Imagine a cool autumn evening. The air is crisp, and you’re looking for a warm meal. As you enter your home, the smell of spices and broth greets you. It feels like stepping into a cozy Mexican cantina.
This Mexican Chicken Soup Crock Pot recipe is perfect for busy days. It’s great for parents, health enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a tasty meal. It’s easy to make and cooks while you’re busy.
The soup has tender chicken, creamy broth, and Mexican spices. These flavors mix together beautifully. They make your taste buds happy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Soup crock pot Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this crockpot chicken tortilla soup! It’s full of delicious flavor and super easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Delicious and Flavorful
The mix of juicy chicken, savory spices, and tangy tomato creates a rich, creamy soup. It has a 4.74 out of 5 stars rating from 30 votes. This crock pot mexican chicken stew is packed with nutrients and serves 8 bowls per batch.
Easy to Prepare for Any Skill Level
This Mexican chicken soup crock pot recipe is easy to make. It only needs 10 minutes of hands-on time. It’s great for cooks of all levels, from beginners to experts. Just toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook while you do other things.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for busy people and families. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this crockpot chicken tortilla soup whenever you want.
“This Mexican Chicken Soup crock pot recipe is a game-changer! It’s so easy to make, and the flavors are out of this world. I love that I can make a big batch and have leftovers for the week – it’s a total time-saver.”
Key Ingredients for Your Mexican Chicken Soup
Creating a delicious mexican shredded chicken soup or authentic mexican chicken soup slow cooker starts with the right ingredients. The choice of chicken, fresh vegetables, and spices are all crucial. Each one adds to the soup’s rich, flavorful taste.
Chicken Choices: Breast vs. Thigh
The base of your mexican shredded chicken soup is the chicken. You can pick between chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are richer and more tender. Pick what you like best.
Fresh Vegetables to Include
- Onions: Diced onions add a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Bell peppers: Chopped bell peppers, in a variety of colors, lend a vibrant crunch.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: The smoky, slightly charred notes of fire-roasted tomatoes are a must-have.
Essential Spices and Herbs
The spices and herbs make the authentic mexican chicken soup slow cooker special. Key ingredients include:
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine.
- Oregano: Dried oregano adds a touch of earthiness and complexity.
- Chipotle chili powder: For a subtle smoky heat, chipotle chili powder is the way to go.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika lends a subtle sweetness and vivid color.
- Fresh cilantro: As a garnish, fresh cilantro leaves provide a burst of freshness.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a mexican shredded chicken soup full of authentic Mexican flavor. Enjoy every spoonful!
Preparing Your Ingredients for the Crock Pot
Before you start making your mexican chicken noodle soup slow cooker or mexican chicken rice soup crockpot, prepare your ingredients well. This step is crucial for blending flavors and achieving the perfect soup.
Prepping the Chicken
You’ll need 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can shred the chicken later if you add it whole. Or, you can cut it into small pieces before adding it to the crock pot. Choose what you prefer.
Chopping Vegetables Efficiently
- Dice 1 medium onion into small pieces.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Chop 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
Before adding the onions and garlic to the crock pot, sauté them in a bit of oil. This step enhances the soup’s flavor.
Measuring Spices and Broth
Getting the spice balance right is important for your mexican chicken noodle soup slow cooker or mexican chicken rice soup crockpot. Use 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Also, you’ll need 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
With your chicken, veggies, and spices ready, you’re almost there. You’re on your way to making a tasty slow-cooked mexican chicken noodle soup or mexican chicken rice soup that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking
Making a healthy Mexican chicken soup crock pot is simple. Just a few steps and you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready. Let’s go through setting up your crock pot and layering the ingredients for the easy Mexican chicken soup crock pot recipe.
Setting Up Your Crock Pot
First, make sure your 6-quart crockpot is clean and ready. Spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray to avoid sticking. Plug it in and set it to low. This recipe needs 5 to 6 hours of cooking.
Layering Ingredients Properly
- Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a skillet until they’re fragrant and translucent.
- Put the sautéed aromatics at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Place the 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb) on top of the aromatics.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, like black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle in your spices and herbs, like cumin, chili powder, and cilantro.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cover the crock pot and let it simmer on low for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred. Near the end, shred the chicken and add sour cream or cheese to the soup.
For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot. Sauté the aromatics first, then add the rest and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Total Instant Pot time is about 30 minutes.
