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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup combines tender shredded chicken with a flavorful broth rich in cumin and chili powder, cooked slowly to develop deep, savory flavors. The soup has a slightly thickened, hearty consistency with a bubbling appearance, finished with crispy tortilla strips and melted cheese for added texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic, minced about 1 teaspoon
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • ½ cup corn kernels optional
  • 4 tortillas corn or flour tortillas for topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • ½ cup sour cream optional topping
  • fresh cilantro cilantro leaves for garnish
  • salt to taste salt
  • pepper to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then add diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredable.
  2. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the other ingredients. If desired, add corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
  3. Toast the tortillas until lightly crispy, then cut into strips. In a small pan, lightly fry the tortilla strips until golden and crispy for topping.
  4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
  5. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for a bubbling, fragrant dish with a hearty texture.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also customize toppings with sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime.