Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup Crockpot
Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup: Your New Crockpot Obsession
Ever feel like you're juggling too many things? What if dinner could cook itself? You know, something easy but bursting with flavor? This Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is the answer.
We're diving headfirst into the world of easy crockpot meals that don't sacrifice taste. This soup's got that warm, Southwestern vibe.
It is packed with tender chicken, beans, and a kick of spice. You will feel a taste of Mexico in every spoonful.
A Taste of Tradition, Made Easy
This soup borrows flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine. Honestly, who has hours to spend simmering a complex soup after a long day? Not me! That's why this slow cooker version is perfect.
It’s a dump and go crockpot meals dream. It needs minimal effort, and maximum flavor. It feeds a crowd, and it is so good.
It’s great for casual get-togethers.
Why You'll Love This Soup
This soup is surprisingly healthy! It's loaded with protein and fiber. Its the perfect bowl of goodness for a chilly evening.
Or any night you crave something hearty. I've made this for sports night dinners quick meals , and it was a slam dunk every time.
I honestly do think it is the best weeknight crockpot dinners . It offers a comforting bowl of deliciousness. The best part? It's super adaptable to what you have on hand.
It's truly budget friendly crockpot meals .
Ready to make some magic happen with this Crockpot Chicken Recipes ? Let's gather our ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup! I promise, even if you're not a seasoned chef, this recipe is super forgiving.
Ingredients & Equipment
For easy crockpot meals , especially this soup, you'll be amazed at how little effort goes in for how much flavor comes out! This could easily be one of your go-to Weeknight Crockpot Dinners if you plan ahead.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 900g ) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a healthy pink color. Avoid any that look pale or feel slimy.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 200g ). Yellow onions are your best friend here.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 150g ).
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 150g ).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 425g ). Rinsing is key to cut down on that... bean "gas". You know?
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (about 425g ).
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (about 425g ).
- 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (about 283g ). This adds a nice kick!
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (about 425g ).
- 4 cups chicken broth (about 950ml ). Low sodium is always a good shout.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce/28g ). Honestly, I sometimes eyeball this.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 5ml ).
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (about 2.5ml ).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
This recipe is also a great contender to be one of your Budget Friendly Crockpot Meals . Just grab the ingredients on sale! And if you want to meal prep over the weekend, you can totally throw all the ingredients to make Dump and Go Crockpot Meals
Seasoning Notes
The secret to an awesome tortilla soup? The right spices!
- Essential Combo: Taco seasoning + cumin + chili powder. It's a classic for a reason.
- Flavor Boosters: A little smoked paprika can add depth. A bay leaf (remember to remove it before serving!) also works wonders.
- Spice Swap: No taco seasoning? Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
This makes for great Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals , because who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when the footie's on?
Equipment Needed
Don't stress about fancy gadgets. This is Slow Cooker Recipes Easy at its finest.
- A 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker . Obviously.
- A decent chopping board and knife . Safety first, folks!
- Measuring cups and spoons . If you're feeling rebellious, eyeballing is allowed.
Honestly, that's it! You don't need a million things to make this soup. Trust me, even if your kitchen looks like a bomb site right now, you can still pull this off.
It is a Lazy Dinners Crockpot recipe, after all. Let's get cooking, yeah? And by the way, did you know that slow cookers were originally called "hay boxes" because they were used to cook food slowly using retained heat? It's a real throwback!
Cooking Method: Slow and Steady Wins the Fiesta!
Alright, let's talk slow cooking. Honestly, who doesn't love a good easy crockpot meals recipe? Think about it chuck everything in, set it, and forget it.
You know? Total lifesaver for those crazy weeknights. It's my go-to for those Lazy Dinners Crockpot . I feel everyone can use them!.
I mean, coming home to a ready-made dinner? That's the dream. And it’s even good for Sports Night Dinners Quick Meals !.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Fiesta On
- Essential mise en place : Chop your onion and peppers. Mince the garlic. Rinse those beans, babes! Having everything prepped makes it dump and go crockpot meals kind of thing.
- Time saving organization tips : Do your chopping the night before! I swear, it cuts down the actual cooking time and make cooking a total breeze.
- Safety reminders : Raw chicken? Wash your hands! And please, don't lick the spoon after touching raw chicken. We're going for flavour, not salmonella.
step-by-step Process: Slow Cooker Magic
- Chicken goes in the bottom.
- Veggies and beans on top of that.
- Pour in the broth and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours .
- Shred that chicken. Return it to the pot.
- Serve it all up with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crockpot Game
- Expert technique : Resist the urge to peek! Honestly, every time you lift that lid, you add like, 30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Common mistakes : Dry chicken? Make sure the chicken is covered in liquid. A little extra broth never hurt anyone.
- make-ahead options : Cook it Sunday, eat it all week! This Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup is even better the next day. Perfect for Weeknight Crockpot Dinners .
Honestly, this Crockpot Chicken Recipes is pure comfort food. I often do it on Spring Crockpot Meals or Crock Pot Summer Meals when i am on vacation, so It gives me the space to go outside.
You can make this a Healthy Crockpot Recipes too. Also, it's perfect to make Budget Friendly Crockpot Meals
So, there you have it! My easy peasy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe. Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
I guarantee it'll become a staple in your house, like it is in mine. And remember, cooking should be fun.
So, crank up the tunes, grab a glass of wine, and get your fiesta on!
Recipe Notes for Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup
Honestly, this easy crockpot meals recipe is practically foolproof. This is definitely one of my go-to lazy dinners crockpot . I've made it so many times and it always turns out great.
Serving it Up Right
Plating and presentation ideas: Forget fancy! We're talking comfort food. Ladle that soup into big bowls. Top with loads of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crunchy tortilla chips.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro always makes it look extra inviting.
Complementary sides or beverages: Cornbread is a classic with soup. A simple green salad lightens things up. As for drinks, a cold beer hits the spot.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, margaritas! Maybe iced tea for the kids. Perfect for sports night dinners quick meals
Keeping it Fresh
Refrigeration guidelines: Leftover soup? No worries. Let it cool down, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3 days .
Freezing options (if applicable): This soup freezes beautifully! Divide it into freezer safe bags or containers. It will be good for 2-3 months .
Just make sure to leave a little space at the top as the liquid expands.
Reheating instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. And boom! It's a delicious and budget friendly crockpot meals all over again.
Tweak It Your Way
1-2 dietary adaptations: Want to make it healthier? Use lean ground turkey instead of chicken. You could also add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
Making healthy crockpot recipes doesn't mean you have to compromise on taste!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, fresh corn on the cob instead of canned is super amazing. If you're making this a spring crockpot meals , you can stir in some fresh asparagus at the end for a bit of green goodness.
This really makes crock pot summer meals a notable!
Nutrition Know How
Simplified nutrition information: Each serving clocks in around 350 calories . You are getting a good dose of 35g of protein and about 8g of fiber . Not too shabby!
Key health benefits: It's packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Beans and veggies offer essential vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it's just good for the soul, you know?
So there you have it. My easy peasy guide to making this soup your own! I hope this helps inspire you to try my version of slow cooker chicken tortilla soup.
Just have fun with it and don't be afraid to experiment. You'll love this weeknight crockpot dinners I promise. Enjoy these slow cooker recipes easy !.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a complete beginner. Are easy crockpot meals really easy, or is that just wishful thinking?
Absolutely! The beauty of easy crockpot meals, like this Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup, is that they're super forgiving. Just chop your veggies, dump everything in, and let the slow cooker work its magic. It's almost foolproof, even if your culinary skills are more "beans on toast" than "Michelin star."
Can I make this Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup vegetarian? I'm trying to cut down on meat, you see.
Of course! Simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of your favorite beans, or even some cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash for added heartiness. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat free version. It'll still be packed with flavour Bob's your uncle!
Help! My chicken always dries out in the slow cooker. What am I doing wrong?
The key to juicy chicken in easy crockpot meals is to ensure it's submerged in liquid. Use enough chicken broth to cover the chicken breasts, and don't be afraid to add a little extra if needed. Also, avoid overcooking!
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it and return it to the soup to prevent it from drying out further. A meat thermometer is your friend here aim for 165°F (74°C).
How long can I store leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover Chicken Tortilla Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or simmer on the stovetop. A bit of fresh lime juice brightens it up after reheating!
I'm watching my waistline. Is this Chicken Tortilla Soup a healthy choice?
This soup can definitely be part of a healthy eating plan! It's packed with protein and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. To keep the calories down, go easy on the high fat toppings like cheese and sour cream. Load up on healthy garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and lime.
You can also reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and rinsing the beans thoroughly.
Can I make this in advance and freeze it? I'm all about batch cooking these days.
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some space in the containers, as liquids expand when frozen. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
You can also freeze individual portions for easy lunches!
Fiesta Chicken Tortilla Soup Crockpot
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 8g |
