Pioneer Woman Inspired Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Family Favorite Recipe

This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is set to become a beloved dish in your home! It brings together the comforting and hearty flavors of a chicken tortilla in a simple, satisfying soup. If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful meals, especially those championed by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, then this recipe is definitely for you. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a warm, homemade soup after a long day. This crock pot recipe makes that a reality with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Bowls of Pioneer Woman Inspired Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup garnished with parsley, spoons, and a comforting setting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Let’s address some common questions you might have before diving into this delicious Pioneer Woman style crock pot chicken tortilla soup recipe:

What are the core ingredients in chicken tortilla soup? The foundation of a flavorful chicken tortilla soup typically includes shredded chicken, a rich chicken broth, and a blend of Southwestern spices like taco seasoning. Enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) are also key to building that authentic taste. Many recipes, including this Pioneer Woman inspired version, also incorporate aromatics like garlic and onion, as well as the sweetness of corn.

What are some great side dishes to serve with chicken tortilla soup? For a classic pairing, consider serving your crock pot chicken tortilla soup with warm cornbread. Its slight sweetness and crumbly texture complement the soup beautifully. A fresh side salad is another excellent choice to add a light and refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Can I add beans to my chicken tortilla soup? Absolutely! Beans are a fantastic addition to chicken tortilla soup, adding both heartiness and texture. Black beans and pinto beans are particularly well-suited to the Southwestern flavor profile of this soup. Feel free to include a can of your favorite beans to make this Pioneer Woman inspired crock pot chicken tortilla soup even more substantial.

What are the best toppings for chicken tortilla soup? Toppings are where you can really customize your bowl of crock pot chicken tortilla soup! Shredded cheese is a must for many, melting into the hot soup for creamy goodness. Crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch that echoes the “tortilla” element of the soup. Look for these in the salad topping or cracker aisle of your grocery store. Beyond that, consider adding a dollop of cool avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Is it possible to make chicken tortilla soup vegetarian or vegan? Yes, chicken tortilla soup is easily adaptable for vegetarian and vegan diets. To make a vegetarian version of this Pioneer Woman inspired recipe, simply omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. For a vegan chicken tortilla soup, in addition to these substitutions, ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are vegan-friendly, and skip any dairy-based toppings like cheese, or opt for vegan cheese alternatives. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or squash can further enhance the flavor and nutritional value of a vegetarian or vegan chicken tortilla soup.

Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup for later? Good news – chicken tortilla soup freezes exceptionally well! To freeze your crock pot chicken tortilla soup, allow it to cool completely first. Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe zip-top bags. Properly frozen, it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in your refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s thoroughly warmed through. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal, just like Pioneer Woman often advocates!

A comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe, garnished with fresh parsley, showcasing its deliciousness.

Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Style Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful crock pot chicken tortilla soup, inspired by easy and delicious recipes from The Pioneer Woman:

Chicken breasts (for tender, shredded chicken)
Onion (for aromatic base flavor)
Garlic (essential savory note)
Chicken broth (rich liquid base)
Water (to balance the broth)
Corn (kernels of sweetness and texture)
Diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel, for Southwestern zest)
Enchilada sauce (adds depth and authentic flavor)
Taco seasoning (convenient spice blend)
Salt and pepper (to taste, enhancing all flavors)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips (for serving)

Ingredient lay flat of chicken breasts, vegetables, canned goods, and spices for making crock pot chicken tortilla soup.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Chicken Tortilla Soup in Your Crock Pot

This Pioneer Woman inspired crock pot chicken tortilla soup is incredibly simple to prepare. Follow these easy steps:

Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Then, add the undrained corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder evenly over the mixture.
Combine and Cook: Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Place the lid on your crock pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. This long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and deeply satisfying soup, just like a Pioneer Woman recipe should be!

Raw chicken, enchilada sauce, seasonings, and diced onions being stirred in a crock pot, showcasing the initial steps of soup preparation.

Shred Chicken: About 10-15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. They should be incredibly tender and easy to shred using two forks.
Return Shredded Chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the soup. Stir to distribute the chicken evenly throughout.

Shredded chicken being added back into the slow cooker with the soup liquid, illustrating the final steps before serving.

Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup continue to cook for another 15 minutes to allow the shredded chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors. Now it’s ready to serve! Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips.

A single serving of Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup in a white bowl, topped with cheese and tortilla strips, shot from directly above.

Craving More Easy and Delicious Recipes?

This crock pot chicken tortilla soup is just the beginning! Explore more comforting and family-friendly recipes perfect for busy weeknights.

Originally Published: December 2012
Updated Photos & Republished: October 2020

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (+Video)

This is truly the best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a family favorite. Enjoy the wonderful taste of chicken tortilla in a warm, comforting soup!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8-10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 ounce can chicken broth
1 cup water
15 ounce can corn, undrained
15 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
11 ounce can enchilada sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
½ teaspoon chili powder

Toppings (optional):

Shredded cheese
Crunchy tortilla strips

Instructions:

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-quart crock pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Add diced onion and minced garlic.
Pour in chicken broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and enchilada sauce.
Sprinkle with taco seasoning and chili powder; stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Remove chicken and shred with forks.
Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
Cook for 15 more minutes. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Video Recipe:

YouTube video of Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Recipe Notes:

Serve with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips for classic toppings.
Add black beans or pinto beans for extra heartiness.
Diced avocado and fresh cilantro are also delicious topping options.

Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information:

Nutritional Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

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