Mexican rice or quesadillas to create a complete dining experience.
If you're hosting a gathering, set up a tortilla soup bar. Provide a selection of toppings and let your guests customize their bowls. This interactive approach not only makes for a fun meal but allows everyone to enjoy their soup just the way they like it, making it a hit for all ages.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
→ How can I make this soup spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with a side of cornbread or a simple salad.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Created by: Tabitha Green
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 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) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How-To Steps
In your 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 until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir to combine.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g