Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Every time I think of comfort food, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup comes to mind. It reminds me of chilly winter evenings spent with family gathered around the table. The aroma wafting through the house as it simmers away in the slow cooker is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to linger, to share stories, and to enjoy the warmth of each other’s company. Imagine coming home after a long day, the comforting scent greeting you at the door, calling you to take a seat and enjoy a bowl filled with vibrant flavors. I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. With each spoonful, you’re met with a delightful combination of spicy and savory, enhanced by the crunch of tortilla strips and the freshness of cilantro. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup always delivers a smile.
Recipe Snapshot
4 hr 30 mins
15 mins
255 mins
Hard
360 kcal
32 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
6-quart slow cooker
The Appeal of This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
It’s a Warm Hug in a Bowl
What I truly love about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is how it feels like a warm hug. On chilly days, there’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of this heartwarming soup. The combination of chicken, black beans, and corn creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors that warms you from the inside out.
Effortless Meal Prep
Life is busy, and that’s what makes this recipe stand out. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can get ready for your day while it simmers away, and when you come home, dinner is served! It’s an easy way to have a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you like it spicy, add some extra hot sauce or jalapeños. Want to keep it mild for the kids? No problem! You can easily adjust the flavors to suit everyone’s palate. Each bowl can be topped with fresh cilantro, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream according to personal preference.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup fits every occasion. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet light enough for a casual get-together. Serving it during game night or as part of a holiday gathering adds a festive touch.
Health-Conscious Comfort Food
With wholesome ingredients like black beans and corn, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. It keeps you feeling full without weighing you down, making it a guilt-free option on those colder days when you crave something hearty.
Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe celebrates the harmony of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in a comforting bowl of soup. The key players in Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup include chicken, black beans, and tortillas. Each ingredient contributes to a rich, satisfying experience, while the spices and toppings elevate it to another level. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.
- Pace Picante Sauce – This spicy salsa provides a zesty base that gives the soup its signature kick.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess and depth, making each spoonful smooth and luscious.
- Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles – These diced tomatoes bring a burst of flavor and a hint of heat.
- Black Beans – Packed with protein, they add a hearty component to the soup, making it even more filling.
- Corn – Whether frozen or canned, corn adds a natural sweetness and chewy texture.
- Cumin – This spice deepens the flavor profile, giving the soup a warm, earthy taste.
- Hot Sauce – A few dashes can elevate the dish, allowing you to control the heat level.
- Water – Used to adjust the consistency, ensuring the soup is just right.
- Chicken Breasts – The heart of the soup, they become tender and flavorful as they cook.
- Corn Tortillas – Cut into strips, they provide crunch and complete the texture.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheese on top adds a delicious, melted finish.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds brightness and freshness.
- Sour Cream and Olives – Optional toppings that can enhance flavors and add creaminess.
Recipe Steps for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a simple yet rewarding process. Each step is designed to layer flavor and ensure a satisfying result. Let’s get cooking!
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything in place before you start. Once you have your Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, water, and chicken breasts ready, you’ll be on your way to a fantastic meal.
In your 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the first eight ingredients: Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, and water. Make sure to mix them well so that all the flavors combine beautifully.
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them into the mixture. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it is submerged. This will help the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks and become tender.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for four hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and infuse the soup with rich flavors. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as it lets heat escape!
After four hours, carefully uncover the slow cooker. Use two forks to gently shred the chicken in the pot. The meat should fall apart easily; if it doesn’t, it may need more time. Once shredded, stir the mixture to combine everything well.
Add the corn tortillas strips and cheddar cheese into the soup. This will give the soup a delightful crunch and a cheesy goodness. Stir everything together, so the tortillas and cheese are well incorporated.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the tortillas to soften and the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.
Once the time is up, stir in the fresh cilantro. This will add a burst of freshness to the soup. Consider tasting it at this point; you can add more spices or hot sauce based on your preference!
Finally, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with optional toppings like sour cream and olives. These additions can enhance the overall flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
Things Worth Knowing
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using fresh and high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Cooking Times: If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on HIGH for about two hours instead of LOW for four hours. Just ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the mixture before adding the chicken back in.
- Garnish for Appeal: The right toppings can elevate your dish. Fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese add color and flavor.
Helpful Hints
Cooking is an art, and each recipe can be tweaked for the perfect outcome. Here are some insightful tips to enhance your experience while making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to allow it to cool before refrigerating.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the level of heat according to your taste. Adding more hot sauce or jalapeños can give it an extra kick.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for a family or a gathering. Consider serving it in small bowls as an appetizer too.
Accompaniments for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is as delightful as making it. Here are some great ideas to complement your soup:
- Side Dishes: Pair your soup with a crisp garden salad loaded with fresh vegetables. The freshness will balance the hearty flavors of the soup.
- Bread Options: A warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread makes for a perfect companion to soak up every last drop of the delicious soup.
- Occasions: This soup is ideal for casual family dinners, game nights, or even holiday potlucks. Its comforting nature makes it a crowd-pleaser.
- Seasonal Pairing: During winter months, serve it with a side of spicy nachos to warm things up, or in summer, a light avocado salad complements it well.
- Festive Touch: For special occasions, consider garnishing with festive toppings like diced avocado or a dollop of homemade guacamole for an extra touch.
FAQ
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup truly encapsulates everything we love about comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings a smile to every table it graces. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy the warm, savory goodness it delivers. With its ease of preparation and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything in place before you start. Once you have your Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, water, and chicken breasts ready, you’ll be on your way to a fantastic meal.
- In your 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the first eight ingredients: Pace Picante Sauce, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, hot sauce, and water. Make sure to mix them well so that all the flavors combine beautifully.
- Next, take your chicken breasts and place them into the mixture. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it is submerged. This will help the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks and become tender.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for four hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and infuse the soup with rich flavors. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as it lets heat escape!
- After four hours, carefully uncover the slow cooker. Use two forks to gently shred the chicken in the pot. The meat should fall apart easily; if it doesn’t, it may need more time. Once shredded, stir the mixture to combine everything well.
- Add the corn tortillas strips and cheddar cheese into the soup. This will give the soup a delightful crunch and a cheesy goodness. Stir everything together, so the tortillas and cheese are well incorporated.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the tortillas to soften and the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.
- Once the time is up, stir in the fresh cilantro. This will add a burst of freshness to the soup. Consider tasting it at this point; you can add more spices or hot sauce based on your preference!
- Finally, serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with optional toppings like sour cream and olives. These additions can enhance the overall flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
