Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a perfect dish for cozy dinners. It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering a burst of flavors. With tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices simmering together, this soup is ready to serve when you are. It’s ideal for various occasions, from family meals to gatherings with friends.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
  • Deliciously Flavorful: A blend of spices ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese for a personal touch.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
  • Kid-Friendly: This soup appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything handy will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

  • Crockpot: This slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks.
  • Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
  • Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and easy preparation of vegetables.

Ingredients

This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, it’s easy to prepare and ready to serve when you are. Top with tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.

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)

Spices

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Liquid Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth

Seasoning

  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For Serving

  • 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: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by prepping the ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

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

Step 3: Add Spices

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

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the top, ensuring that all ingredients are well submerged.

Step 5: Set Cooking Time

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

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.

Step 7: Serve Hot

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

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your taste. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

  • Tortilla Strips: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling tortilla strips on top right before serving.
  • Avocado: Diced avocado brings creaminess and balances the flavors beautifully.
  • Shredded Cheese: A handful of shredded cheese can add richness and depth to your soup.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Serve with Accompaniments

  • Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick.
  • Crusty Bread: Pair your soup with crusty bread for dipping, making each bite satisfying.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve it alongside rice or quinoa for a heartier meal option.
Crockpot

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is simple to prepare, but there are ways to elevate its flavor and texture.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables yield better flavor than canned ones, so try using fresh onion and garlic.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or jalapeños according to your taste.
  • Experiment with Broth: Consider using homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor profile.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking; this helps all flavors meld together more effectively.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

  1. Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread complements the spiciness of the soup perfectly.
  2. Garden Salad: A refreshing salad adds crunch and balances the hearty soup.
  3. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole paired with tortilla chips makes for a delightful appetizer.
  4. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice enhances the Mexican cuisine theme while providing extra sustenance.
  5. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make excellent dippers, perfect for enjoying with the soup.
  6. Stuffed Peppers: Spicy stuffed peppers can be a filling side that pairs well with the flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be easy, but common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture.

  • Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can make your soup bland. Make sure to use the recommended amounts of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
  • Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Follow the cooking times closely to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
  • Ignoring ingredient prep: Not prepping your ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always dice your onion and mince your garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
  • Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can impact the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth to enhance your soup’s flavor.
  • Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it won’t distribute evenly throughout the soup. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Leave some space in the container for expansion while freezing.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Stovetop: Heat on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour when using frozen meat.

How do I make my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier?

To add more heat, include extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side.

What toppings go well with Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Great toppings include tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that combines convenience with rich flavors. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings or ingredients. Try making this versatile soup today!

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: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal with this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish features tender chicken simmered with black beans, corn, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful broth. Effortlessly prepare it by tossing your ingredients into the slow cooker and letting it work its magic while you relax. Serve it topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro for a delightful twist. Whether it’s family dinner night or a gathering with friends, this hearty soup is sure to please everyone at the table.


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)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
  2. In the crockpot, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
  3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth until all ingredients are submerged.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  6. Shred the chicken after cooking and return it to the soup.
  7. Serve hot with tortilla strips and your choice of toppings like avocado or cilantro.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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