Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot

This Chicken Tortilla Soup is my go-to solution for family dinners when life gets busy and I need something hearty, colorful, and crowd-pleasing. The flavors develop beautifully in the crock pot, making the kitchen smell incredible with hardly any hands-on work. Whether you make it loaded with toppings or tailored to picky eaters, this recipe guarantees empty bowls and full hearts.

I started making this during a hectic school week and now it’s my answer to every wild after-school night. My family requests it so often I know the recipe by heart.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: tender protein that soaks up all the spice pick fresh or thawed chicken for best results
• Bell peppers and onion: these form the flavor backbone look for firm shiny peppers and onions without soft spots
• Garlic: brings depth use fresh cloves for the biggest punch
• Chicken broth: creates a savory base low-sodium gives you the most control over seasoning
• Red or green enchilada sauce: the secret to rich flavor pick your family’s favorite mild or spicy variety
• Cumin chili powder oregano taco seasoning: these spices give warmth and depth measure them out before starting for easy prep
• Salt: enhances every ingredient taste before serving to adjust
• Corn and black beans: add sweetness and heartiness use canned or frozen and rinse beans well
• Heavy cream: optional for extra richness choose a good quality cream for creamier texture
• Flour or cornstarch: helps thicken soup if you like it extra hearty
• Garnishes like chopped cilantro sour cream tortilla strips jalapenos or grated cheese: brighten and finish the bowl use fresh crisp cilantro and high-quality tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a skillet melt butter over medium heat and add diced peppers onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt and cook gently for about eight minutes until everything turns soft and fragrant. This long sauté time pulls out deep rich flavors that carry through into the soup.

Layer and Season:

Transfer the sautéed aromatics into your crock pot and spread in an even layer. Lay the chicken breasts or thighs directly on top.

Add the Flavorful Liquids:

Pour in chicken broth and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle in cumin chili powder oregano taco seasoning and the rest of the salt so everything gets its chance to mingle and meld together.

Slow Cook:

Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on high for three to four hours or until the chicken is totally cooked through and easily pulls apart with a fork. This slow simmer creates the best flavor and texture.

Shred the Chicken:

Open the crock pot and carefully pull out the chicken with tongs. Shred or chop it on a cutting board then return it to the soup so each piece absorbs all that spice.

Customize Your Soup:

Now is the moment to toss in corn or black beans if you want those extras. Stir in heavy cream for a touch of richness or whisk in flour or cornstarch with the cream if you like a thicker stew.

Final Simmer and Serve:

With all ingredients added put the lid back and cook on high for one more hour. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and load each one with your favorite garnishes.

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Every time I make this I look forward to the moment I add a huge handful of cilantro right at the end. The bright fresh flavor always makes me think of laughing around the dinner table with everyone building their perfect bowl.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and they stay fresh for three to four days. This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors develop. If you make a double batch divide and freeze portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if you love richer flavor. If you have vegetarians just skip the chicken and use extra beans and veggies with good vegetable broth. No enchilada sauce on hand Stir in a mix of tomato sauce and extra spices to substitute.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of rice extra lime wedges or avocado on top. Lay out all the toppings so everyone in the family can customize their bowl. For a party serve in mugs for easy handheld eating.

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken Tortilla Soup has roots in Mexican home cooking with regional twists throughout North and Central America. The combination of broth chicken and crispy tortilla strips was first popularized in central Mexico and has since inspired dozens of versions across the United States. This recipe is my family’s blend of those classic flavors and modern convenience.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this soup?

Yes, you can add shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken near the end of the cooking time to warm through without overcooking.

→ How spicy is this soup?

The level of heat depends on your enchilada sauce and the chili powder used. For a milder version, select mild sauce and reduce chili powder.

→ What toppings go well with chicken tortilla soup?

Popular options include tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. Customize to taste.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Cool the soup fully, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Omit heavy cream or substitute with a non-dairy alternative, and enjoy the soup with your favorite toppings.

→ How long should I cook the soup in the slow cooker?

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked. Add toppings and extra ingredients after shredding the chicken.