Description
This Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a rich tomato-based broth, and bold Mexican spices. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, it’s topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and lime for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Onion
- Garlic
- Jalapeño
- Tomato paste
- Lime juice
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Bay leaf
- Corn tortillas or tortilla chips (for topping)
- Avocado (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for topping)
- Shredded cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeño.
- Layer in the Crock-Pot – Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and tomato paste.
- Season the Soup – Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
- Cook Low and Slow – Set the Crock-Pot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Shred the Chicken – Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Final Touches – Stir in lime juice for a burst of freshness and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prepare the Tortilla Strips – Slice corn tortillas into strips, lightly fry or bake them until crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with extra beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Spicier Option – Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Low-Carb Adaptation – Skip the corn and tortilla strips to reduce carbohydrates.
- Instant Pot Method – Use the pressure cooker function to prepare the soup in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Crock-Pot Soup, Mexican Soup, Slow Cooker Recipe, Easy Meal Prep