Dive into the heart of home-style cooking with this incredibly easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfectly adapted for your slow cooker. Imagine the rich, comforting taste of chicken tortilla soup, simmering gently all day, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This recipe takes the classic flavors you love and simplifies them for a hands-off, family-friendly meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit, even on the busiest weeknights. Forget complicated recipes – this slow cooker version is all about deliciousness without the fuss, inspired by the hearty, generous spirit of Pioneer Woman cooking.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, shown in two bowls with spoons on the side and fresh parsley in the background
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Will Become a Family Staple
This isn’t just any chicken tortilla soup recipe; it’s designed for real life. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it transforms simple ingredients into deeply flavorful dishes with minimal effort. Here’s why this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker chicken tortilla soup will win you over:
- Effortless Preparation: Busy mornings? No problem! This recipe requires just a few minutes of prep time. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker before you head out, and come home to a ready-to-eat, mouthwatering dinner.
- Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows all the spices and flavors to meld together beautifully. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the soup develops a rich, comforting depth that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (because it has!).
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: From picky eaters to adventurous palates, this soup caters to everyone. It’s mild enough for kids but packed with enough flavor to satisfy adults. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually get even better the next day!
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily frozen for future meals, making it a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have time to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Before you start cooking, let’s answer some common questions to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
What exactly goes into Pioneer Woman style chicken tortilla soup?
At its heart, this soup is a comforting blend of shredded chicken, a flavorful broth base, and classic Southwestern spices. Key ingredients include chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel for that authentic kick), enchilada sauce for richness, taco seasoning for that signature tortilla soup flavor, and corn for a touch of sweetness and texture. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, while toppings like cheese and tortilla strips complete the experience.
What are some great side dishes to serve with chicken tortilla soup?
While this soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Cornbread is a classic and comforting choice that complements the soup beautifully. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with quesadillas or even alongside some soft tacos.
Can I add beans to my slow cooker chicken tortilla soup?
Absolutely! Beans are a fantastic addition to chicken tortilla soup, adding extra protein, fiber, and texture. Black beans and pinto beans are particularly popular choices that blend seamlessly with the Southwestern flavors. Simply rinse and drain a can of your favorite beans and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
What are the best toppings for chicken tortilla soup?
Toppings are where you can really get creative and personalize your bowl! Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) is a must for many. Crunchy tortilla strips provide that essential tortilla soup texture. Fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness. Sour cream or Greek yogurt offers a cool, tangy contrast. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!
Is it possible to make this chicken tortilla soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, with a few simple swaps! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, in addition to these swaps, ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are vegan-friendly. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to boost the heartiness and flavor. For vegan toppings, skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative and opt for plant-based sour cream or avocado.
Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup for later?
Definitely! Chicken tortilla soup freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or saving leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. For best results, remove as much air as possible when freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat it from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The Best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe from The Country Cook, shown served in a white bowl with fresh parsley in the background
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients – Simple & Flavorful
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup, Pioneer Woman style:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 15 ounces canned corn, undrained
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 11 ounces canned enchilada sauce (red or green, your preference)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream
chicken breasts, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup in Your Slow Cooker: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, inspired by the ease and flavor of Pioneer Woman recipes:
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Prep the Chicken and Aromatics: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
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Add the Broth and Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Then, add the undrained corn, undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and enchilada sauce.
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Spice it Up: Sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Combine and Cook: Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients and spices. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender the chicken and developed the flavors will be.
raw chicken, enchilada sauce, seasoning and diced onions being stirred with a wooden spoon in a crock pot
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Shred the Chicken: About 15-20 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a cutting board and shred the chicken using two forks. It should shred very easily after slow cooking.
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Return and Finish: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Stir it into the soup to combine.
shredded chicken being placed into the soup liquid inside the slow cooker
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Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow the shredded chicken to absorb the flavors.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls and let everyone customize their own with their favorite toppings like shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, shown in a small white bowl with an overhead shot of the bowl
Craving More Easy & Delicious Recipes?
This Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is just the beginning! Explore our website for more family-friendly, fuss-free recipes that will bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. From hearty main courses to simple sides and delightful desserts, we’ve got you covered for every meal of the day.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
(Inspired by classic flavors, made easy in your slow cooker)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Servings: 6
Author: Pioneer Technology Inspired Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 15 ounces canned corn, undrained
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 11 ounces canned enchilada sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- For topping: shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth, water, undrained corn, undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, and enchilada sauce.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning and chili powder over the top and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the soup.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and tortilla strips.
Recipe Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and chili powder to control the spice level. For a milder soup, use less taco seasoning or choose a mild taco seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Bean Variations: Feel free to add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans for extra heartiness.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Substitute chicken with 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans and use vegetable broth. Ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are vegan-friendly. Omit cheese or use vegan cheese for topping.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread, a side salad, quesadillas, or soft tacos. Top with shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimated based on commonly available ingredients and online calculators. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient variations. For accurate nutritional information, use a trusted nutritional calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.
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