Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep and lots of delicious toppings, it's sure to become a family favorite.
This comforting soup is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. Toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy weekend meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy days.
- The flavors deepen as it cooks, resulting in a rich, delicious soup.
- Customizable toppings let everyone personalize their bowl!
A Hearty Meal in a Bowl
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a meal; it's a comforting experience. Each bowl is filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices that create a satisfying and flavorful dish. Especially on chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this soup offers a warm embrace, making it a go-to choice for families looking for nourishment and flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness. By using a slow cooker, you allow the ingredients to meld together beautifully, enhancing the soup's flavor. The combination of black beans and corn adds a satisfying texture, while the spices infuse warmth that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a casual family dinner, a game night with friends, or a cozy gathering, this chicken tortilla soup is the ideal dish. Its versatility means it can easily be scaled up for larger crowds or adjusted for smaller portions. Plus, with customizable toppings, each guest can create their own perfect bowl, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Additionally, this soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients. If you have extra vegetables or different types of beans on hand, feel free to toss them into the mix. The slow cooker is forgiving, allowing you to experiment and make this dish your own.
Quick and Easy Prep
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its minimal prep time. With just a few ingredients to chop and toss into the slow cooker, you can have dinner ready with little effort. This means less time in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Moreover, the 'set-it-and-forget-it' nature of the slow cooker allows you to go about your day without worrying about dinner. Simply prepare the ingredients in the morning, and by the time you return home, your kitchen will be filled with the enticing aroma of a homemade soup, waiting to be savored.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and add-ins!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado as desired.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting chicken tortilla soup!
Ingredient Substitutions
This chicken tortilla soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to make substitutions based on your pantry and preferences. For instance, if you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with additional beans or lentils, along with vegetable broth for a rich flavor.
Feel free to swap out the canned corn for fresh corn if it's in season, or use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor. The spices can also be adjusted; if you prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder, or add more spices to turn up the heat.
Serving Suggestions
When serving this soup, consider pairing it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The crunch of tortilla chips not only adds texture but also makes for a delightful dipping experience. You can even layer the chips at the bottom of the bowl for an extra satisfying crunch with every spoonful.
For a more festive touch, serve the soup with a lime wedge on the side, allowing guests to drizzle fresh lime juice over their servings. This simple addition brightens the flavors and enhances the overall experience, making each bowl even more enjoyable.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover chicken tortilla soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
When reheating, you can simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup thickens upon sitting, add a bit of chicken broth or water while reheating to achieve your desired consistency. Enjoy the convenience of a homemade meal without the hassle of starting from scratch!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time.
→ How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to the soup for extra heat.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What are some good toppings?
Tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro are great options!
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for any day of the week. With minimal prep and lots of delicious toppings, it's sure to become a family favorite.
Created by: Mia Jefferson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
How-To Steps
In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 24g