Craving a warm, comforting meal without the fuss? You’ve come to the right place! These crockpot soup recipes are designed to be incredibly easy, allowing you to simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and walk away. Prepare to indulge in delicious, hands-free comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
What is Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup? Hmm, I wonder, did it get its name from someone who really, really loved chicken, tortillas, and… well, you get the picture! Could it be that a harried mom threw this flavorful concoction together one frantic Tuesday and, voila, a legend was born? Or maybe a sneaky chef was just trying to use up all the leftover ingredients, accidentally creating a masterpiece?
We may never know the true origin, but one thing’s for certain: like the saying goes, ‘the way to a man’s, (or woman’s, or child’s!) heart is through their stomach, this soup satisfies the cravings of all. Don’t just sit there wondering about the name, though! Grab your crockpot, give this recipe a try, and taste the magic for yourself (maybe you’ll even come up with a better back-story!).
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a fiesta in a bowl! The main highlight is the incredible depth of flavor that develops as the chicken and spices simmer together all day, creating a rich, smoky broth. Plus, making it at home is a huge money-saver compared to ordering takeout – you can feed the whole family for a fraction of the cost and get to control the ingredients and sodium level.
Top it off with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate comfort food experience. The soup reminds of the white chicken chili but with a flavorful twist of the tortilla flavor If you love this flavor profile, check out our recipe for Crockpot Chicken Fajitas for another easy and delicious meal idea! Ready to dive in and experience the deliciousness? Give this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe a try tonight!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Here is the ingredients you need for a comforting Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds).
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups, low-sodium preferred.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained.
- Black Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained.
- Corn: 1 (15 ounce) can, drained (or 1 cup frozen).
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste).
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste).
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh.
- Toppings (Optional): Tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is incredibly easy to make, resulting in a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with delicious spices for a rich and comforting soup. This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and leaves you will flavorful, hearty soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart or larger crockpot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans (rinsed and drained), corn (drained or frozen), chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Suggestions include tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
What to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup With
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some great sides and accompaniments to round out your dinner:
- Quesadillas: Serve with cheese or vegetable quesadillas for a cheesy and satisfying pairing.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Offer a side of Mexican rice for a more substantial meal.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup ever:
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Add Rotel: For a spicier soup, substitute a can of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) for the regular diced tomatoes.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a thicker, creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back in.
- Toast the Spices: Before adding the spices to the crockpot, toast them in a dry skillet for a minute or two to enhance their flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a winner for its ease of preparation and incredible flavor. It’s the perfect meal to come home to after a long day, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Absolutely! Brown the chicken, then simmer all the ingredients in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Can I add other vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini.
Is this soup spicy?
- The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Start with the recommended amount of chili powder and add more if desired.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest