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Easy Hearty Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

easy hearty crockpot chicken tortilla soup - featured image

A comforting and flavorful crockpot chicken tortilla soup that is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, perfect for cozy dinners and busy schedules.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup tortilla strips or crispy tortilla chips
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro. Drain and rinse the black beans. Cut the chicken breasts into halves if large for even cooking.
  2. Layer the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth over everything.
  3. Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or High for 3-4 hours. Cover with the lid and let it cook until the chicken is tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts with tongs or a slotted spoon. Use two forks to shred the meat finely, then return it to the pot and stir well.
  5. Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips and preferred extras like avocado or cheese.

Notes

Toast tortilla strips briefly in a dry skillet before serving for extra crunch. Avoid overcooking chicken to prevent dryness. Add fresh lime juice at the end to brighten flavors. If soup is too thick, add extra broth or water. For stovetop cooking, simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until chicken is tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, chicken tortilla soup, easy soup, slow cooker, hearty soup, Mexican soup, comfort food