On those hectic days when time seems to slip away, this Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is your saving grace. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that requires minimal effort, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let the flavors meld together, and come home to a delicious, warm soup that satisfies every craving. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Steps
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and season them with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chopped onion, red and yellow bell peppers, canned tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, tomato paste, chipotle pepper, and drained black beans. Stir the mixture, cover with the lid, and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours. Finally, add lime juice.
- After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken into your preferred size, either larger chunks or finely shredded. Taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro leaves, and grated cheese. Optionally, top with crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole or diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (adjust if you prefer more liquid)
- 4 ounces tomato paste
- 1 whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (optional: 2 to 3 for more heat)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lime, juiced
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro leaves
- Grated cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
FAQ
- Can I adjust the spiciness of the chicken tortilla soup?
- Yes, you can control the spice level by varying the number of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with one pepper for a milder taste, and add more if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Is it possible to include corn in the chicken tortilla soup?
- Definitely! A 15-ounce can of corn can be added for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to drain the corn before adding it to the slow cooker along with the other canned ingredients.
- How long can chicken tortilla soup be stored in the refrigerator?
- The soup can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use low heat on the stove or microwave.
- Can the chicken tortilla soup be frozen for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for several months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove.
- What are some recommended toppings for chicken tortilla soup?
- Popular toppings for this soup include sour cream, avocado, cilantro leaves, grated cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Tips
- Adjust the spiciness of the soup by varying the number of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with one pepper if you prefer a milder flavor, and add more if you enjoy a spicier kick.
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a drained 15-ounce can of corn when you put in the other canned ingredients.
- To ensure the soup stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for several months. Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
- For toppings, use sour cream, avocado, cilantro, grated cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. These add both flavor and texture to the soup, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for the slow cooking process.
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for juicing the lime efficiently.
- Can Opener – For opening canned tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, and corn.
- Ladle – For serving the soup easily.
- Two Forks – For shredding the chicken (though common, someone might choose to buy a specific set for this purpose).
