Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot

Imagine the comforting aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a warm bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup.

This crock pot recipe is incredibly easy to make, offering a cozy escape from the day’s hustle.

As the chicken and veggies meld together over six hours, they transform into a hearty, flavorful delight.

Let’s bring this dish to life and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crock Pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoon
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Chicken Tortilla Soup in a crock pot, here’s a timeline that incorporates prep work, cooking activities, and additional time needed for reading and understanding the recipe:

Timeline for Chicken Tortilla Soup Preparation

Pre-Preparation (5 minutes)

– Read the Recipe (5 minutes): Take time to read through the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.

Preparation (15 minutes)

• Gather Ingredients and Equipment (5 minutes): Collect all the ingredients and tools you’ll need, such as the crock pot, cutting board, knife, measuring cup, measuring spoon, and ladle.
• Prep Ingredients (10 minutes):
• Chop 1 cup of onion.
• Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
• Drain and rinse the black beans.
• Drain the corn.
• Open cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro.
• Juice 1 lime.

Cooking (6 hours)

• Set Up and Start Cooking (5 minutes):
• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
• Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
• Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.
• Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir to combine all ingredients.
• Cover and set the crock pot to cook on low for 6 hours.

Final Steps (10 minutes)

• Shredding Chicken (5 minutes): After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the crock pot.
• Adding Final Ingredients (5 minutes): Stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Resting Time (5 minutes)

– Let the Soup Rest: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serving

– Serve Hot: Use a ladle to serve the soup hot, garnished with crushed tortilla chips and optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream.

Recipe Instructions

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.

Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies to the crock pot.

Pour chicken broth over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Stir to combine all ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Remove chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred with two forks.

Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir.

Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve hot with crushed tortilla chips and optional toppings.

Serving Tips

• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy texture to the soup, enhancing each bite.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese on top adds a creamy and savory layer.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices offer a creamy contrast to the spicy broth.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a cooling effect and balances the heat.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lime wedges for those who enjoy a zesty kick.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.

Enjoy later.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken Tortilla Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat chicken tortilla soup, use a stovetop on low heat.

Stir occasionally until hot.

Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covered.

Stir every 1-2 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

With a rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and a medley of beans and vegetables, this dish is sure to please any palate.

Plus, using a crock pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking.

Whether you’re serving this soup to family or friends, it’s certain to be a hit.

Don’t forget to garnish with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this hearty soup, and savor the taste of Mexico in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Make certain they’re boneless and skinless. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster. Check for doneness to maintain tenderness. Your soup will have richer flavor and texture.

Are There Vegetarian Options for This Soup?

You can substitute the chicken with extra beans or diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make certain seasonings are adjusted to taste, maintaining the balance of flavors.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Spicy?

You can increase the spice level by adding more diced green chilies or incorporating chopped jalapeños. Consider using a spicier chili powder or adding cayenne pepper. Adjust the quantities based on your heat preference.

How Do I Adjust the Recipe for More Servings?

Double the ingredient quantities for 12 servings. Confirm your crock pot’s capacity allows it. Maintain the same cooking time. When adjusting spices, increase cautiously to avoid overpowering flavors. Test seasoning before serving to achieve desired taste.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Use about 1.5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Make certain they’re ripe for ideal flavor. If desired, peel them by blanching briefly. This substitution might slightly alter the soup’s consistency.