Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious soup that brings the family together around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a bold and delicious taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers or meal planning.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart slow cooker: Ideal for making large batches of soup, ensuring even cooking without constant monitoring.
- Large mixing bowl: Helps mix ingredients efficiently before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Sharp knife: Aids in quickly cutting chicken and vegetables, saving time during prep.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 1/2 cups canned or frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/3 cups water
For the Chicken and Toppings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half)
- 4 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- sour cream and olives for serving (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Stir together the first eight ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly submerged under the mixture.
Step 2: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the chicken.
Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Tortillas
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Add the tortilla strips and shredded cheese, stirring gently to combine. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Finally, stir in fresh cilantro just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, adding optional toppings like sour cream and olives as desired. Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your meal experience. This soup is versatile, and you can customize it with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Olives: Black olives offer a salty contrast that complements the dish.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a rich texture and healthy fats.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness and acidity.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the spicy soup for a comforting meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture and can be used for dipping.
- Rice: Fluffy rice makes the meal more filling and absorbs the soup nicely.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad offers a light contrast to the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make this delicious soup even better, follow these simple tips for perfection in every bowl.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor compared to canned. Opt for fresh cilantro and limes when available.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less hot sauce based on your family’s taste preferences.
- Shred chicken properly: For best results, shred the chicken while it’s still warm. This ensures it mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like jalapeños or queso fresco for added flavor variations.
- Let it sit before serving: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and enhances the Tex-Mex theme of your meal.
- Black Bean Salad: A light salad made with black beans provides additional protein and fiber.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crunchy sandwiches offer a satisfying contrast when dipped into the soup.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn on the cob slathered in cheese and spices pairs wonderfully with tortilla soup.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds a refreshing crunch that brightens each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Boldly skip the seasoning: Many people forget to add enough seasoning. Make sure to use cumin and hot sauce generously for flavor.
- Boldly ignore the cook time: Cooking for too short or too long can ruin your soup. Stick to the recommended 4 hours on LOW for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Boldly disregard ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can impact taste. Opt for fresh cilantro and good brands of canned goods for the best flavor.
- Boldly overlook shredding the chicken properly: Not shredding the chicken well means uneven texture. Use two forks to shred it evenly before adding tortillas and cheese.
- Boldly serve without toppings: Toppings like sour cream and olives enhance the soup’s flavor. Don’t skip them; they add an extra layer of delight.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warm, about 3-5 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
What is Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup made of?
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is made with chicken breasts, condensed soups, beans, corn, spices, and tortillas.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Yes! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, you can mash some of the black beans or add more corn tortillas during cooking.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes! It contains lean protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn. It’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that blends hearty chicken with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time. With minimal effort, you can create a delightful soup that warms the soul and brings family together at the dinner table. Top it off with fresh ingredients like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream for a deliciously customizable meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 1/2 cups canned or frozen corn
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
- Shredded cheddar cheese and optional toppings like cilantro and sour cream
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soups, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, and water.
- Add chicken breasts to the mixture and cover.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks; stir in tortilla strips and shredded cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with fresh cilantro and optional toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
