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Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe with Crispy Strips for Perfect Comfort Meal

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A cozy and comforting slow cooker chicken tortilla soup featuring tender chicken, smoky spices, and crispy homemade tortilla strips for the perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Olive oil (for sautéing and frying tortilla strips)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), black beans, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  4. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tortilla strips with a little olive oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, pan-fry in oil until crispy.
  6. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

Sautéing onion and garlic before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor. For thicker soup, mash some beans or blend a portion. Make tortilla strips fresh before serving to keep them crispy. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by 1 hour. Instant Pot can be used with sauté and pressure cook functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tortilla soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, tortilla strips, Mexican soup

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/easy-crockpot-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-with-crispy-strips-for-perfect-comfort-meal/