Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes red enchilada sauce and boneless chicken breasts. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 breasts)
• 2 cans chicken broth (14.5-ounce cans)
• 14 ounces red enchilada sauce
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream (if desired, for a creamier soup)
• 2-3 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (if desired to make a thicker soup)
• 1 can pinto beans, drained (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (optional, do not use canned)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Sauté vegetables: Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Season peppers, onion, and garlic with 1 teaspoon of salt and saute until tender. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add chicken and seasonings: Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, taco seasoning, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
3. Slow cook the soup: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Shred chicken and add extras: Remove the chicken, shred or chop, and return to the slow cooker. Add optional ingredients like corn or beans at this stage.
5. Make it creamy or thick (optional): For a creamier soup, stir in 1-2 cups of heavy cream. For a thicker soup, whisk 2-3 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into the cream before adding. Cook on high for 1 more hour.
6. Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, tortilla strips, or your favorite garnishes.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use frozen chicken?
  It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety, especially in a slow cooker.
• How to make it spicier:
  Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the seasonings.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Yes, simply skip the cream for a broth-based soup that’s still delicious.
• How to thicken the soup:
  Mix cornstarch or flour with cream before adding to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• How long does it keep?
  This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.

What To Serve With Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs well with:

• Warm cornbread or cheesy quesadillas
• A side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
• Fresh avocado slices or guacamole
• A light green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Crunchy tortilla chips or baked nachos

How To Store Chicken Tortilla Soup

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 66mg
• Sodium: 846mg
• Potassium: 658mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Calcium: 68mg
• Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, just add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking to warm it through.

Why is my soup too thin?
You may need to add a thickener like cornstarch or reduce the liquid slightly by cooking uncovered for a bit.

What toppings go well with chicken tortilla soup?
Try tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapeños.

Can I cook it on low instead of high?
Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be if you use cornstarch instead of flour and double-check all seasoning labels.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chicken Tinga
• Crock Pot Chicken Thai Peanut
• Crock Pot Chicken Salsa