Below is your full, clean, structured guide for SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP!
(With no wide line included — as requested.)
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP!
Introduction
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect comfort dish—warm, hearty, and full of layered Mexican-inspired flavors. It blends tender shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, spices, and aromatic broth into a meal that tastes restaurant-quality but requires very little hands-on time.
Origin
Chicken tortilla soup is believed to originate from central Mexico, particularly in and around Mexico City. Its foundation—rich broth, tomatoes, chiles, and tortillas—reflects traditional Mexican cooking techniques where tortillas are used not only as a side but also to thicken and flavor soups.
Cultural Significance
This soup highlights the Mexican tradition of using simple ingredients to create vibrant meals. Tortilla strips symbolize resourcefulness and heritage, honoring generations of home cooks who transformed everyday staples into deeply satisfying dishes. Today, it is enjoyed worldwide as a beloved comfort dish that brings people together.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves 6–8
- 1 ½ lbs (about 700 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) Rotel (or diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned drained)
- 4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Corn tortillas or tortilla chips (for serving)
Optional Additions
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (for extra heat)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 cup canned hominy
- ½ cup heavy cream for a creamier texture
- Avocado slices, cheese, and sour cream for topping
Tips for Success
- Don’t over-shred the chicken—keep it chunky for better texture.
- Add lime juice at the end to brighten flavors.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper richness.
- Toast tortilla strips for topping to keep them crispy.
- Adjust heat by adding more chiles or seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Add chicken breasts, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, corn, broth, and all seasonings. - Cook:
- On LOW for 6–7 hours, or
- On HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken:
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the pot. - Add Freshness:
Stir in lime juice and cilantro (if using). - Prepare Tortilla Toppings:
Slice corn tortillas into strips, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Or use tortilla chips for convenience. - Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, sour cream, or anything you prefer.
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. The broth is infused with spices, tomatoes, and a hint of lime, while shredded chicken adds hearty protein. Crisp tortilla strips provide a perfect crunchy contrast, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving without toppings)
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 24–28g
- Carbohydrates: 22–26g
- Fat: 5–8g
- Fiber: 6–8g
- Sodium: 800–1000mg (varies by broth)
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup brings together vibrant flavors and convenient slow-cooked comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers warmth, satisfaction, and authenticity in every bowl.
Recommendation
Serve this soup with warm cornbread, a fresh green salad, or Mexican rice for a complete and fulfilling meal. For extra richness, top with cheese or avocado slices.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish is a perfect example of nutritious indulgence—high in protein, full of vegetables, customizable to your dietary needs, and naturally comforting. You can enjoy bold flavor while keeping your meal balanced and wholesome.
If you’d like, I can also create a PDF, shorter version, meal-prep plan, or printable recipe card!