Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. This one-pot wonder is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With the help of your trusty crock pot, you can create a rich, flavorful soup that will have your family asking for seconds. As the aroma fills your kitchen, you will find yourself eager for a cozy night in with a bowl of this scrumptious soup.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a family favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, it is effortless to make. You can simply throw all the ingredients into your crock pot and let it do the cooking for you. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something tasty without spending all day in the kitchen. Additionally, the combination of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices creates a delightful medley of flavors. The soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet it also lends itself to customization based on your personal preferences.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Directions
Making your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is as simple as can be. Start by preparing your chicken breasts; it’s easiest if they are thawed for even cooking. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. This layering method helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process. Next, it’s time to add your vegetables and beans. Layer in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.
Now that your ingredients are in place, pour in the chicken broth. This will provide the base for your soup and contribute to its rich flavor. Following this, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. These spices add a warm and zesty kick to the overall dish. Gently stir everything together to combine the ingredients without disturbing the chicken at the bottom.
Once everything is well mixed, cover the crock pot with its lid. You have two cooking options: cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and ensure that the chicken becomes incredibly tender. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks—it’s usually very easy to pull apart at this point. Return the shredded chicken back into the broth and give it a stir to bring all the components together before serving.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
When it comes to serving your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, presentation is key! Ladle the soup into bowls, and you can really let your creativity shine here. Top each bowl with a generous handful of tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch. Shredded cheese is an absolute must—grated cheddar or a Mexican blend works wonderfully to add a creamy richness. Finally, finish off your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch. Not only does this elevate the look of your dish, but it also enhances the flavor with an organic freshness that balances the heartiness of the soup beautifully.
You can also offer additional toppings so everyone can customize their bowls. Consider avocado slices, jalapeños for heat, or sour cream for a cooling contrast. This soup is versatile, allowing you and your guests to dig in and personalize their own dining experience.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
To ensure that your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips. First, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have the time. The depth of flavor from homemade broth will elevate your soup significantly. If you’re short on time, store-bought broth works just fine, but you might want to enhance it with additional seasoning.
If you’re looking for an extra kick, feel free to add more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder. Another tip is to customize the chicken. You can use thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor, and they tend to stay juicier.
Remember to check your soup for seasoning before serving. Different brands of broth can vary in saltiness, so adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Lastly, don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry; variations of beans and vegetables can add new layers of flavor.
How to Store Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container or simply use the crock pot insert if it’s removable.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe bag or container and make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Properly stored, the soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Variation of Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you might want to explore some variations of your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. One popular twist is to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a nutrient booster. You can also swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans to change up the flavor profile.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some quinoa or rice to make it even heartier. This not only enhances the texture but also adds more nutrients to your dish. Experimenting with different types of cheese on top can add an exciting flavor twist too; pepper jack cheese provides both creaminess and a mild spiciness.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty soup made with chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices, all cooked together in a slow cooker for rich, deep flavor.
How do I make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
To make this soup, layer chicken and vegetables in the crock pot, add chicken broth and spices, and then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once done, shred the chicken and serve.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
You can serve this soup with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Additional toppings, like avocado or sour cream, can also enhance the flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the soup before storing and leave space in the container for expansion while freezing.
Can I customize the ingredients in Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables, or even grains like quinoa or rice. Adjust the spice levels based on your preference to create your perfect version.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts Thawed for even cooking
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Homemade broth is recommended for better flavor
- 2 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste for spice preference
- 1 tsp cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper Check for seasoning before serving
- Tortilla chips For serving
- Shredded cheese For topping, cheddar or Mexican blend recommended
- Fresh cilantro For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preparing your chicken breasts; it’s easiest if they are thawed for even cooking.
- Place the thawed chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Layer in the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth, adding base and flavor to your soup.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Gently stir everything together without disturbing the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken back into the broth and stir to combine.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Offer additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream for customization.
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