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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner with Lime Crema

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A cozy and easy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup with a tangy lime crema, perfect for busy days and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*Tel)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6–8 corn tortillas, cut into strips and toasted or fried until crisp
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips and set aside. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn if using canned.
  2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tortilla strips in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Add more chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese if using, and a drizzle of lime crema.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; 4 hours on low is ideal. Toasting tortilla strips adds essential crunch and texture. Fresh lime juice in the crema is key for bright flavor. Adjust seasoning after cooking as canned tomatoes vary in saltiness. Leftovers taste better after a day; store toppings separately to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, lime crema, easy dinner, cozy soup, slow cooker recipe, chicken soup, tortilla strips, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-with-lime-crema/