“This soup was so good!! It was incredibly easy to make. I threw everything in the pot and left for work and came back 6 hours later, and my meal was done!!! Definitely making this for the rest of my life!!!!” – reallyyummy
Tips for Enhancing Flavor
Make your mexican chicken soup crock pot even better with these easy tips. Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. The fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle chili powder already have a smoky taste. But, fresh jalapeño can make it even spicier.
Adding fresh lime juice can also brighten up your slow cooker mexican chicken soup. The lime’s tangy flavor goes well with the soup’s savory spices. Just squeeze the lime juice in right before you serve to keep its flavor strong.
Lastly, fresh herbs can make a big difference. Chopped cilantro adds a fresh taste that brings all the flavors together. You can also try oregano or thyme for a different twist.
With these simple tips, you can make your mexican chicken soup crock pot even more delicious. Adjust the spice, acidity, and herbs to your liking. This way, you can create a meal that’s truly yours and very satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Your Soup
Crockpot chicken tortilla soup or crock pot Mexican chicken stew is a delightful dish. It can be served in many ways to make your meal better. You can customize it for family meals or gatherings.
Toppings to Consider
Think about adding different toppings to your soup. Sour cream, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips are great choices. They add flavor and texture, making the dish better.
Side Dishes That Pair Well
To make your meal complete, serve the soup with side dishes. Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a simple salad are good choices. They add variety to your meal.
Making it a Complete Meal
For a heartier meal, add ingredients like cooked corn or beans to the soup. This makes the soup more filling and satisfying. You can adjust it to your taste and dietary needs.
By trying these serving suggestions, you can make your crockpot chicken tortilla soup or crock pot Mexican chicken stew unforgettable. The variety of toppings and side dishes means everyone can enjoy it. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
| Nutrition Facts | Value | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 616 | – |
| Total Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 44% |
| Cholesterol | 111mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1387mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 1644mg | 47% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 70g | 23% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g | 50% |
| Sugars | 16g | 18% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Vitamin A | 1230 IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 35% |
| Calcium | 171mg | 17% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
This crockpot chicken tortilla soup or crock pot Mexican chicken stew recipe is very versatile. You can customize it to fit many tastes and dietary needs. By trying different toppings, side dishes, and ingredients, you can make it a memorable and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoy the delicious flavors of your mexican shredded chicken soup even after your initial meal. Proper storage and reheating techniques will help you savor every last drop of this authentic mexican chicken soup crock pot slow cooker creation.
Best Practices for Storage
Once your mexican shredded chicken soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the fresh taste and texture of the ingredients. For longer-term storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Safely
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover authentic mexican chicken soup slow cooker, simply thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Feel free to add any fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice to revive the vibrant flavors.
Freezing for Later Enjoyment
- Allow the mexican shredded chicken soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Leave a bit of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- Frozen authentic mexican chicken soup slow cooker can be kept for up to 2 months.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of your mexican shredded chicken soup long after your initial meal. Savor every spoonful, even on the busiest of days.
Variations of Mexican Chicken Soup
This mexican chicken noodle soup slow cooker recipe is super versatile. You can change it up to fit your diet or just to try new tastes. Let’s explore some ways to make this healthy mexican chicken soup crock pot your own.
Vegetarian Substitutes
Want a meat-free option? Swap the chicken for black beans, kidney beans, or tofu. These choices are packed with protein and make a filling soup.
Alternative Proteins
Looking for something different? Try shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork. They all bring a unique flavor to the table.
Adjusting Heat Levels
Want it spicier? Add more chipotle chili powder or toss in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. For a milder taste, just use less of the spicy stuff.
No matter what changes you make, this mexican chicken noodle soup slow cooker recipe is a hit. It’s easy to customize to your liking and dietary needs. So go ahead, get creative and enjoy!
“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is a delicious and healthy mexican chicken soup crock pot that the whole family will love.”
Frequently Asked Questions
As you prepare this tasty easy mexican chicken soup recipe, you might have questions. Let’s cover some common ones to help you make a delicious soup.
How Long Can You Store This Soup?
The mexican chicken rice soup crockpot can stay in the fridge for 3 days. Or, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Storing it right means you can enjoy it for many meals.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can! Frozen chicken works great in this recipe. Just cook it in the Instant Pot for 12 minutes on high pressure. This makes sure the chicken is fully cooked.
What If You Don’t Have a Crock Pot?
No worries! You can still make this easy mexican chicken soup recipe without a slow cooker. Try making it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. For the stovetop, simmer everything in a big pot for 30-40 minutes. This way, the chicken will be tender and cooked well.