Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken

1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed

1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce

1 medium onion, chopped

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups water

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn

1 (15 once) can black beans-rinsed

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

7 corn tortillas

vegetable oil

Instructions:

Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker.

Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Stir in corn, beans, and cilantro.

Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.

Notes:

Prep Ahead: This soup is perfect for busy days as you can prepare the ingredients in advance and let the slow cooker do the work. Consider shredding the chicken and chopping the vegetables the night before for quicker assembly in the morning.

Customize Seasonings: Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chili powder or incorporate some diced jalapeños. For a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika.

Texture Variation: To add texture and depth to the soup, consider using a combination of whole and mashed tomatoes. The whole tomatoes offer bursts of freshness, while the mashed ones help create a thicker base.

Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize the vegetable additions based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. You can add bell peppers, diced carrots, or even zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.

Garnish Ideas: Besides the baked tortilla strips, consider topping the soup with additional garnishes such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Tortilla Strip Variation: If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought tortilla chips or strips instead of baking your own. Opt for baked or low-sodium options for a healthier choice.

Freezing Option: This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Soup Variations: Get creative with variations of this soup by swapping out the protein. Try using shredded beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, experiment with different types of beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans for added variety.

Broth Consistency: Adjust the amount of chicken broth based on your desired soup consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. Conversely, if you like a thinner consistency, you can add more broth or water.

Meal Pairing: Serve this flavorful soup as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad, crusty bread, or Mexican rice for a more substantial dinner option. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal spread.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1 cup of soup

Calories: 200 | Protein: 15 grams | Carbohydrates: 20 grams | Fat: 5 grams | Fiber: 4 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

No, it is recommended to use shredded, cooked chicken for this recipe. You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook the chicken separately before adding it to the slow cooker.

Using pre-cooked chicken ensures that it is tender and fully cooked by the time the soup is ready.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the soup by modifying the amount of green chile peppers used. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of green chiles or use mild instead of hot chiles.

Alternatively, you can omit them altogether if you prefer a non-spicy version.

Can I substitute the corn tortillas with flour tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditionally used for the tortilla strips in this recipe, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute if desired.

Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but they will still provide a delicious topping for the soup.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What are some optional toppings for this soup?

There are several optional toppings you can add to enhance the flavor of your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Some popular choices include shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack), sour cream, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or tortilla chips.

Feel free to customize your soup with your favorite toppings.

Can I use raw chicken in the slow cooker instead of pre-cooked chicken?

No, it is recommended to use shredded, cooked chicken in this recipe. Using pre-cooked chicken ensures that it is fully cooked and tender by the time the soup is ready.

You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook the chicken separately before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I cook the soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 30-45 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has reached your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken.

You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of water or chicken broth used in the recipe.

Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a bit more water or broth. Adjust the liquid according to your personal preference.

How should I store and reheat the leftovers?

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers and storing it in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

You may need to add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.