Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you, there’s just something about a big bowl of chicken tortilla soup that just warms you right up from the inside out! I’ve been making this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe* for years now, and it’s become a total family favorite. I actually stumbled upon the recipe when I was looking for something super easy to make on busy weeknights, and let me tell you, using the slow cooker is a total game-changer. Seriously, you just toss everything in and forget about it – it’s pure magic!
Why You’ll Love This *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe*
Okay, so real talk: this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* is the bomb. Seriously, you’ve GOT to try it! Here’s why you’ll become completely obsessed, just like I am:
- It’s stupid easy! Seriously, a preschooler could probably make this (with a little help, of course, and supervision, safety first!).
- The flavor is *amazing*! It’s got that perfect blend of savory and spicy.
- You can totally customize it to your liking. More beans? Less corn? You do you!
- Perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters will go crazy for it. My kids can’t get enough!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Alrighty, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this super delicious *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*:
- About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- One whole onion, roughly chopped.
- Two cloves of garlic, minced (because everything is better with garlic, right?).
- One (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes – undrained!
- One (15 ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained (we don’t want the goop!).
- One (15 ounce) can of corn, also drained.
- Four glorious cups of chicken broth.
- One measly teaspoon of chili powder.
- One teaspoon of cumin.
- Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika (adds a little smoky somethin’ somethin’!).
- Salt and pepper, to your own taste buds’ delight!
- And for toppings (because toppings are the BEST part!): tortilla chips, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and some fresh cilantro.
How to Make the Best *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe*: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* is so simple, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’re going to nail it. Just follow these easy peasy steps, and you’ll be swimming in deliciousness in no time!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
First things first, make sure your slow cooker is plugged in and ready to go! Now, take those chicken breasts and plop them right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, those diced tomatoes (juice and all!), the black beans, and the corn. Don’t forget the chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s going to be amazing!
Slow Cooking the Soup
Now, this is the easiest part! Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. You’re going to let it cook for about 6-8 hours on low, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. The key is to make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through before you move on to the next step. So, don’t rush it! And please BE CAREFUL when you remove the lid– hot steam, yikes!
Shredding the Chicken and Final Assembly
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker (be careful, it’ll be hot!). Let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers. Then, grab two forks and shred that chicken right in a bowl. Once the chicken is shredded, put it back into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine all those yummy flavors (make sure you didn’t leave any chicken bits behind!).
Serving Suggestions
Alright, you’re almost there! Now comes the fun part: the toppings! Ladle that hot, delicious *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings. I’m talking crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, a mountain of shredded cheese (I love cheddar, but go with what you like!), a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re trying to be healthy…kinda), and some fresh, chopped cilantro. Get creative and have fun! Bon appétit!
Tips for Success with Your *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Listen, even the best of us have a few kitchen fails now and then, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a few tips to make your *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* absolutely perfect every single time! First thing’s first: don’t overcook the chicken! You want it tender and juicy, not dry and stringy. Check it towards the end of the cooking time, and if it’s already cooked, don’t leave it in there forever.
Also, don’t be shy with the spices! Taste the soup as it’s cooking and adjust the chili powder, cumin, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy (I do!). And lastly: Don’t skimp on the toppings! I promise — those chips, avocado, and sour cream are what *really* make the soup sing. Trust me on that one!
Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions
Okay, so, let’s chat about those ingredients for a sec. Sometimes you gotta get creative, and I’m all about making this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* work for *you*! First up: the canned tomatoes. I always grab the diced ones, but you can totally use petite diced or even crushed tomatoes if that’s what you’ve got.
Now, about the beans and corn – I always use canned for convenience, but hey, if you’re feelin’ fancy and have some leftover cooked beans (black or pinto), or even some fresh corn off the cob, go for it! Just adjust the amount to match roughly what the recipe calls for. And, of course, the chicken broth. I usually use store-bought, but if you’re a super pro, homemade chicken broth would be AMAZING. Honestly, even water works in a pinch if that’s all you’ve got and are desperate!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Okay, so listen, sometimes life gets crazy, and you just don’t have time to cook, right? No worries! This *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* is totally make-ahead friendly. You can prep everything – chop the veggies, measure out the spices, even cube the chicken – and store it all in a big ol’ zip-top bag in the fridge for up to a day. Then, just dump it in the slow cooker when you’re ready! Easy peasy!
And guess what? This soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’s the ultimate weeknight lifesaver!
Variations to Spice Up Your *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Okay, so, once you’ve made the *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* a few times, you might want to switch things up! Let your creativity loose, friends! Want to go veggie? Add some bell peppers, zucchini, or even a can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Feeling extra spicy? Throw in a diced jalapeño (careful!).
You can even swap out the chicken for some ground turkey or shredded pork (cook it first, though!). Or, if you’re feeling adventurous (and have some leftover taco meat), that works too! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices – a dash of smoked paprika or even a little chipotle powder can make a huge difference. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen, right?
Estimated Nutritional Information for *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Okay, so, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, because, well, ingredients can vary. But, a single, lovely cup of this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* comes in around:
- Calories: 300 (give or take!)
- Sugar: about 5 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg (watch out if you add extra salt!)
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: around 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams (yay!)
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams – fiber is awesome!
- Protein: 25 grams – protein power!
- Cholesterol: 75mg
See? Not too shabby! And it’s packed with flavor, so totally worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Okay, so, after you’ve devoured that big bowl of *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*, you might have a few questions, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I get asked all the time.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?
You *can* use frozen chicken breasts, but I don’t really recommend it for this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* (or most slow cooker recipes, if I’m honest!). Frozen chicken doesn’t cook as evenly and may take longer to cook through (plus, it can get a little…watery). For best results, thaw your chicken breasts completely before you throw them in the slow cooker. Safe food handling first, always!
How do I make the soup spicier?
Want to crank up the heat? No problem! There are a few easy peasy ways to add a kick to this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup*. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper (start small, because *whoa*!), or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper. If you want to take it even further, you can add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes. They add amazing flavor and spice all in one!
What can I serve with this soup?
Besides the amazing toppings I’ve already mentioned, this *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* is amazing with a side. Simple, crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for dipping, or a simple green salad. If I’m in the mood for an extra treat, I’ll even make some air-fryer tortilla chips to truly make the meal sing! The options are endless, really!
How do I store leftover soup?
Easy peasy! Let that *Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup* cool down completely (important!). Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It might even taste *better* the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to meld together!
