THE BEST CROCK POT CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Recipe

I love the comforting vibes of this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. The mix of tender chicken, fire roasted tomatoes, and zesty taco seasonings makes every spoonful a cozy explosion of flavor. It is a slam dunk for busy weeknights, blending hearty ingredients and vibrant spices for an unforgettable meal.

I’ve been experimenting with different soups lately and this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup has quickly become a family favorite. I started with 1 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and mixed them with 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water.

Then I tossed in a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained black beans and corn along with chopped yellow onions, minced garlic, diced green and red bell peppers. I used a package of taco seasoning, 1 tsp of ground cumin and 1 tsp of chili powder along with salt and pepper to keep things balanced.

Some people compare it to Costa Vida Tortilla Soup or even Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup, but I like its unique, rich flavors that make it both hearty and healthy. It may remind you of classic shredded chicken tortilla soup, yet it’s wonderfully simple and perfect for meal prepping, especially when you need an easy crockpot meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because its super easy to make. I like how you can just dump all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it cook slowly which saves me so much time on busy days.

I also dig the mix of flavors, like the smoky fire roasted tomatoes and spices that blend really well with the chicken and veggies. The taste is always comforting and reminds me of family dinners.

Another reason is how flexible it is. I can add extra salsa or even different toppings if I want to change it up, making every bowl a new experience.

Lastly, it just fills the kitchen with the best smell and makes me feel like i’ve done something really special even if it’s really simple to make.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts supply lean protein, low fat, and rich flavor.
• Chicken broth provides a savory liquid base with essential electrolytes.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes offer tangy sweetness and a zesty vitamin boost.
• Black beans deliver fiber, protein, and a heartwarming texture punch.
• Corn adds natural sweetness with carbs, crunch, and vibrant color.
• Diced green bell pepper contributes vitamins, subtle crunch, and bright flavor.
• Chopped onions deliver savory depth, antioxidants, and a slight sweetness.
• Taco seasoning spices up the soup with bold, smoky flavors.
• Optional salsa provides extra tanginess and a spicy twist.
• Tortilla chips offer crunch and a satisfying texture contrast.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup salsa
• Optional toppings: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

How to Make this

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and add the chicken broth, water, and fire roasted diced tomatoes.

2. Add the drained black beans and corn into the pot.

3. Stir in the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper.

4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.

5. If you’re using salsa, stir it in now to bring an extra kick of flavor.

6. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

7. After cooking, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them back into the soup.

8. Give the soup a good stir so all the spices mix well with the chicken and veggies.

9. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve hot with your favorite tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime on top. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Crock pot – to cook everything low and slow.
2. Knife – for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
3. Cutting board – to prep the veggies and chicken.
4. Can opener – to open the tomatoes, black beans, and corn cans.
5. Measuring cups and spoons – for the chicken broth, water, and spices.
6. Large mixing spoon – to stir all the ingredients together.
7. Fork – used to shred the chicken after it’s cooked.
8. Ladle or serving bowl – for serving the finished soup.

FAQ

• Q: How long do I cook the soup for? A: Just let it cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for around 3 hours so that all the flavors get mixed up right.
• Q: Do I need to shred the chicken after it’s cooked? A: Yeah, after the chicken is done, take it out, shred it with two forks, then put it back into the soup to make it extra tasty.
• Q: Can I swap out chicken breasts for thighs? A: Sure you can, but thighs might change the flavor a bit and can be a bit fattier so keep that in mind.
• Q: Can I add extra spices if I like it spicier? A: Absolutely, you can add more chili powder or even some red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick.
• Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later fixins. Enjoy!

THE BEST CROCK POT CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken breasts: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or even turkey breasts if you’re looking for a slightly different taste.
• Chicken broth: If you’re out, try using low-sodium vegetable broth; it works great and gives you a lighter flavor.
• Fire roasted tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes mixed with a pinch of smoked paprika can give you a similar smoky vibe.
• Taco seasoning: You can make your own mix with extra cumin, chili powder, garlic and onion powder if you like more control over the spices.

Pro Tips

1. Try lightly sauteing the garlic and onions before adding them to the crock pot. It really boosts the flavor and makes the soup extra tasty.
2. Always taste the soup near the end of the cooking time so you can adjust the salt, pepper or even add a bit more chili powder if you like it spicier.
3. If you’re using salsa, add it a little at a time. That way you can control how tangy and spicy the final soup turns out to be.
4. Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps all the flavors blend together even more and makes for a richer taste.