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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy and Cozy with Crispy Strips

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A cozy and easy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup featuring tender chicken, smoky spices, and homemade crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for busy days and chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 cup (5.3 oz / 150 g) frozen or canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 cup (6 oz / 175 g) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips (about ¼-inch wide)
  • ½ cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) vegetable or canola oil (for frying tortilla strips)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips about ¼-inch (0.6 cm) wide and set aside. Rinse and drain beans if using.
  2. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and beans if using. Stir lightly to combine.
  3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture so they’re mostly submerged.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
  5. About 20 minutes before the soup is ready, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry tortilla strips in batches for 2-3 minutes, stirring to crisp evenly without burning. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
  6. Remove chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy tortilla strips. Optional garnishes include avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

For gluten-free, ensure canned ingredients are gluten-free. To keep dairy-free, skip cheese or sour cream toppings. Fry tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crispy or bake as a lower-oil alternative. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Shred chicken outside the slow cooker for easier handling. Avoid over-salting early; season at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, crispy tortilla strips, easy soup, cozy dinner, slow cooker recipe, chicken soup, Mexican soup

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-easy-and-cozy-with-crispy-strips/