As autumn rolls in and the air gets crisp, nothing comforts the soul quite like a hearty bowl of soup. Among the plethora of recipes available, Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup stands out as a quintessential favorite that promises not only ease of preparation but also a burst of flavor with every spoonful.
The ease and warmth of our Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, where slow cooking brings out rich, bold flavors that comfort and satisfy.
Utilizing a slow cooker enhances the spices and tenderizes the chicken, creating a harmonious blend that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets you enjoy a delicious meal without fuss.
A Culinary Journey into Simplicity
This beloved dish has roots in Mexican cuisine and is renowned for its robust flavors and textural contrasts.
What sets this particular recipe apart is its simplicity. Using a slow cooker transforms everyday ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and corn into a delectable meal that seems to hug you from the inside.
The slow cooking process allows the spices, such as cumin and chili powder, to meld beautifully, creating layers of flavor that deepen with time.
Health Meets Flavor
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a boon for your health. This delicious soup combines lean chicken, an excellent source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth,1 with a variety of vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers add a good dose of antioxidants like lycopene, which is known for its potential to reduce disease risk.2 These components make the soup not only heart-healthy due to its low saturated fat content but also beneficial for weight management due to its high fiber and protein content, which can enhance satiety and aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
Moreover, the inclusion of spices such as cumin and chili powder in the soup provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits, which are great for overall health. Garlic, another key ingredient, is celebrated for its immune-boosting properties thanks to its compound allicin, which has antimicrobial effects.3
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound of cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes mashed
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chile peppers chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 7 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Combine chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, green chiles, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in water and chicken broth. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in the corn and cilantro.
- Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker on Low for 6 to 8 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours.
- Prepare Tortillas: Near the end of cooking time, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil.
- Bake Tortillas: Cut the tortillas into strips and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy tortilla strips.
Nutrition
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chicken
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lycopene
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7402177/
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.