Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot

Name: Chicken tortilla soup crock pot
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483440H56M37S
Total time: PT-483440H56M37S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup frozen or canned corn; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp oregano; 4 cups chicken broth; Juice of 1 lime; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream

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Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the savory aroma of a comforting meal that’s been slow-cooking to perfection. That’s the magic of chicken tortilla soup in a crock pot. This hearty, flavorful dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Chicken tortilla soup in a bowl with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and fresh cilantro on a rustic table

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Crock Pot

Making chicken tortilla soup in a crock pot is the epitome of convenience and flavor. The slow-cooking process allows the spices, chicken, and vegetables to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Convenience: Toss everything into the crock pot, set the timer, and let it do the work.
Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein, loaded with fiber from beans and vegetables, and naturally low in fat.
Customizable: From mild to spicy, you can adjust the heat to suit your family’s taste buds.

Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Fresh Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs: Boneless and skinless, they cook perfectly tender in the crock pot.
Fresh vegetables: Tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro bring bright, fresh flavors.

Pantry Staples

Canned goods: Black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies make this recipe simple and budget-friendly.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano create that signature Tex-Mex flavor.

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Tortilla strips
Diced avocado or fresh jalapeños

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Crock Pot

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High) | Total Time: 6-8 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice fresh vegetables and rinse the canned beans and corn.
Layer Ingredients: Place chicken at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by vegetables, beans, and corn. Add spices and pour chicken broth over the top.
Cook: Set the crock pot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
Finish: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Chicken tortilla soup in a slow cooker with shredded chicken, vegetables, and beans

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortilla Soup

Use the Right Chicken: Thighs remain juicier during slow cooking, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts.
Add Lime Juice at the End: This small touch brightens the dish and balances the richness of the broth.
Layer Ingredients Properly: Placing the chicken at the bottom ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

How to Serve Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Best Toppings

For Crunch: Tortilla strips, crushed tortilla chips, or baked pita chips.
For Creaminess: Sour cream, plain yogurt, or diced avocado.
For Extra Flavor: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime.

Bowl of chicken tortilla soup surrounded by toppings like tortilla strips, sour cream, cheese, and lime wedges.

Pairing Chicken Tortilla Soup with Dinners

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of dinners. Here are five standout options from Recipes by Amelia:

Hamburger Potato Soup: A creamy, hearty dish that complements the spice of tortilla soup.
Easy Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole: The hominy’s texture is a great match for the soup’s flavors.
Black Pepper Angus Steak: Add a savory, peppery main dish to round out your meal.
Spanish Rice: This classic side is a natural pairing with Tex-Mex dishes.
Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry: The lightness of stir-fry balances the soup’s heartiness.

FAQs About Chicken Tortilla Soup in a Crock Pot

What can I use to thicken my chicken tortilla soup?

Use a cornstarch slurry, mashed beans, or blend part of the soup to naturally thicken the texture.

What is in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup?

Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup contains chicken, navy and black beans, vegetables, and a creamy, spiced broth.

What part of Mexico is tortilla soup from?

Tortilla soup, or “sopa de tortilla,” originates from Central Mexico, particularly around Mexico City.

Is chicken tortilla soup fatty?

It can be low in fat if prepared with lean chicken and minimal toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Does Chicken Tortilla Soup have a lot of carbs?

It depends on ingredients, but beans, corn, and tortilla strips add moderate carbs. Adjust toppings to lower carb content.

Should you remove fat from chicken soup?

Removing fat can make it lighter, but a little fat enhances flavor. Skim excess fat for a balanced broth.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: ~300
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 7g

Conclusion: Your Perfect Comfort Food Awaits

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy day, chicken tortilla soup in a crock pot is the ultimate comfort food that combines flavor, nutrition, and ease. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. So grab your ingredients, set your crock pot, and let the magic happen.

Don’t forget to check out more Tex-Mex recipes like How to Make Enchiladas or pair this soup with a side of Spanish Rice for a truly satisfying meal. Ready to make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media!