Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, diced tomatoes, and corn, all simmered slowly to develop rich, smoky flavors. The soup has a thick, inviting texture with tender vegetables and a broth infused with warm spices, topped with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds bone-in or skinless chicken breasts preferably boneless for easier shredding
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 corn tortillas corn tortillas for crispy strips
- Optional to taste cilantro and lime for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients, then cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks in a large bowl.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir in the corn kernels, and let the soup simmer uncovered on high for another 15 minutes to let flavors meld and thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice the tortillas into strips and fry them in olive oil until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the crispy tortilla strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optional: add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Serve the hot soup in bowls, topping each with a handful of crispy tortilla strips and garnishes like cilantro and lime slices if desired.
- Enjoy your comforting, smoky Chicken Tortilla Soup with a side of warm tortillas or rice if preferred.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.