Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe That Sings

Whipping up a hearty slow cooker chicken tortilla soup becomes a breeze with this simple, flavor-packed method.

Cozy kitchens and chilly evenings call for a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Tender chicken, vibrant spices, and rich broth merge into a delightful culinary experience.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp tortilla strips add the perfect crunch to this soul-satisfying meal.

Every spoonful promises a burst of zesty goodness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Just ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F during cooking.

• Is this soup spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa and red pepper flakes you use. Choose mild salsa if you prefer less spice, or add more red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-sodium salsa, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can make this soup in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup You’ll Love

• Dump and Go Meal: Toss all ingredients into the slow cooker without complicated prep, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a hands-off cooking experience.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combining salsa, spices, and hearty ingredients creates a robust soup that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, satisfying both adults and kids.
• Customize Your Bowl: Top the soup with various garnishes like cheese, avocados, and tortilla chips, allowing everyone to personalize their meal and enjoy a unique dining experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This one-pot wonder works great for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or casual family meals, adapting easily to different social settings and hunger levels.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the hearty foundation of the soup.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Water, Salsa: Creates a rich and flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.

• Corn, Beans: Add texture and nutritional value to the soup.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide warm and complex spice profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Soft Tortillas, Tortilla Chips, Avocados, Tomatoes, Cheese, Cilantro, Sour Cream: Offer additional texture, freshness, and customizable garnish options for serving.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Combine Flavor-Packed Ingredients

Toss cream of chicken soup, water, salsa, chicken, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into a spacious slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the slow cooker to high and let the magic happen for 3 to 4 hours, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and create a rich, robust soup.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker.

Shred or chop the chicken into delectable bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and gently stir to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Adjust Soup Consistency

If the soup seems too thick, splash in some hot water to thin it out and achieve your desired texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into individual bowls.

Get creative with toppings like crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado slices, juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of tangy sour cream. Dive in and savor every spoonful!

Tips to Boost Chicken Tortilla Soup Flavor

• Opt for homemade salsa for a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile in your soup.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra tenderness and richer taste.
• Keep soup thickness flexible by adjusting water content according to personal preference.
• Freeze leftover soup in portioned containers for quick future meals within 3 months.
• Boost protein by adding quinoa or extra beans during the cooking process for more nutritional value.

Variations to Refresh Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Soup: Replace salsa with hot pepper sauce and add diced green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Soup: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or additional black beans, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, top with corn tortilla strips instead of wheat-based chips.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Omit added salt, use low-sodium salsa and cream of chicken soup, replace seasoning with fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for flavor boost.

Pairing Suggestions That Match Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Grab a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the soup's spicy and hearty flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing character.
• Mix a classic lime margarita that echoes the soup's tangy salsa notes, balancing the warmth of chili powder and providing a cool, citrusy contrast.
• Sprinkle sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top, adding depth and a melty texture that transforms each spoonful into a decadent experience.
• Prepare a light, zingy rice side dish that absorbs the soup's flavors and provides a clean, fresh counterpoint to the hearty chicken tortilla soup.

Storage Advice for Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired slow cooker chicken tortilla soup delivers hearty comfort in a bowl. Zesty flavors combine tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and crisp tortilla strips for a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1 (16 oz) jar salsa
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup with herbs
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Serve with:

• soft tortillas, cut into pieces
• crumbled tortilla chips
• diced avocados
• diced tomatoes
• shredded cheese
• chopped cilantro
• sour cream

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Instructions

1. Combine cream of chicken soup, water, salsa, whole chicken, corn, beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a large slow cooker. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
2. Set slow cooker to high temperature and allow soup to simmer for 3-4 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
3. Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
4. Return shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and gently stir to distribute evenly throughout the soup.
5. If soup appears too thick, gradually add hot water and mix until desired consistency is achieved.
6. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, creating a welcoming presentation.
7. Customize each bowl with optional garnishes including crispy tortilla strips, diced avocados, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of tangy sour cream.
8. Serve immediately while soup remains steaming hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

• Spice it up by adjusting red pepper flakes for a personalized heat level, perfect for those who love mild or extra spicy flavors.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade broth or vegetable stock to create a lighter, healthier version that’s equally delicious.
• Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken to reduce cooking time and simplify meal preparation, making this recipe even more convenient.
• choose dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant guests or skip tortilla chips for a low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg