Flavorful Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This delightful Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a lighter twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, it combines shredded cooked chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and a medley of spices simmered to perfection. The addition of green chilies and corn adds texture and sweetness, making each spoonful a comforting treat. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and ease of preparation, perfect for busy days. Top it off with crispy baked tortilla strips for an added crunch. It's a wholesome meal the entire family will love, with fewer calories but all the taste!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded cooked chicken
1 lb (cooked and shredded)
whole canned tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (mashed and drained)
enchilada sauce
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
chopped green chili peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
garlic cloves
2 (mashed)
water
2 cups (none)
chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
frozen corn
1 (10 ounce) bag (none)
corn tortillas
7 (cut into strips and brushed with oil)
canola oil
to brush tortillas (none)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the shredded chicken, mashed whole canned tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chopped onion, drained green chilies, minced garlic, water, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4
While the soup is cooking, prepare the tortilla strips. Lightly brush the corn tortillas with canola oil, then cut them into thin strips. Spread the strips evenly on a baking sheet.
5
Bake the strips in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden, making sure to flip them halfway through for even baking.
6
Once the soup is finished, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
7
Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy tortilla strips on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?
It is a lighter twist on a classic favorite that combines shredded chicken, tomatoes, and spices for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Is this chicken tortilla soup recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome meal with fewer calories than traditional versions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker on low?
The soup should be cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker on high?
The soup can be cooked on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What ingredients are needed for the soup base?
The base includes chicken, canned tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chilies, garlic, water, chicken broth, and various spices.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The spices used are cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and a bay leaf.
How should the canned tomatoes be prepared?
The 15 ounce can of whole tomatoes should be mashed and drained.
What kind of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of cooked and shredded chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
What temperature should the oven be for the tortilla strips?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do you make the crispy tortilla strips?
Brush corn tortillas with canola oil, cut into strips, and bake until golden.
How long do the tortilla strips need to bake?
They should bake for about 15 minutes.
Do the tortilla strips need to be flipped while baking?
Yes, flip them halfway through to ensure even baking.
What kind of tortillas are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 7 corn tortillas.
When should the cilantro be added?
Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro once the soup has finished cooking and the bay leaf is removed.
Should the bay leaf be eaten?
No, the bay leaf should be removed from the soup before serving.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe includes one 10 ounce bag of frozen corn.
What size can of enchilada sauce is needed?
A 10 ounce can of enchilada sauce is required.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for one 14 ounce can of chicken broth.
How much water is added to the slow cooker?
You should add 2 cups of water.
How many garlic cloves are in the soup?
Two garlic cloves, mashed, are used in this recipe.
What is the purpose of the corn in the soup?
The corn adds texture and sweetness to each spoonful.
What type of oil is used for the tortillas?
Canola oil is used to brush the tortillas before baking.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cumin.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Are the green chili peppers drained?
Yes, the 4 ounce can of chopped green chili peppers should be drained.
What size onion is used?
One medium onion, chopped, is used.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a meal the entire family will love.
Is this a good recipe for busy days?
Yes, the slow cooker preparation makes it ideal for busy schedules.