Heartwarming Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken tortilla soup that promises a flavor explosion in every spoonful.

Packed with tender shredded chicken, robust spices, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction.

The magic happens effortlessly as ingredients meld together in your trusty slow cooker, creating a rich and aromatic dish.

Zesty and satisfying, the soup brings southwest-inspired flavors right to your dinner table.

Fresh toppings like crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and tangy cilantro elevate this meal from simple to spectacular.

Each serving offers a hearty embrace of comfort that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to be transported by this soul-warming soup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Flavorful Fixings For Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that provides hearty protein and absorbs the rich, spicy flavors of the soup.
• Black Beans: Creamy legumes that add plant-based protein, fiber, and a delightful earthy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that infuses depth and moisture into the entire soup.

• Onion: Aromatic foundation that adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that delivers robust, zesty undertones and enhances overall taste.
• Corn: Sweet, crisp kernels that provide a burst of freshness and delightful textural contrast.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy chunks that contribute bright acidity and vibrant color.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Smooth base that creates a rich, velvety tomato foundation.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds distinctive southwestern flavor.
• Chili Powder: Bold, smoky seasoning that delivers a gentle, warming heat.
• Paprika: Subtle, sweet spice that provides depth and mild peppery notes.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances and amplifies other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to round out the seasoning profile.
• Lime Juice: Zesty citrus that brightens the soup and adds a tangy freshness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb that introduces a bright, herbal note and aromatic complexity.

Tools To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Simple

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the entire soup with minimal effort.
• Two Forks: Perfect for easily shredding the cooked chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like chicken broth, spices, and beans.
• Cutting Board: Useful for any quick chopping or preparation needed.
• Sharp Knife: Helps with any minor ingredient preparation.

Steps To Create Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Comfort

• Toss Everything Into Slow Cooker

Dump chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and spices into your trusty slow cooker. Give everything a quick stir to mix the flavors and get them dancing together.

• Let Magic Happen

Cover and walk away. Let the slow cooker work its culinary wizardry on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes super tender.

• Shred and Revive

Grab two forks and transform those chicken pieces into delicious strands. Slide the shredded chicken back into the soup, mixing it thoroughly.

• Add Final Touches

Brighten the soup with a splash of zesty lime juice and sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Ladle into bowls and crown with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, or tangy cheese.

Tips To Elevate Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Tender Chicken Trick: Ensure chicken breasts are fully submerged in liquid for even, moist cooking and easy shredding.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños for extra heat, or reduce for a milder soup perfect for sensitive palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently for a quick meal.
• Dietary Swap Heroes: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free tortilla strips for celiac-friendly option. Swap regular chicken broth with low-sodium alternative for heart-healthy meal.
• Texture Boosters: Top with crispy tortilla strips right before serving to maintain crunch. Add diced avocado, fresh sour cream, or shredded cheese for extra richness and flavor complexity.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup With Flair

• Fiesta Bowl Companions: Top crispy tortilla strips over the soup for a satisfying crunch that adds texture and fun to every bite.
• Mexican Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the soup's rich flavors and enhance its zesty profile.
• Cheesy Comfort Layer: Melt shredded cheese like monterey jack or cheddar on top, allowing it to create a creamy blanket that complements the soup's hearty ingredients.
• Cooling Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a cool, tangy contrast against the warm, spicy soup base, balancing out the overall taste experience.

Keep Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Warm Or Stored

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Smart Freezing Method: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and portion soup into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents for organized meal planning.
• Reheating Tips: Warm soup gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add fresh tortilla strips or additional toppings after reheating to maintain crispness and enhance flavor profile.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican home cooks’ slow cooker chicken tortilla soup blends rich, hearty flavors with tender chicken and zesty spices. Simmering ingredients meld together, creating a comforting bowl perfect for satisfying hunger and warming souls.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn, drained
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Tortilla strips
• Avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, layering with black beans, corn, diced and crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth to create a rich, robust foundation.
2. Seasoning: Infuse the mixture with a robust spice blend including onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly incorporating all elements to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Cooking: Cover and simmer on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to tenderize completely and absorb the complex medley of seasonings.
4. Shredding: Remove chicken breasts and delicately pull apart using two forks, transforming the meat into tender, succulent strands that will integrate seamlessly with the soup’s base.
5. Finishing: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to distribute evenly, then enliven the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a bright, zesty conclusion.
6. Serving: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, crowning with crisp tortilla strips and optional garnishes to elevate the final presentation and add textural contrast.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Tenderness: Avoid overcooking chicken by checking internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for safe, juicy results without becoming dry or stringy.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and cumin according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller quantities and gradually increasing for desired flavor intensity.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Toast tortilla strips separately for extra crunch, or use store-bought chips for quick preparation if homemade feels time-consuming.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Swap chicken for plant-based protein like jackfruit or tofu for vegetarian version, ensuring similar seasoning and cooking techniques maintain authentic soup character.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg