Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup- Budget Friendly Easy & Quick Meals

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, yummy bowl of soup. This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for busy families looking for a budget friendly meal. 15 minutes to prep, you’ll have a warm meal for the family when you’re home from your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen diced tomatoes with green chilies or fire roasted work well 
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for topping)

Instructions:

1.  In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir to combine.
2.  Pour in the chicken broth and give it another quick stir. Drop in the bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the breasts from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred them. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
4. Stir in the fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.
5.  Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips or crushed chips.

Tips:

Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving for a creamy version.

For extra spice: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other ingredients.

Thicker soup: If you prefer a heartier texture, mash some of the black beans before adding them to the soup.