Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors in a comforting bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is rich, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Its versatility makes it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With its creamy texture and zesty kick, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do the work!
• Flavorful: The combination of spices, chicken, and vegetables creates a rich and savory taste.
• Versatile: Customize your soup by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to get kids to enjoy their veggies while savoring every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup even easier. Ensure you have these essentials ready before you start.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your soup simmers beautifully over several hours without constant supervision.
• Knife: A good knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for crisping up tortilla strips, adding a crunchy element to your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
• 3 cups chicken broth (see notes)
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes (half of a 28oz can)
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can southwest corn (drained)
• 1 can Ro-Tel (not drained)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon table salt

For Thickening and Toppings

• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon oil (any kind)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Mexican cheese (+more for serving)
• Cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Add the diced onion, jalapenos, minced garlic, chicken breast, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, black beans, southwest corn, Ro-Tel, chili powder, ground cumin, and table salt to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup

Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours. This allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

When there are 30 minutes left on the timer, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with ¼ cup of chicken broth until smooth. Add this slurry back into the soup for thickening. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tortilla Strips

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the corn tortillas into 1/4 inch strips. Toss them in 1 tablespoon of oil until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes until crispy.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks and return it back into the crock pot. Mix in heavy cream and grated Mexican cheese until well combined.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Ladle your creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy this hearty Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup as an easy dinner option that’s sure to delight!

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that can be customized in many ways for an enjoyable meal. Serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate the dining experience and cater to various tastes.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick that complements the soup perfectly.
• Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for richness and texture.

Accompanied by Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Place crispy tortilla strips on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Cheese: Offer extra Mexican cheese for those who love a cheesy finish to their soup.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.

Served with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are a great side that complements the flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To achieve a truly comforting and flavorful Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold spices: Use fresh spices or adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to enhance the flavor profile.
• Quality chicken broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness while ensuring rich taste.
• Fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables like onions and jalapeños instead of canned ones for a brighter flavor.
• Cheese options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for varied textures and spiciness.
• Slow cook time: Allow enough time for cooking; longer cooking enhances flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Add beans last: If you prefer firmer black beans, add them during the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup with delicious side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Guacamole: A creamy dip made from avocados that pairs well with the spices in your soup.
2. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa adds brightness and crunch, enhancing each spoonful of soup.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can serve as a hearty base alongside your soup, soaking up the flavors.
4. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant salad made with corn, lime, cheese, and spices provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent crunchy side dish option.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer an appealing presentation alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and jalapeño enhances the flavors. Take a few minutes to cook them in your skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Each ingredient varies in flavor intensity. Taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed throughout cooking for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken breast for too long can lead to dryness. Aim for 6-8 hours on low; check for doneness earlier if possible.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t forget to serve with tortilla strips, cheese, and cilantro for a complete dish.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is key to flavor. Opt for a good quality chicken broth or homemade stock for richer taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.

Freezing Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; keep it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered baking dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup so creamy?

The richness comes from heavy cream added at the end of cooking, creating a luscious texture that complements the spices.

Can I customize ingredients in this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also switch up the beans or cheese based on your preferences.

How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup isn’t thick enough, mix some corn starch with cold broth and stir it into the soup during the last half hour of cooking.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use corn tortillas and ensure all canned products are gluten-free, this recipe can easily fit into a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or veggies!

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