Delicious & Effortless: The Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (21 Day Fix Approved!)
This Crock Pot chicken tortilla soup is bursting with incredible flavor! It’s the perfect 21 Day Fix-friendly dinner to come home to, as it practically cooks itself, filling your house with an amazing aroma. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the magic unfold.
Like many of you, our household is currently navigating the adjustment to a new “Back to School” routine. It’s a whirlwind of activities, and frankly, it’s been quite demanding! To say we have a lot on our plate would be an understatement. In times like these, my programmable Crock Pot has truly become my kitchen MVP – a close second only to my trusty wine bottle opener, of course.
The best Crock Pot recipes are those that simplify life: you toss all the ingredients in, carry on with your endless to-do list, and later, a delicious meal is ready and waiting. No fuss, no stress, just pure convenience. This Crock Pot chicken tortilla soup epitomizes that ideal. There’s no need for pre-cooked chicken or the extra step of sautéing vegetables. In fact, there’s very little chopping involved at all, making it a true “dump and go” marvel.
While I often enjoy making homemade baked tortilla strips to serve alongside this soup, organic store-bought tortilla chips work perfectly well in a pinch. With the chilly weather we’re experiencing here in Pennsylvania today, a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup is exactly what the doctor ordered!
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Why Your Slow Cooker Is a Game-Changer
In our modern, fast-paced lives, finding time to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals can feel like an impossible task. This is precisely where the humble slow cooker, or Crock Pot, becomes an indispensable tool. It’s not just for pot roasts anymore; it’s a versatile appliance that can transform your dinner routine, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and other commitments.
The primary benefit is the hands-off cooking experience. Imagine starting your day by simply adding a few ingredients to a pot, setting it, and then returning hours later to a fully cooked, delicious meal. There’s no standing over a hot stove, no constant stirring, and often, less cleanup since everything cooks in one vessel. For busy parents, professionals, or anyone looking to reduce kitchen stress, a slow cooker is a true blessing. It allows flavors to meld beautifully over time, often resulting in dishes that taste even better than those prepared quickly. This chicken tortilla soup is a shining example, offering deep, rich flavors with minimal active effort.
The Magic Behind This Chicken Tortilla Soup
What makes this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup so special? It’s more than just convenience; it’s about delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This recipe embraces the “dump and go” philosophy, meaning you don’t need to spend precious time pre-cooking or sautéing anything. The chicken goes in raw, surrounded by vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, all simmering together to create a harmonious blend of tastes.
The result is a wonderfully comforting, savory, and slightly spicy soup that warms you from the inside out. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts become incredibly tender, practically falling apart to be easily shredded right in the pot. The combination of diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and black beans creates a hearty, satisfying texture, while the onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder build a robust flavor profile that’s both authentic and deeply satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round, but it truly shines on a cool evening when you crave something wholesome and soul-satisfying.
Making It 21 Day Fix Friendly (and Beyond!)
For those following the 21 Day Fix program, this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is an absolute win. It’s designed to be perfectly compliant, making healthy eating simple and delicious. Each serving is carefully balanced to fit into your daily container counts, helping you stay on track without feeling deprived. This recipe emphasizes lean protein (chicken), plenty of vegetables (tomatoes, corn, beans, onion, jalapeño), and a modest portion of complex carbohydrates (black beans, and optionally, tortilla strips).
The beauty of this soup lies in its wholesome ingredients. By choosing low-sodium broth and no-salt-added canned goods, you maintain control over your sodium intake, which is crucial for overall health and specific programs like the 21 Day Fix. The natural fiber from the vegetables and beans contributes to satiety, keeping you fuller for longer. And when it comes to toppings, thoughtful choices like avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt (as a healthier alternative to sour cream) can add extra flavor and healthy fats while still fitting within your container guidelines. It’s a testament to how flavorful and satisfying healthy eating can be.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes This Soup Sing
Each component of this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup plays a vital role in creating its incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Let’s break down some of the key ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the star protein of our soup. Using raw chicken directly in the slow cooker ensures that it absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the broth and spices as it slowly cooks to tender perfection. Once cooked, it shreds effortlessly, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies & No-Salt-Added Diced Tomatoes: This dynamic duo forms the liquid base and introduces a delightful Tex-Mex tang. The green chilies provide a subtle kick and authentic flavor, while the no-salt-added diced tomatoes allow you to control the overall sodium content of the dish, a healthier choice.
