Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful blend of spices and textures that can warm you up on chilly days or serve as a hearty meal for gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll enjoy a flavorful soup that fills your belly and satisfies your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices, chicken, and fresh ingredients creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer; this soup fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Crowd-pleaser: With its robust flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to impress family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Mixing spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart slow cooker: Perfect for large batches, allowing you to cook enough for the whole family or leftovers.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
- Cutting board & knife: Necessary for preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is full of Tex-Mex flavor and is wonderfully filling and satisfying.
Main 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
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/3 cups water
Chicken & Tortillas
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half)
- 4 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
Toppings
- 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: Prepare the Base
- Stir together the first 8 ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add chicken pieces into the mixture, ensuring they are submerged by spooning the mixture over them.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Set it on LOW heat and cook for 4 hours.
Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Tortillas
- After cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken pieces directly in the pot.
- Add tortilla strips and shredded cheese; stir well to combine.
- Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Stir in chopped cilantro before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream or olives if desired.
Now you have a delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Sliced Olives: Black olives provide a salty touch that complements the soup.
Pair with Crunchy Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips offer a delightful crunch contrasting the soup’s texture.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices enhance richness and freshness in each bite.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds acidity.
Serve with Bread Choices
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully, soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup even better, consider these tips for perfection.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños to meet your heat preference.
- Let it Simmer Longer: For deeper flavors, consider cooking it longer on LOW, if time allows.
- Mix Textures: Incorporate different types of beans or vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Complement your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each option adds variety and enhances your meal.
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that pairs well with the soup’s robust taste. Cook with spices and tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic addition that provides protein and richness.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas can be cut into wedges for dipping into the soup.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds freshness and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or as a topping.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make a great starter before digging into the soup.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn balances out the spiciness of the soup and adds a fun element to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not Prepping Ingredients Properly: Ensure all ingredients are measured and chopped before starting. This helps you stay organized and ensures even cooking.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on LOW for too short a time can result in undercooked chicken. Stick closely to the 4-hour guideline for optimal flavor.
- Overloading the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Follow the recipe closely to keep your soup balanced.
- Skipping the Shredding Step: Shredding chicken after cooking adds texture and allows flavors to meld better. Don’t skip this key step!
- Neglecting Toppings: Toppings like cheese and cilantro enhance the dish significantly. Always include them for a complete flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, heating until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup that might help you make this delicious dish even better.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on LOW.
What can I add or substitute in this recipe?
Feel free to add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. You can also substitute white beans for black beans if preferred.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Serve it with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, olives, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level depends on your choice of hot sauce and ingredients like Rotel tomatoes. Adjust according to your taste preference!
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients based on what you have available. Try it today for a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that warms you from the inside out. Combining tender chicken, zesty spices, and hearty ingredients, this soup embodies the rich flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can whip up this delicious meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Top it off with crunchy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a delightful finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and keep everyone coming back for more.
- 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
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- sour cream and olives for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, and water.
- Add chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are covered by the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken in the pot with two forks. Stir in tortilla strips and cheese; cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro before serving and top with optional sour cream or olives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
