Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

The Secret to This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in its hands-off approach. Just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and forget about it for a few hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while the spices meld together beautifully. Honestly, I love that I can throw everything in the pot and focus on other things until dinner time.

When it comes to the chicken, I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook nicely and shred easily. If you're in a rush, I totally get it, and you can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. Just add it in the last 30 minutes so it gets warm without drying out.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Leftovers Plan

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret, they make a fantastic lunch the next day. Just store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup will thicken up a bit overnight, but just add a splash of chicken broth or water when you reheat it to get it back to that soup-y goodness. I usually microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes and stir halfway through.

You could also freeze leftovers for a quick meal later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it should keep well for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You might want to add a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro to brighten it up again.

Dietary Swaps

This recipe is pretty flexible if you need to make some swaps. If you’re looking to go low-carb, feel free to skip the tortilla strips or substitute them with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy topping. For a vegan option, you could use chickpeas or black beans instead of chicken. Just make sure to add them closer to the end so they don’t get too mushy.

If you're avoiding dairy, I'd suggest omitting the cheese entirely or using a dairy-free alternative. You can even try cashew cheese for those who miss that creamy texture. Also, if spice isn’t your thing, dial back on the jalapeños, or leave them out completely. With all these substitutes, don't be afraid to make the soup your own!