Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Craving a soul-warming Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker chicken tortilla soup that bursts with southwestern charm?

This culinary masterpiece transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed symphony of comfort.

Aromatic spices and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that dances across your taste buds.

Each spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked goodness, rich with hearty vegetables and robust seasonings.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a luxurious soup that requires minimal effort.

Simple preparation meets extraordinary taste, making this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream.

Grab your ladle and experience a soup that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Tortilla Soup: What Goes Inside

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, uniform breasts for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Black Beans: Select canned beans with no added salt for better flavor control.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Look for fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands to enhance overall taste.
• Chipotle Peppers: Pick smoky, rich peppers that add depth and mild heat to the dish.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Select crisp, vibrant vegetables without soft spots or blemishes.
• Diced Tomatoes, Rotel Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Choose organic canned tomatoes for richer, more authentic flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium versions to manage salt levels.
• Lime Juice: Use fresh limes for bright, zesty notes.

• Sour Cream, Grated Cheese, Chopped Cilantro, Sliced Avocado: Pick ripe, high-quality ingredients to elevate the final presentation.

Gear Up for Tortilla Soup Cooking

• Slow Cooker: Essential large appliance for hands-off, tender chicken cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding balanced spice measurements.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for clean, even vegetable and pepper cuts.
• Can Opener: Handy tool for opening tomato and bean cans.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate liquid measurement for broth and tomato mixture.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding cooked chicken to tender perfection.
• Serving Bowls: Attractive dish for presenting the final meal.
• Grater: Optional tool for creating fresh cheese garnish.

How to Simmer Tortilla Soup the Right Way

• Create Chicken Base

Lay chicken breasts flat across the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring an even surface for cooking deliciousness.

• Spice It Up

Generously sprinkle a blend of warm spices directly onto the chicken, creating a zesty flavor foundation that will make taste buds dance.

• Layer With Veggie Goodness

Scatter colorful chopped vegetables across the seasoned chicken, adding vibrant textures and nutrients that complement the protein perfectly.

• Pour Liquid Magic

Drench the ingredients with a tangy mixture of tomatoes, broth, and zesty peppers that will infuse depth and richness into every single bite.

• Add Bold Bean Excitement

Mix in smoky chipotle peppers and hearty black beans to elevate the dish’s complexity and provide an extra punch of southwestern flavor.

• Slow Cook To Tender Perfection

Allow everything to simmer and meld together, transforming raw ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork.

• Final Flavor Celebration

Shred the chicken, splash with fresh lime juice, and crown your creation with creamy avocado, sharp cheese, and bright cilantro to create a feast for both eyes and palate.

Soup Tips and Toppings to Try

• Slow Cooker Secrets: Unlock Flavor Maximization
• Experiment with different protein options like turkey or pork for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
• Spice Level Control: Customize Heat Intensity
• Adjust chipotle peppers to match your personal spice tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery hot.
• Meal Prep Magic: Make-Ahead Strategies
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight meals up to 3 months.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Plant-Based Alternative
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit and use vegetable broth to create a completely meat-free version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.

Serving Chicken Tortilla Soup with a Twist

• Spice Up Your Plate: Garnish the dish with a vibrant mix of sour cream, sliced avocado, grated cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro to add creamy, tangy, and herbal notes.
• Create a Hearty Meal Base: Serve over fluffy white rice, warm tortillas, or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying dinner that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Customize Your Bowl: Let diners personalize their meal with additional toppings like hot sauce, extra lime wedges, or pickled jalapeños for those who love an extra kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making this a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick weeknight dinner option that tastes even better the next day.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Soup Advice

• Preserve Your Flavor: Store slow cooker chicken in airtight containers, separating solids and liquids to maintain texture and taste.
• Refrigerator Revival: Consume refrigerated portions within 3-4 days, reheating gently in microwave or stovetop to prevent drying out chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions stay delicious for up to 3 months.
• Smart Portioning Strategy: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for quick, convenient lunches or dinners during busy weeks.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich, hearty pioneer woman slow cooker chicken tortilla soup delivers comfort with minimal effort. Warm spices and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (28 oz/794 g) whole or diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 4 oz/113 g tomato paste
• 2 tsps chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (add 2 to 3 for more heat)
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sour cream (for garnish)
• Avocado (for garnish)
• Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
• Grated cheese (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
3. Vegetable Layer: Spread diced onions and bell peppers (red and yellow) uniformly over the seasoned chicken, building a robust aromatic foundation.
4. Liquid Components: Pour diced tomatoes, fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the slow cooker, creating a rich, moisturizing base.
5. Final Ingredient Integration: Add minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and rinsed black beans, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive ingredient incorporation.
6. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become supremely tender.
7. Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the mixture, then shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks; adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with sour cream, avocado slices, grated cheese, and chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken breasts in a single, flat layer to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout the soup.
• Boost Spice Impact: Liberally apply dry spices directly onto chicken before adding other ingredients to maximize seasoning penetration and develop a robust taste profile.
• Control Cooking Time: Choose high or low temperature settings based on your schedule, understanding that longer, slower cooking intensifies flavor complexity and ensures meat tenderness.
• Perfect Final Garnishing: Add fresh toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese, and cilantro just before serving to maintain texture and provide vibrant, contrasting flavors and temperatures.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg