Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ideal choice for a cozy dinner. With tender chicken, beans, corn, and a delightful blend of spices, this dish is super simple to prepare and ready when you are. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work!
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices, chicken, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for easy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: This soup’s mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, gather these essential tools before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ensures even cooking while allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without mess.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quicker and safer.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors in your soup.

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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
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

For Serving

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 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: 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: Cook It Up!

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

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them using two forks and return them to the soup. Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top with tortilla strips, diced 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 to suit your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips add texture and crunch.
• Avocado: Diced avocado brings creaminess and richness to the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a savory, melty layer.

Fresh Garnishes

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances flavor with its bright notes.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity and freshness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides creaminess.

Pair with Sides

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spicy flavors of the soup.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy with a few simple tips. Keep these in mind for the best results.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality spices enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the chili powder and cumin based on your spice preference.
• Cook on Low for Best Flavor: Cooking on low for longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Shred Chicken Before Serving: Shredding the chicken before serving ensures it absorbs more flavor from the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices complements the soup perfectly.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast; serve it alongside tortilla chips.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad adds a nutritious touch and pairs well.
4. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas stuffed with veggies make for a delightful dipper.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled seasonal vegetables add a smoky flavor that enhances the meal.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa can be a fun appetizer before the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be simple, but there are a few common missteps to watch out for.

• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season your ingredients can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Follow the recommended cooking times for the best texture.
• Skipping the broth: Some might try to cut down on liquid, thinking it will save time. However, enough broth is essential for a flavorful soup.
• Ignoring the toppings: Not adding toppings can make your soup less enjoyable. Consider garnishing with avocado, cheese, or cilantro for enhanced flavor.
• Using frozen ingredients: While convenient, using frozen vegetables may affect texture. Fresh ingredients yield better results in this recipe.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

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

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of beans in Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans based on your preference.

How do I make Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier?

Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also use hot salsa instead of regular salsa.

Can I prepare vegetarian options?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup take to cook?

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours, while cooking on high takes around 3 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or additional vegetables. Try making this comforting soup today; it’s sure to become a favorite!