This hearty and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to make in the crockpot and features a rich blend of spices, tender shredded chicken, and a satisfying crunch from homemade tortilla strips. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded (pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomatoes, whole peeled, mashed
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (4 oz) can green chile peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin, ground
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (10 oz) package corn, frozen
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 7 corn tortillas, for garnish
- Vegetable oil, for brushing tortillas
Directions
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a slow cooker, combine the shredded chicken, mashed tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chopped onion, green chiles, and minced garlic.
- Add the water and chicken broth, then season with cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Soup:
- Stir in the frozen corn, rinsed black beans, and chopped cilantro.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld.
- Prepare Tortilla Strips:
- About 15 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil, then cut them into thin strips.
- Spread the tortilla strips on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until they are crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Check the soup for seasoning and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the crispy tortilla strips on top.
This Chicken Tortilla Crockpot Soup is a perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant spices, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a satisfying and comforting dish that can be served any day of the week! Enjoy!