Introduction
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe! Forget standing over a hot stove; with your slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or any time you want a hearty and healthy soup without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of chicken, vegetables, and spices creates a rich and aromatic soup.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Healthy and Hearty: A nutritious and filling meal option.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that’s perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs yield a richer flavor)
- Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Beans: 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn: 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Lime Juice: 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir and Season: Stir in the lime juice and taste. Adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder) as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Delicious Topping Ideas
- Tortilla strips (baked or fried)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
Tips and Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add an extra can of beans or vegetables.
- Thicken the Soup: For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- Instant Pot Option: This recipe can easily be adapted for the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release.
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Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe is a winner! It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting soup to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying bowl of soup!