- Frozen Corn & Black Beans: These add vibrant color, sweetness, and heartiness to the soup. Corn offers a touch of sweetness and a pleasant chew, while black beans contribute protein, fiber, and a creamy texture. Opting for no-salt-added, drained, and rinsed black beans further ensures a healthy profile.
- Onion, Jalapeño, and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables are the foundation of many flavorful dishes. Diced onion and minced garlic provide a savory base, while the diced jalapeño introduces a customizable level of heat. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño (and whether you remove the seeds) to suit your preference for spice.
- Organic Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Stock: The liquid medium that brings everything together. Choosing low-sodium and organic options ensures a cleaner flavor and healthier outcome, allowing the other ingredients to truly shine.
- Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Himalayan Salt, and Black Pepper: This blend of spices is what truly defines the “tortilla soup” flavor. Cumin and chili powder are quintessential to Mexican-inspired cuisine, providing warmth, earthiness, and a subtle smokiness. Himalayan salt and black pepper are used to season the soup to perfection, enhancing all the other flavors.
Homemade Tortilla Strips: The Perfect Crunch
While store-bought organic tortilla chips are a convenient option, taking a few extra minutes to make homemade baked tortilla strips truly elevates this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Not only do they offer a fresher, crispier texture, but they also give you complete control over the ingredients and seasoning.
Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take a stack of organic corn tortillas and cut them into thin strips. Aim for about ¼ to ½ inch wide strips.
- Spread the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray. This provides a minimal amount of fat for crisping.
- Sprinkle them generously with Himalayan salt (or your preferred salt). You can also add a pinch of chili powder or cumin for extra flavor.
- Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
These homemade strips add a delightful crunch and a more authentic feel to your soup, making the effort well worth it. Plus, they’re a much healthier alternative to deep-fried versions!
Elevate Your Bowl: Creative Topping Ideas
The beauty of chicken tortilla soup is how customizable it is with toppings. They add texture, flavor, and visual appeal, turning a simple bowl of soup into a gourmet experience. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- Avocado: Creamy, rich, and full of healthy fats. Diced or sliced avocado adds a luxurious texture and mellows any spiciness.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully into the warm soup, adding a savory, cheesy goodness.
- Lime Wedges: A fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the rich soup.
- Greek Yogurt: As a healthier alternative to sour cream, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess and a boost of protein.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is a classic pairing, offering a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra layer of heat and a tangy bite, pickled jalapeño slices are a fantastic addition.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion can add a sharp, pungent flavor and a crisp texture.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will kick up the heat for those who love an extra fiery bowl.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combination!
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Achieving slow cooker perfection is easy with a few simple tips:
- Don’t Overfill: Ensure your Crock Pot is not more than two-thirds full. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and potential leaks.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and your cooking time can be extended by 20-30 minutes. Let the slow cooker do its job uninterrupted for the recommended cooking time.
- Easy Shredding: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks on a cutting board. Alternatively, you can place the cooked chicken breasts in a large bowl and use a hand mixer on low speed for incredibly quick and easy shredding. Return the shredded chicken to the soup before serving.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing, or omit it entirely. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two on low, or about 30 minutes to an hour on high, to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer (it should reach 165°F/74°C).
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian tortilla soup, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can compensate for the lack of chicken by adding an extra can of black beans, a can of pinto beans, or even some diced zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
How long does this soup last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days.
Here’s the Slow Cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts about 3-4 Breasts
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes no salt added
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 cup black beans no salt added, drained & rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups organic low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tortilla Strips:
- Organic corn tortillas
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Himalayan salt
Optional toppings:
- Avocado, cheese, lime, Greek yogurt, cilantro
Instructions
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Toss all the ingredients for the soup into your crock pot. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
To make homemade tortilla strips:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cut the corn tortillas into thin strips. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with Himalayan salt. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve the hot soup with a generous helping of homemade tortilla strips and your favorite optional toppings!
Notes
WW: 1 point plus toppings (per serving)
Nutrition
Meal Planning Made Easy: Additional Resources
Dinner planning doesn’t have to be a chore! If you’re looking to streamline your kitchen time and discover more delicious, FIX-approved recipes, be sure to check out my eBooks on Etsy. They come packed with easy recipes, comprehensive grocery lists, and smart prep tips designed to minimize your time in the kitchen so you can spend more time doing what you love.
And if you’re currently on a round of the 21 Day Fix, remember you don’t have to navigate it alone! Let me be your coach. Reach out to me at [email protected] to join my current challenge group. You’ll gain access to daily motivation, fresh recipe ideas, and the incredible support of a community of over 200 women all working towards their health and fitness goals together.
