Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what it feels like to have a hug in a bowl? This crockpot dinners recipe is just that! Imagine a creamy, flavourful, southwestern inspired soup that practically cooks itself.
What's the Deal with This Soup?
This isn't just any soup, yeah? It's creamy chicken tortilla soup , a hearty and comforting dish with roots in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Think of it as a lighter, brighter take on a stew. This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is so simple.
Prep takes about 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It serves 6-8 people.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Creation
Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. First, it’s packed with protein and loaded with veggies. This is one healthy crockpot soup .
It's the perfect family friendly crockpot meals for those chilly evenings. And because its made in the crockpot, clean up is a breeze.
It is one of the best dump and start slow cooker meals . Perfect for those busy weeknight crockpot recipes .
Ready for ingredients? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Arsenal
Alright, let's talk ingredients. This creamy chicken tortilla soup is all about ease. We want this easy chicken tortilla soup recipe to be a breeze.
Honestly, it's about as simple as dump and start slow cooker meals get.
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for plump, pink chicken. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. (about 1 cup / 150g ).
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ).
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can corn, drained.
- 1 (10 ounce/283g) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel). Go mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice tolerance!
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is your best bet.
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder.
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened. Full fat or low-fat works fine.
Seasoning Notes for Southwestern Slow Cooker Dishes
This soup is a great example of southwestern slow cooker dishes . I reckon cumin, garlic powder, and taco seasoning are non-negotiable here.
They give that authentic southwestern flavour. If you're missing taco seasoning, use chili powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and some salt.
For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For some aroma, use fresh cilantro at the end.
Equipment Needed
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker/crockpot . A slow cooker is obviously essential for crockpot dinners !
- Sharp knife and cutting board. For chopping those veggies like a pro.
- Can opener. No explanation needed, mate!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements make all the difference.
If you don't have a fancy cutting board, any flat, stable surface will do. A bowl can sub in for measuring cups in a pinch.
Just eyeball it like your nan used to!
Honestly, one of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to scale for large family friendly crockpot meals. You just need a slightly bigger crockpot.
And, if you are looking to cook healthy crockpot soup , like this, you can always adjust the ingredients to make it work for you and your personal health goals!
This recipe shows the magic of crockpot soup recipes !
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup A Fiesta in a Pot!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good soup? Especially when it's as easy as this creamy crockpot chicken tortilla soup . It’s like sunshine in a bowl, perfect for those gloomy weeknights when you need a bit of comfort.
This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is proper simple, even I can't mess it up! This vibrant and flavorful chicken tortilla soup is the ultimate easy weeknight meal .
It is inspired by classic southwestern flavors, this creamy version features tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a touch of spice.
Dump it all in the crockpot in the morning, and come home to a delicious, heartwarming dinner.
This soup is basically a hug in a bowl, inspired by classic southwestern flavours. It's a real family friendly crockpot meals and dump and start slow cooker meals !
Prep Steps for Your Crockpot Adventure
Mise en place , as they say. It's all about getting your ducks in a row, innit? So, chop your onion and bell pepper, rinse those beans and corn.
Soften your cream cheese too. This takes about 15 minutes. Get it all prepped, and you’re winning.
Essential mise en place : To get started, chop 1 medium yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper. Rinse and drain 1 (15 ounce/425g) can of black beans and 1 (15 ounce/425g) can of corn.
Soften 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese. Time saving organization tips : Pre-chop the vegetables the night before. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Safety reminders (if applicable) : Wash all produce thoroughly before chopping. Use a clean cutting board.
Easy Peasy step-by-step
Right, let's get cooking. Here’s how you turn simple ingredients into amazing crockpot dinners . I’ve even made it idiot proof.
- Chuck 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker .
- Pile on 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, black beans, corn, and 1 (10 ounce/283g) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Sprinkle 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
- Pour 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth over everything.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Shred the chicken with two forks, then stir it back in.
- Stir in 8 ounces (225g) of softened cream cheese until it’s all smooth and creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and go mad with toppings!
Pro Tips for a Proper Good Soup
Listen up, because these tips are gold. They’ll take your crockpot soup recipes from good to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".
- Don't overcook the chicken. You want it to shred easily.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings. A pinch of salt can make all the difference.
- Get creative with toppings like tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
This is perfect for weeknight crockpot recipes that bring sunshine to your dinner table. Don't forget the toppings for a proper creamy chicken tortilla soup ! Get that southwestern slow cooker dishes ready now
And there you have it, love! Now, off you trot and make some magic happen in the kitchen.
Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Dreamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You've got the recipe for my creamy chicken tortilla soup , now here's the inside scoop on making it your own, yeah? This easy chicken tortilla soup recipe is foolproof, but these little tweaks will make you a kitchen wizard!
Serving Suggestions Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous crockpot soup ready to serve. Presentation is everything, innit? I love serving this in rustic bowls with a generous handful of crushed tortilla chips right on top.
A dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you're feeling virtuous), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few slices of avocado? Oh my gosh, it's a fiesta in a bowl! I sometimes serve it with warm cornbread too! To drink? A light Mexican beer or a lime margarita pairs perfectly!
Storage Tips Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy crockpot soup keeps beautifully. Once it's cooled down (don't leave it out for more than two hours, safety first!), pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing? Absolutely! This is perfect for meal prepping. Just portion it out into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Give it a good stir to make sure everything's combined nicely.
Variations Make it Your Own!
Honestly, this crockpot dinners recipe is super adaptable. Fancy a spicy kick? Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker .
Vegetarian? No worries! Just skip the chicken and add more beans and veggies like zucchini and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Looking for a dairy-free option? Swap out the cream cheese for cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Simple as that! You can also swap the yellow onion for any onion.
Nutrition Basics Goodness in a Bowl
So, what's the skinny on this family friendly crockpot meals ? Each serving clocks in at roughly 350 calories, packed with around 30g of protein and 5g of fiber.
It's a pretty balanced meal, especially if you're mindful of your toppings. Of course, this is an estimate, and it depends on what you throw in there.
Look, this southwestern slow cooker dishes recipe is a winner, yeah? It's dead easy, tastes amazing, and it's proper good for you.
So get in the kitchen and give it a go! And don't be afraid to experiment. After all, cooking should be fun! With these dump and start slow cooker meals you can't go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup ahead of time? Like, can I be a proper clever clogs and get it sorted on Sunday for the week?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of crockpot dinners. You can prepare this soup a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
You might need to add a splash of chicken broth if it's thickened up too much.
My chicken always ends up dry in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong, and is there a way to avoid the dreaded dry bird in my crockpot dinners?
Ah, the eternal struggle! Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Make sure you're using chicken breasts, which are leaner than thighs and can dry out faster. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through and shreds easily.
If you're worried, try adding a little extra chicken broth or cooking on low for a shorter amount of time. Consider searing the chicken briefly before adding it to the crockpot to lock in moisture.
Is there a way to make this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier? I like a bit of a kick, like a proper Nando's!
You bet! If you're after a bit of heat, you have several options. You can use a hotter version of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), add a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
A pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder will also do the trick. Taste as you go and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Can I freeze this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup? What's the best way to store leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
For storing leftovers in the fridge, keep them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier are there any lighter substitutions I can make to this crockpot dinner recipe?
Of course! You can easily lighten this soup up. Use low-sodium chicken broth, opt for low-fat cream cheese, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Load up on the vegetables and use leaner chicken breasts. You could even skip the cream cheese altogether for a less creamy but still delicious soup.
Remember to be mindful of portion sizes too!
What kind of toppings work best with this soup? I'm looking to impress my mates, like a proper chef!
Toppings are where you can really let your personality shine! The classics are tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado. But don't be afraid to get creative!
Consider adding a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of pico de gallo, some pickled onions, or even a swirl of lime crema. Presentation is key, so arrange your toppings beautifully in small bowls so everyone can customize their soup.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
