Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It is topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, spicy tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. As it simmers, your home will be filled with the irresistible scent of savory broth and aromatic spices. The finishing touch? Crunchy tortilla strips, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, making this soup not only delicious but satisfying too.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Use Bone-In Chicken: For a richer, deeper flavor, use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones add extra flavor to the broth.
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or more chili powder. For a milder version, omit the green chilies and chili powder.
Customize the Broth: If you’re watching sodium intake, opt for low-sodium chicken broth or make your own.
Thickening the Soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup and return it to the pot or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Time-Saving Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, which you can shred and add to the Crockpot in the final hour of cooking.
Tortilla Chips: For extra crunch, top with baked or fried tortilla strips instead of store-bought chips for a fresh touch.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You can also add extra beans (like pinto beans or kidney beans) for protein.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and sour cream or swap in dairy-free alternatives. Coconut cream works as a great substitute for sour cream.
- Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup: For an extra kick, try adding hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These will add heat as well as a smoky flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup toward the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in a variety of ways. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or a side of cornbread. If you want to elevate your tortilla soup, serve it with:
- Avocado slices for a creamy addition.
- Fresh cilantro to add brightness.
- Jalapeño slices if you want a little heat.
- Lime wedges for an extra zesty burst.
- Guacamole for a creamy, rich topping.
This soup also pairs wonderfully with a simple side like a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadillas.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup stores wonderfully for future meals. Here’s how to store it properly:
- In the Fridge: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: To freeze the soup, cool it completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Crockpot, but it will take longer (about 8 hours on low). Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay moist when slow-cooked. You can use boneless or bone-in thighs for this recipe.
3. Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?
Yes! If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a great alternative. Cook the ingredients on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure. Shred the chicken and finish the soup as usual.
4. Can I use store-bought tortilla chips?
Yes! Store-bought tortilla chips are convenient, but for extra crunch and flavor, try making your own tortilla strips by frying or baking thinly sliced tortillas.
5. How spicy is this soup?
This soup has a mild level of heat from the green chilies and chili powder. To make it spicier, add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra chili powder to taste.
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It is topped with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz can chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 15 oz can corn, undrained
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), undrained
- 11 oz can enchilada sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
For topping:
- Shredded cheese
- Crunchy tortilla strips
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Pour in chicken broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and enchilada sauce.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning and chili powder over everything. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot and stir.
- Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes, then serve with shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 258Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 70mgSodium 1449mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 5gSugar 10gProtein 29g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the epitome of comfort food—flavorful, filling, and effortlessly simple. It’s perfect for meal prepping or serving on a cozy weeknight, and with endless variations, you can easily customize it to your tastes. Whether you love it spicy or creamy, topped with cheese or avocado, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
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