Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

The Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy gatherings, this creamy soup features tender chicken simmered with hearty vegetables and spices. Its rich flavor profile is enhanced by the addition of crispy tortilla strips, making it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and cream creates a robust taste that excites the palate.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream for added flair.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, enhancing flavors over time.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for prepping your fresh ingredients quickly and safely.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for crisping up tortilla strips to add texture to your soup.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 onion (diced)
– 2 jalapeno (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
– 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: Combine Your Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to your slow cooker:
1. Diced onion
2. Diced jalapeno
3. Minced garlic
4. Chicken breast
5. Chicken broth
6. Crushed tomatoes
7. Black beans
8. Southwest corn
9. Ro-Tel
10. Chili powder
11. Ground cumin
12. Table salt

Cook on low for 6–8 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 2: Thicken Your Soup

With 30 minutes remaining on the timer:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of corn starch with ¼ cup of chicken broth to create a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the soup in the slow cooker.
3. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Tortilla Strips

Preheat your oven to 400°F:
1. Cut the corn tortillas into ¼ inch strips.
2. Toss them in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil until evenly coated.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Finish Your Soup

Once cooking is complete:
1. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
2. Return shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Mexican cheese until well combined.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Ladle your creamy chicken tortilla soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions to enhance your meal.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup, adding a zesty kick.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the soup’s rich flavors.

Pair with Crunchy Tortilla Strips

• Oven-Baked Strips: Make homemade tortilla strips by baking them until crispy for an enjoyable crunch.
• Store-Bought Chips: For convenience, serve with store-bought tortilla chips that can be dipped into the soup.

Offer Additional Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken on top for a heartier meal option.
• Shredded Cheese: Provide extra cheese for those who love a cheesy finish to their bowl.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider these simple tips.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Enhance flavor by adding extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
• Creamier Texture: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it before adding the cream and cheese.
• Vegetable Variety: Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Slow Cooking Time: Allow the soup to cook longer on low heat for deeper flavors; don’t rush the process.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup beautifully.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
3. Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip provides richness and pairs well with tortilla chips.
4. Garden Salad: A fresh salad with light vinaigrette refreshes the palate in between bites of soup.
5. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas make for a cheesy side that is easy to prepare.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Veggies roasted with olive oil and spices add color and nutrients to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onion and garlic can lead to a less flavorful soup. Spend a few minutes cooking them before adding to the slow cooker for better results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking times closely; it should be tender but not overdone.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor strength. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for the best flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: A bland broth can dull your soup’s taste. Opt for high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for richer flavor.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings like cheese and cilantro elevate your soup. Don’t skip them; they add texture and freshness that enhance the overall dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

You can pair this soup with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize my Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

Is it possible to use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot; just increase cooking time by an hour or so.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a deliciously comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a family favorite. You can easily customize this recipe with your choice of toppings or additional ingredients like beans or corn. Give it a try for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

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