Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty ingredients with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something comforting. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. With its satisfying texture and warmth, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices, cheese, and fresh cilantro creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve with sour cream, olives, or extra cheese to tailor each bowl to your liking.
- Feeding a Crowd: With eight generous servings, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart slow cooker: This is essential for cooking large batches of soup evenly and efficiently.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients such as chicken and vegetables.
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 and 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: Combine Ingredients
Stir together the first 8 ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken breasts cut in half, ensuring they are well submerged in the mixture.
Step 2: Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW heat. Let it cook for approximately 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 3: Shred Chicken
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker. Add in the tortilla strips and shredded cheese. Stir well to incorporate everything. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes until the tortillas are softened.
Step 4: Finish Up
Once done, stir in freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream and olives as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and can be topped or served in various ways to enhance its delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
Classic Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that balances the soup’s spiciness.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds a refreshing herbaceous note.
Crispy Additions
- Tortilla Strips: Top with crispy tortilla strips for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide a rich mouthfeel that complements the soup.
Side Enhancements
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavors.
- Jalapeño Slices: For those who love heat, jalapeños add an extra spicy touch.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
To get the most out of your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these helpful tips that ensure every bowl is bursting with flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh or high-quality canned ingredients can significantly enhance the taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low for the recommended time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors develop further.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pairing your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the soup’s savory taste.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well, adding richness and freshness to each bite.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and crunch, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for a great snack before enjoying the soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies offer a smoky flavor that balances out the richness of the soup.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are fun to dip into the soup while providing additional comfort food appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their soup adequately. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving for the best flavor.
- Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well enough, it might not mix into the soup effectively. Use two forks to shred it thoroughly for even distribution.
- Overcooking the tortillas: Some cooks add tortillas too early, causing them to become mushy. Add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking for optimal texture.
- Ignoring the toppings: Skipping toppings like cilantro or sour cream can make your soup less exciting. These add freshness and enhance flavor, so don’t skip them!
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar ingredients can lead to bland soup. Opt for high-quality canned goods and fresh produce to elevate your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
How long does Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup take to cook?
The cooking time is about 4 hours on LOW. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make this soup without chicken?
Yes! You can substitute beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version while maintaining great flavor.
What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Can I use other beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer different flavors or textures.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together hearty chicken, beans, corn, and vibrant Tex-Mex flavors in a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe makes use of your slow cooker to meld flavors effortlessly while you go about your day. With customizable toppings and an easy preparation process, this soup will quickly become a staple in your household. Each bowl is bursting with flavor, making it a delightful option for both adults and kids alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- 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 ½ cups canned or frozen corn
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half)
- 4 corn tortillas (cut into strips)
- Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, and water.
- Add the halved chicken breasts to the mixture and ensure they are submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in tortilla strips and shredded cheese; cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in fresh cilantro and garnish with optional toppings like sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
