Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

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. This versatile soup is suitable for family gatherings, weeknight meals, or even meal prep. Enjoy the delightful crunch of tortilla strips on top, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, this recipe is straightforward for anyone to make.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices creates a rich and comforting flavor that warms you up from the inside out.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese to personalize each bowl to your taste.
• Slow Cooked Goodness: The crockpot does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you’re busy with other tasks.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this soup keeps you full and satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: The star of the show! It gently cooks the soup over hours, enhancing flavors while requiring minimal attention.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring safety while preparing your ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing vegetables efficiently for your soup.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key in achieving the right balance of spices in your recipe.

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
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 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: Prep Your Ingredients

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

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

Step 3: Season Your Soup

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

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth

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

Step 5: Set Your Crockpot

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.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it makes for a delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Tortilla Strips: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling tortilla strips on top just before serving.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and balances the spices in the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Opt for your favorite cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, to enhance the flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro provides a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup for an extra burst of acidity.

Pair with Grains

• Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain complements the soup’s flavors wonderfully.

Accompany with Dips

• Guacamole: Pairing guacamole alongside offers a delicious creamy contrast.
• Salsa: A side of fresh salsa adds additional zest and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

To make your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that every bowl is packed with flavor and satisfaction.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. This will enhance the taste and nutritional value of your soup.
• Adjust Spices Early: Taste the broth before adding salt and pepper; adjust seasoning according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure that you shred the chicken well after cooking to allow it to absorb more flavors from the soup.
• Let It Sit Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can help meld all the flavors together, making each spoonful more delicious.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like sour cream or jalapeños to customize each bowl according to personal taste.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Adding side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair beautifully with Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread complements the spicy flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice enhances the overall meal while adding more texture and substance.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and lime provides a nutritious side option.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an easy yet tasty accompaniment.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the soup.
6. Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a light contrast to this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Boldly skip the prep: Failing to prep your ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always dice, mince, and measure before starting.
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Not adjusting the spices to your taste can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and add more seasoning if needed.
• Boldly ignore the broth: Using low-quality broth can affect flavor. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth for the best results.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cooking on high heat instead of low can make the chicken tough. Stick to cooking it on low for tender meat.
• Boldly forget the toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado or tortilla strips means missing out on texture and flavor. Always include them for a complete dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Can I use other types of meat in this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if desired.

How do I spice up my Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Feel free to add jalapeños or extra chili powder for added heat. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth along with additional beans for protein.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while high heat cooks it in about 3 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting meal that’s easy and versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust spices based on your preferences. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!