Craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker chicken tortilla soup! Imagine the vibrant taste of chicken tortilla soup, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This recipe takes the classic comfort of chicken tortilla soup and makes it even simpler, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Get ready to discover your new family favorite!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, shown in two bowls with spoons on the side and fresh parsley in the background
Two bowls of slow cooker chicken tortilla soup are presented, garnished with fresh parsley, showcasing a comforting and flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Let’s dive into some common questions about making chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to serving suggestions to ensure you have all the information you need for soup success.
What are the key ingredients in chicken tortilla soup?
The heart of chicken tortilla soup lies in its flavorful combination of ingredients. You’ll typically find shredded chicken as the protein base, immersed in a rich chicken broth. To build that signature Tex-Mex flavor, taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are essential. Many recipes, including this Pioneer Woman inspired version, also incorporate diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) for a touch of heat and acidity, along with corn, onions, and garlic for depth of flavor.
What are some popular toppings for chicken tortilla soup?
Toppings are where you can really personalize your bowl of chicken tortilla soup! Crispy tortilla strips are a must-have for that signature crunch. Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, adds a creamy, melty element. For freshness, consider adding diced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can also provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm soup.
Can I customize my slow cooker chicken tortilla soup with beans or other vegetables?
Absolutely! Chicken tortilla soup is incredibly versatile. Beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, are fantastic additions, boosting the protein and fiber content. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even squash can be incorporated for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup?
Yes, easily! To make this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, ensure your enchilada sauce is vegan-friendly and skip the cheese topping, or use a vegan cheese alternative. Loading up on extra vegetables like those mentioned above will ensure a hearty and satisfying meatless soup.
Can I freeze leftover chicken tortilla soup?
Freezing chicken tortilla soup is a great way to enjoy it later. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
The Best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe from The Country Cook, shown served in a white bowl with fresh parsley in the background
A single serving of Pioneer Woman style slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is beautifully plated in a white bowl, sprinkled with parsley, emphasizing the recipe’s fresh and appealing presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. Refer to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Chicken breasts: The lean protein base of our soup.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatic foundations for flavor building.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base, choose low sodium for better control.
- Water: Balances the broth and prevents it from being too concentrated.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel): Provides a touch of heat and acidity – adjust based on your spice preference.
- Enchilada sauce: Contributes to the signature Tex-Mex flavor profile.
- Taco seasoning: A convenient blend of spices for authentic taste.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips: For topping and adding texture right before serving.
chicken breasts, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder
A vibrant flat lay showcases all the fresh ingredients required for this Pioneer Woman slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe, emphasizing the simplicity and wholesome nature of the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Making this Pioneer Woman inspired chicken tortilla soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how:
- Prep the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Layer diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and water.
- Introduce the flavor boosters: Add the undrained corn and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the slow cooker. Pour in the enchilada sauce and sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder evenly over the mixture.
- Combine and slow cook: Stir all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer cook time on low yields the most tender chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
raw chicken, enchilada sauce, seasoning and diced onions being stirred with a wooden spoon in a crock pot
A wooden spoon stirs raw chicken, enchilada sauce, and seasonings within a crock pot, illustrating the initial steps of combining ingredients for the slow cooker chicken tortilla soup.
- Shred the chicken: About 15 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. They will be incredibly tender and easy to shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken and finish: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the soup. Stir to incorporate the chicken evenly. Let it cook for the final 15 minutes to heat the shredded chicken through and allow the flavors to fully combine.
shredded chicken being placed into the soup liquid inside the slow cooker
Shredded chicken is shown being added back into the slow cooker filled with soup, demonstrating the step of incorporating the chicken after shredding for a perfectly textured soup.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot chicken tortilla soup into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite toppings like shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips. Fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream are also fantastic additions.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, shown in a small white bowl with an overhead shot of the bowl
An overhead shot of a white bowl filled with slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, generously topped with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips, highlights the final, delicious presentation of the dish.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup!
This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly convenient for busy days, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich Tex-Mex flavors. Gather your family around the table, customize your bowls with your favorite toppings, and savor every spoonful of this delicious and easy Pioneer Woman style soup!
