Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The hearty soup is filled with tender chicken, savory spices, and topped with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cheese, offering a perfect balance of textures. This simple yet delicious dish is ideal for any cozy night in. The slow-cooked ingredients meld together, creating a deeply flavorful broth that’s satisfying and filling. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week, this chicken tortilla soup will hit the spot. With its zesty lime and cilantro kick, it’s a bowl of warmth you’ll keep coming back to.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Tortilla strips for topping

• Shredded cheese for garnish

• Sour cream for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the carrots, diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

3. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.

6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add lime juice and cilantro. Stir to combine.

7. Serve the soup with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Comforting Meal for Every Occasion

Chicken tortilla soup is a classic comfort food that’s loved by many for its bold flavors and ease of preparation. This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup takes the traditional dish to the next level, offering a warm and flavorful experience that’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. It combines tender chicken, savory broth, hearty vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips, all cooked together in a slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delicious taste but also in how simple it is to make. By using a slow cooker, you can throw everything in, set it, and forget it while the ingredients blend together to create a rich, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter’s night or as a hearty weeknight dinner, this chicken tortilla soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A Quick and Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

One of the standout features of this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is how easy it is to make. With minimal prep work required, you can toss your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let the appliance do all the work. This makes it an ideal dish for busy families, professionals with hectic schedules, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Another reason this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners is that it’s customizable. You can adjust the level of spice, add extra vegetables, or throw in some beans for added protein. It’s a versatile dish that you can tweak according to your tastes or what you have in your pantry.

The Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Not only is Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup delicious, but it also provides numerous health benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. Additionally, the soup contains plenty of vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and onions, all of which contribute valuable vitamins and minerals to the dish.

The use of black beans and corn adds fiber to the soup, making it more filling and helping to support digestive health. Fiber is essential for maintaining good gut health, regulating blood sugar levels, and keeping you feeling full longer. Plus, the addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice gives the soup an extra burst of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support your overall health.

A Versatile Dish for All Occasions

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. It’s perfect as a standalone meal, but it can also be paired with side dishes like cornbread, a side salad, or even rice to make a complete meal. If you prefer a lighter option, you can enjoy it as a starter before your main course.

This dish is also great for special occasions or gatherings. If you’re hosting a casual get-together or potluck, Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy dish to prepare in advance. Simply set up a slow cooker to cook while you focus on other parts of the event. You can even prepare a toppings bar with items like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla strips, allowing guests to customize their bowls to suit their preferences.

Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

While this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, here are some tips for making the perfect bowl of chicken tortilla soup:

• Use bone-in chicken breasts: For even more flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts. They release more juices as they cook, creating a richer broth. Once cooked, you can easily shred the chicken.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more chili powder or throw in some extra jalapeños. Conversely, if you’re cooking for young children or those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and skip the green chilies.
• Customize the toppings: The beauty of tortilla soup lies in the toppings. Serve the soup with tortilla strips, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also add some hot sauce or fresh lime wedges to enhance the flavor.
• Add extra veggies: Feel free to get creative by adding more vegetables to the soup. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes can be tossed in along with the other ingredients for added nutrients and texture.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who likes to plan meals ahead of time, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is an excellent option. Since it makes a large batch, you can prepare it on a Sunday and store leftovers for the rest of the week. The soup holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and you can easily reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner.

The soup also freezes wonderfully. If you want to prepare a large batch and save some for later, simply freeze the cooled soup in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for those who want a healthy, homemade meal with little effort.

Suitable for Various Diets

Another advantage of this recipe is its ability to cater to different dietary preferences. It’s already naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone who is following a gluten-free diet. If you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can skip the tortilla strips or use a low-carb alternative. Additionally, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

For those looking to make the soup even more protein-packed, consider adding extra beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, to the mix.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutritional benefits. Its versatility allows you to adjust it according to your tastes and dietary needs, while the slow cooking process ensures that every ingredient is perfectly infused with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a surefire way to bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this heartwarming soup that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.