There's something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, especially when it’s as vibrant and flavorful as this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Imagine walking through your front door after a long day, greeted by the savory aroma of spices that fill the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.
This easy slow cooker meal has quickly become a favorite in my household, thanks to its delightful combination of tender shredded chicken, zesty tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips. Even better, the prep time is a mere 10 minutes! Simply toss your ingredients into the crock pot, set it to low, and let it work its magic.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress without keeping you chained to the kitchen. Grab your bowl, a sprinkle of cheese, and let’s dive into one of the easiest comfort foods you’ll ever make!
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- This recipe is incredibly easy, with just a quick 10 minutes of prep time allowing you to set it and forget it.
- You’ll love the rich and zesty flavors that come together in a harmonious food symphony, making every spoonful a delight.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize toppings or add ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- With its vibrant colors and appealing presentation, this soup is as visually enticing as it is delicious, making it a hit for any gathering.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients
• Dive into the flavors with these simple ingredients!
For the Soup
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star of the dish, tender and shredded to perfection.
- Salt and pepper – essential seasonings to enhance flavors to your liking.
- Medium onion – adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
- Garlic – brings warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- Chicken broth – a flavorful liquid that forms the heart of the soup.
- Water – balances the richness of the broth for a lighter texture.
- Corn – sweet bursts of flavor add texture and color to the soup.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel) – introduces a zesty kick, perfect for spice lovers.
- Red enchilada sauce – packs a punch of flavor that ties everything together.
- Taco seasoning – adds an earthy and savory profile, elevating the overall taste.
- Chili powder – a hint of heat that complements the warm spices.
For Toppings
- Shredded cheese – melty goodness that makes every bite richer.
- Crunchy tortilla strips – adds a satisfying crunch to each serving, enhancing the delicious flavors of the Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in your crock pot and season them generously with salt and pepper. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic on top for a flavor-packed base.
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Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and a cup of water. This will create the perfect, rich broth that serves as the soup's heart.
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Mix in Vegetables: Open the can of corn and pour it in undrained, along with the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the enchilada sauce. This blend will bring vibrant color and flavor to your soup.
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Season the Soup: Sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder over the top. Stir gently to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
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Cook: Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
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Shred the Chicken: About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. It should be incredibly tender!
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Combine Again: Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir well to mix the flavors and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to warm through.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips for that heavenly mix of textures!
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these delicious twists on this beloved recipe!
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat, elevating the flavor profile to a fiery delight.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for 1 can of black beans or chickpeas and double the corn for a hearty, meat-free version.
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Creamy Touch: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese towards the end for a rich, creamy finish that’s absolutely comforting.
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Herbal Infusion: Fresh cilantro or parsley can be sprinkled in before serving, injecting a burst of freshness that complements the spices perfectly.
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Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some shredded pepper jack cheese during the last cooking phase for a melty, zesty surprise in every bite.
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Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving will brighten the soup and enhance all those scrumptious flavors.
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Crunchy Topping: Swap traditional tortilla strips for crushed corn chips or fresh croutons for a different kind of crunch that’s just as satisfying.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or add a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky element that’ll take your soup to another level.
Let your taste buds guide you as you make this classic dish your own!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes during busy evenings! You can chop the onion and mince the garlic up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can combine all the canned ingredients (corn, tomatoes, enchilada sauce) and seasonings ahead of time, refrigerating this mixture for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy your soup, simply add the chicken and all prepped ingredients into your crock pot and follow the original cooking instructions. This makes your weeknight dinners effortless, all while ensuring the soup remains just as delicious!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
As you savor every spoonful of this comforting soup, pairing it with delightful sides can elevate your homemade meal to new heights.
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Avocado Toast: Creamy and rich, a slice of avocado toast perfectly balances the soup's zesty notes.
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Spanish Rice: Fluffy and seasoned, this dish brings a comforting element that harmonizes with the flavors of the soup.
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Fresh Corn Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad adds a crunchy contrast and enhances the southwestern essence.
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Black Bean Quesadillas: These cheesy delights provide a crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the soup’s broth.
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Sour Cream Drizzle: A dollop of sour cream creates a luscious creaminess, beautifully counteracting the spice.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant and zesty, this side can brighten up your meal, adding a fresh touch to balance the warmth of the soup.
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Chips and Salsa: A crunchy, tangy side that adds a fun, casual element to your dining experience.
Indulge in this delightful mix of flavors and textures to create a memorable mealtime with your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup!
How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Fridge: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors stay fresh and vibrant.
Freezer: Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Before freezing, cool the soup completely to avoid ice crystals.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.
Portioning: Consider portioning out individual servings before freezing. This makes it easy to enjoy your favorite Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup whenever a craving strikes!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, ensure to season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper at the beginning for maximum flavor infusion.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken by monitoring the cooking time and removing it to shred just 15 minutes before serving.
- For extra depth, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the crock pot, enhancing their sweetness.
- Always check the consistency of the soup towards the end and add a little more water or broth if it appears too thick to maintain a desirable texture.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook down beautifully in the slow cooker and become tender and easy to shred. If you prefer, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor!
How do I select ripe ingredients?
Always choose fresh produce when making this soup. Look for onions that are firm with no soft spots, and garlic that is plump and not sprouting. Avoid tomatoes with dark spots or wrinkled skin, as these indicate overripeness. Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor immensely!
How should I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down a bit before sealing to prevent moisture build-up!
Can I freeze this soup? What’s the best method?
Yes, you can! To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, ladle portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label them with the date. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What if I have leftover toppings?
The more the merrier when it comes to toppings, right? Store any leftover shredded cheese or tortilla strips in separate containers in the fridge. They can be used within a few days to top future servings or even added to salads for extra crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations?
Good question! This soup is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to choose a gluten-free taco seasoning and enchilada sauce if needed. For dairy-free options, feel free to skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if you're serving guests with dietary restrictions!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup | Easy Slow Cooker Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in your crock pot and season them generously with salt and pepper. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic on top for a flavor-packed base.
- Pour in the chicken broth and a cup of water. This will create the perfect, rich broth that serves as the soup's heart.
- Open the can of corn and pour it in undrained, along with the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the enchilada sauce. This blend will bring vibrant color and flavor to your soup.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder over the top. Stir gently to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- About 15 minutes before you're ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. It should be incredibly tender!
- Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir well to mix the flavors and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to warm through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips for that heavenly mix of textures!
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