This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe brings the vibrant flavors of a chicken tortilla into a comforting and hearty soup. Inspired by classic comfort food and perfect for busy families, this recipe echoes the ease and deliciousness often associated with Pioneer Woman recipes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; this dish is surprisingly simple to throw together in your crock pot, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal ready when you are. Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of this slow-cooked soup – it’s weeknight dinner perfection!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, served in white bowls with spoons, garnished with parsley, showcasing a comforting and inviting meal
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Before diving into the recipe, let’s address some common questions to ensure you have all the information you need to make the perfect pot of chicken tortilla soup.
What are the key ingredients in chicken tortilla soup?
The foundation of this flavorful soup is built upon shredded chicken, chicken broth, and a blend of Tex-Mex inspired seasonings like taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. Many recipes, including this crock pot version, incorporate Rotel tomatoes for a touch of heat and acidity. You’ll often find aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic, along with sweet corn kernels adding to the soup’s depth and texture.
What are popular serving suggestions for chicken tortilla soup?
Chicken tortilla soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While cornbread is a classic and comforting side, a fresh side salad also complements the soup beautifully, offering a lighter contrast.
Can I customize my chicken tortilla soup with beans?
Absolutely! Beans are a fantastic addition to chicken tortilla soup, adding both heartiness and nutritional value. Black beans and pinto beans are particularly popular choices that enhance the soup’s Tex-Mex profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite type of canned beans.
What are some delicious topping ideas for chicken tortilla soup?
Toppings are where you can really personalize your bowl of chicken tortilla soup! Shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips are essential for that classic tortilla soup experience. Consider adding creamy avocado for richness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, and freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant herbal note.
Is it possible to make vegetarian or vegan chicken tortilla soup?
Yes, easily! Chicken tortilla soup can be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets. Simply omit the chicken and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. To boost the vegetable content and flavor, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or squash. For a vegan version, ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are vegan-friendly and skip the cheese topping or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I freeze leftover chicken tortilla soup for later?
Definitely! Chicken tortilla soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Overhead shot of ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup including chicken breasts, vegetables, broth, and seasonings, ready to be combined in a slow cooker
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and easy crock pot chicken tortilla soup. Remember to check the recipe card below for the precise measurements.
- Chicken breasts
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Water
- Canned corn
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- Enchilada sauce
- Taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheese, for topping
- Crunchy tortilla strips, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying crock pot chicken tortilla soup that the whole family will love.
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Prep the Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Season them generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the crock pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
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Incorporate Flavor Boosters: Add the canned corn (undrained), diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and enchilada sauce to the pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and chili powder evenly over the mixture.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Stir all the ingredients together to combine. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for approximately 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule.
Image showing raw chicken, enchilada sauce, seasoning, and onions being stirred in a crock pot, illustrating the initial steps of making the soup
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Shred the Chicken: About 10-15 minutes before you are ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should shred very easily after slow cooking.
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Return and Finish: Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the soup. Stir everything together to ensure the shredded chicken is well incorporated.
Image showing shredded chicken being added back into the crock pot with the soup base, demonstrating the step of incorporating the shredded chicken
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips.
Overhead view of a bowl of Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup topped with cheese and tortilla strips, showcasing the final presentation of the recipe
Craving More Easy Dinner Recipes?
This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is just the beginning! Explore our website for more delicious and easy recipes perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This is the best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! It is easy to make and is a family favorite. The flavors of a chicken tortilla in a soup!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow 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
- Shredded cheese, for topping
- Crunchy tortilla strips, for topping
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-quart crock pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- 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 and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
- Cook for 15 more minutes. Serve with shredded cheese and tortilla strips.
Video
Recipe Notes
- Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips.
- Add black beans or pinto beans for extra heartiness.
- Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 1708mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 63g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is estimated and may vary.
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