Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for added flavor)
For Serving:
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs), black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onion, garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into your crock pot.
Step 2: Cook
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Lime Juice (Optional)
Stir in the lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken Options: You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or stick with chicken breasts for a leaner version. Both work well in this soup.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder when you add the other ingredients.
- Tortilla Strips: For the ultimate crunch, you can make your own tortilla strips by slicing corn tortillas and baking them in the oven at 375°F until crispy, about 10 minutes.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Omit the chicken and add more beans (like pinto beans or kidney beans) and extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
2. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking to make the soup creamy and rich.
3. Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup
For a smoky and spicy version, add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
4. Low-Carb Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make a keto-friendly version, skip the corn and beans, and replace them with low-carb veggies like cauliflower or bell peppers. Serve with pork rinds instead of tortilla strips for added crunch.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version, follow these adjustments:
- Omit the corn and black beans, which are higher in carbs.
- Add more low-carb vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower rice, or bell peppers to bulk up the soup.
- Use pork rinds instead of tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
- Ensure the chicken broth is low-carb and has no added sugar.
These changes will help keep the carbs low while still giving you all the flavor and satisfaction of the original recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! To save time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add the cooked chicken to the crock pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Q: What kind of toppings should I use?
Some favorite toppings include tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Feel free to get creative and add your favorites!
This Chicken Tortilla Crock Pot Soup is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, zesty spices, and all the delicious toppings you love, this soup is perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a hearty, flavorful dish that’s ready when you are. Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of deliciousness!
