This slow cooker soup celebrates the Tex-Mex flavors that never fail to hit the spot (why, hello Mexican Chicken Casserole and Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas). Just like Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup, it stars juicy chicken breasts, filling beans, and a star line up of Mexican pantry spices, like chili powder and cumin. It is delish and worth every ounce of praise. And while I love chili spices with cooling avocado, in the aptly named chicken tortilla soup, it’s the tortilla that stars. Don’t get me wrong—we’re still adding avocado and a plethora of enticing topping options (see the “How to Top” section below), but those toppings are not here to mask a bland soup. This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup can stand on its own; the toppings just take it above and beyond (and above and beyond is what we all deserve right now!). Plus the consistency is perfecto. It’s thick enough to be substantial, with the right amount of rich broth to soak up the tortilla strips. This play of textures is one of the best parts of chicken tortilla soup.
How to Make This Recipe
The warming flavors combine in the slow cooker for incredible all-day flavor (just like my Crock Pot Corn Chowder and Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup to name a few). If the ease of the slow cooker, simple ingredients, and fab flavors didn’t seal the deal, this healthy chicken tortilla soup is really good for you too! With lean chicken, beans, and veggies, it’s a nutritious meal designed to satisfy any night of the week.
The Ingredients
Chicken. Tender chicken breasts help pack protein into this soup. Plus, they soak up all the delicious soup flavors and spices as they simmer.
Bell Peppers. Chopped red and green bell peppers are a tasty and colorful addition to our crock pot chicken tortilla soup. Jalapeño. Adds a little freshness and spice without being overpowering. Crushed Tomatoes. These form the base of our hearty soup. Chipotle Chiles in Adobo. The chipotle chiles in adobo have smokiness and some spice and are KEY to the soup’s flavor. Please don’t skip them. This soup is flavorful but not an overtly spicy chicken tortilla soup (but for more kick, you can add some of the liquid from the can).
Spices. Chili powder and cumin are the perfect combination for a warm and zesty flavor. Cornmeal. Thickens the soup. Beans. Makes the soup more hearty and adds a delicious textural element.
The Directions
For those craving thickness and the alternative flavor of white chicken tortilla soup from the slow cooker, try this reader favorite Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
How to Top Your Chicken Tortilla Soup
While toppings cannot cover a bad chicken soup, they can elevate a great chicken soup to heavenly status. Tortilla soup can be bad for you if you get carried away with toppings or choose toppings that are less nutritious. Take advantage of the below options for next-level taste and keep the soup wonderfully healthy:
Tortilla Strips. Obviously. These crispy delights are the ONE non-negotiable (they make chicken tortilla soup, well, chicken tortilla soup!). They can be pre-made or, for the ultimate healthy chicken tortilla soup, you can bake your own from corn tortillas (see the directions below).Avocado. Need I say more?Greek Yogurt. This is a great healthy substitute in a Tex-Mex soup in place of sour cream. Just add a spoonful (or two!) and you’ll have the perfect slow cooker creamy chicken tortilla soup.Onion. Diced up red or green onions sprinkled on top add crisp and crunchy acidity.Jalapeños. Either sliced or pickled jalapenos can give a little zest.Cheese. Another worthwhile addition. Though you should use cheese in moderation if you want to keep this more on the healthy side. Sharp cheddar is my favorite here. Since it has bold flavor on its own, a little goes a long way.
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate soup in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or gently in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze soup in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recommended Tools to Make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Slow Cooker. Perfect for making this chicken tortilla soup. Ladle. Serve your soups with ease.Skillet. Great for sautéeing the ingredients in this recipe.
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