This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe brings the warmth and comfort of classic Southwestern flavors right to your kitchen, with an ease that would make even the Pioneer Woman proud. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a hearty, flavorful soup, ready to be topped with all your favorite fixings. This recipe delivers just that – a family-friendly, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, shown in two bowls with spoons on the side and fresh parsley in the background
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a beloved dish for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and wonderfully comforting. This slow cooker version takes all the best aspects of the soup and simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible for everyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned home chefs.
- Effortless Preparation: With just about 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this soup simmering away in your slow cooker, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the taste of Chicken Tortilla Soup. The mild spice and customizable toppings make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also freezes beautifully, making it ideal for stocking your freezer.
- Customizable to Your Taste: From mild to spicy, vegetarian to loaded with toppings, this soup is incredibly adaptable. We’ll explore various ways to personalize it to your preferences.
- Inspired by Classic Flavors: This recipe captures the essence of authentic Chicken Tortilla Soup, reminiscent of the hearty, flavorful dishes you might find in Southwestern cuisine or even on Ree Drummond’s table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Before you dive into making this delectable soup, let’s address some common questions to ensure your cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable.
What are the key ingredients in Chicken Tortilla Soup?
The heart of Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in shredded chicken, a flavorful broth (typically chicken), and a blend of Southwestern spices. Common ingredients include:
- Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs work equally well. Slow cooking makes even budget-friendly chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Broth: Chicken broth is traditional, providing a rich base. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, often with green chilies (like Rotel), add acidity and depth of flavor.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatic base for almost any great soup.
- Enchilada Sauce: Contributes a unique Southwestern flavor profile and mild spice.
- Taco Seasoning: A convenient way to add a blend of classic taco spices.
What should I serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Chicken Tortilla Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Consider these serving suggestions:
- Toppings: A must-have! Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of salsa or hot sauce are all excellent choices.
- Side Dishes: Cornbread, a simple side salad, or warm tortillas complement the soup beautifully.
Can I add beans to my Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Absolutely! Beans are a welcome addition, adding protein and heartiness. Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans are all fantastic choices. Add them in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
How can I make Chicken Tortilla Soup vegetarian or vegan in the slow cooker?
It’s easy to adapt this recipe for vegetarian or vegan diets:
- Vegetarian: Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for heartiness and flavor.
- Vegan: In addition to removing chicken and using vegetable broth, ensure your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning are vegan-friendly. Omit cheese toppings or use vegan cheese alternatives.
Is Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! This soup freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently 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
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and easy slow cooker soup. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and readily available.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics for building flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup.
- Water: Helps to balance the richness of the broth.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (Rotel): Provides acidity, mild heat, and Southwestern flavor.
- Enchilada Sauce: Adds a signature Southwestern taste.
- Taco Seasoning: A convenient spice blend for Tex-Mex flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, etc. for serving.
chicken breasts, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, chili powder
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and water.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and enchilada sauce to the pot. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the top.
- Stir and Cook: Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become and the flavors will meld beautifully.
raw chicken, enchilada sauce, seasoning and diced onions being stirred with a wooden spoon in a crock pot
- Shred the Chicken: About 15-20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a cutting board and shred with two forks. The chicken should be incredibly tender and shred easily.
- Return Chicken 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
- Heat Through and Serve: Let the soup continue to cook for another 15 minutes to heat the shredded chicken through and allow the flavors to meld further.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls and let everyone customize their own with their favorite toppings. Shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips are classics!
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 Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is just the beginning! Explore our website for more family-friendly, easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for busy lives and delicious meals. From weeknight dinners to comforting desserts, we have something for everyone. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of home cooking, just like the Pioneer Woman herself!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours on Low or 4-5 hours on High
Servings: 6
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
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-quart slow cooker. 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 taco seasoning over the top and stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes:
- For a spicier soup, use hot enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for extra heartiness.
- Adjust toppings to your liking – get creative and have fun!
Enjoy this simple and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for any day of the week!
