Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

The Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This creamy soup is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or cozy nights in. With its rich combination of spices, tender chicken, and crispy tortilla strips, it stands out as a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and allows the slow cooker to do all the work while you enjoy your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich Flavor: A blend of spices and creamy goodness makes each spoonful a delight.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup fits any occasion and can easily be customized.
• Family-Friendly: The kid-approved flavors make it an instant hit with everyone at the table.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking; leftovers taste even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious soup, gather the necessary tools. Having the right kitchen equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Knife & cutting board: Essential for efficiently prepping your ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for crisping up those tortilla strips to enhance your soup’s texture.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

For the Soup

• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 jalapeno (seeded and diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 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 & Serving

• 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 the Ingredients

Add the first 12 ingredients (from onion to salt) to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly. Set your slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 2: Thicken the Soup

When there are about 30 minutes left in cooking time, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with ¼ cup of the broth from the slow cooker. Stir until smooth, then pour this slurry back into the soup. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Tortilla Strips

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the tortillas into ¼ inch strips and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until crispy.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Add Cream

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the crockpot. Stir in the heavy cream and Mexican cheese until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a main course or as part of a larger spread, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Avocado slices – Add creamy avocado for richness and texture.
• Lime wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.

Pair with Crunchy Tortilla Strips

• Homemade tortilla strips – Bake or fry your own strips for added crunch and flavor.
• Store-bought tortilla chips – For convenience, serve with crispy tortilla chips.

Serve with Additional Toppings

• Chopped cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the soup.
• Diced red onion – For a bit of sharpness, sprinkle on some diced red onion.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

To ensure your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these handy tips.

• Bold seasoning – Don’t hesitate to adjust spices like chili powder and cumin according to your taste preferences.
• Use quality chicken broth – A good quality broth enhances the overall flavor of the soup significantly.
• Shred chicken well – Make sure to shred the chicken finely for even distribution throughout the soup.
• Adjust creaminess – Feel free to add more or less heavy cream based on how rich you want the soup to be.
• Add toppings before serving – Layering toppings just before serving keeps them fresh and crisp.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great ideas:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with spices complements the soup beautifully.
2. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the spicy flavors of the soup.
3. Guacamole – This creamy dip adds a cool element that pairs well with the heat of the soup.
4. Fresh Salad – A light green salad balances out the richness of the soup and adds freshness.
5. Quesadillas – Cheese quesadillas offer a cheesy, crispy side that kids will love.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic first can lead to a less developed flavor. Always take a moment to cook these aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Leaving chicken in the slow cooker for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy, tender chicken.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for a well-balanced taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This will elevate your soup’s overall taste and nutrition.
• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: If you don’t shred the chicken thoroughly after cooking, it will not distribute evenly throughout the soup. Use two forks to ensure it’s well shredded before returning it to the pot.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken, vegetables, and spices, all cooked slowly for maximum flavor.

How can I customize my Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

You can add ingredients like bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies or swap out chicken for turkey or lamb based on your preference.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes! You can increase the number of jalapeños or add hot sauce to give your soup more heat.

How do I thicken my soup further?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you could mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup during the last cooking phase.

What toppings go well with this soup?

Top your soup with avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips, cilantro, and extra cheese for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners!

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