Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically makes itself, you’ve landed in the right place! This Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a family favorite around here. With its delightful blend of spices and fresh flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. Plus, who doesn’t love a bowl of warm soup on a chilly day? Just throw everything in your crockpot, and let the magic happen!

This soup isn’t just about convenience; it’s about creating a dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe will surely impress. The best part? You can customize it to suit your tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Family-friendly: Kids love the flavors, and it’s easy to serve with fun toppings.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prep; just store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm and zesty taste that warms your heart.
• Healthy comfort food: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free pleasure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

For the Soup Base

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2-3 teaspoons taco seasoning
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups red enchilada sauce
• 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For Serving

• 1-2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Tortilla chips, for serving
• Yogurt, shredded cheddar, avocado, mango salsa, and green onion, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even beans for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some corn or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
• Adjust the heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the jalapeños or omit them altogether.
• Try different toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like sliced radishes or fresh lime wedges.

How to Make Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the onion, chop the jalapeños, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready means you can easily toss them into your crockpot without any fuss. This also helps keep your cooking space organized!

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Place all your prepared ingredients—onion, jalapeños, garlic, chicken breast or thighs—into the crockpot. Add in cumin, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, red enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything well. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully as they cook.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours if you’re short on time). Letting it simmer slowly enhances those rich flavors while keeping the chicken tender. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the soup pot along with cooked rice and lime juice. Stir well to incorporate everything while reintroducing that lovely texture from shredding.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle out generous portions into bowls and offer an array of toppings like yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, mango salsa, green onions—and don’t forget those crispy tortilla chips! Each bite will be bursting with flavor.

And there you have it—your very own Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup! Perfectly satisfying for any occasion. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creating the perfect Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is all about those little touches that make a big difference!

• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead: Chopping your vegetables and measuring out spices in advance can save you time when it’s go-time. Plus, it makes the cooking process feel even easier and more enjoyable.
• Customize the Heat Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using only one jalapeño or removing the seeds entirely. On the flip side, if you love heat, feel free to add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to amp up the flavor.
• Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the soup. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and aroma, making your dish even more delightful.
• Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: Adding lime juice just before serving gives a refreshing zing to your soup. It balances out the richness of the broth and adds depth to every spoonful.
• Let It Cook Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, letting your soup simmer longer than the minimum cook time can deepen flavors beautifully. The chicken becomes more tender, and all those spices have more time to meld together.

How to Serve Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving this delicious soup is just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful additions, you can create a beautiful presentation that will impress family or guests alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the spiciness of the soup.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado balances out the heat and brings a rich texture that elevates each bite.
• Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges on the side allows everyone to customize their citrusy zing according to their taste!

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth while adding a slightly sweet contrast.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: The creaminess of guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible combo that pairs wonderfully with your soup.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This delicious side features corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder—a perfect flavor match for your spicy soup!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup will not only warm your belly but also create an enjoyable dining experience! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making your busy nights a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• For easy thawing, consider flattening the bags before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave in short intervals; stir between each interval for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can add frozen chicken directly to your crockpot. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.

How spicy is the Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

The spice level can be adjusted by using more or fewer jalapeños. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit them without sacrificing flavor!

What toppings go well with Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Toppings like yogurt, shredded cheddar, avocado, mango salsa, and green onions enhance the soup’s flavors. Feel free to get creative with your favorite additions!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Perfect for cozy nights and gatherings alike, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up again and again. I hope you enjoy creating this comforting dish as much as I do—happy cooking!