Spicy Southern Tortilla Chicken Soup
This Spicy Southern Tortilla Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that blends the warmth of Tex-Mex cuisine with comforting Southern flair. Inspired by a treasured Southern Living recipe, I've made some enhancements over the years to elevate the taste. With tender shredded chicken, a medley of beans and corn, and a perfect blend of spices, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that's ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings. Top it off with crunchy tortilla chips and creamy shredded cheddar for a satisfying finish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
2 (may be frozen)
frozen whole kernel corn
16 ounces
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chicken broth
28 ounces
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
10 ounces (canned (e.g., Rotel))
black beans
15 ounces (drained)
salt
1 teaspoon
cumin
2 teaspoons
chili powder
1 teaspoon
ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
tortilla chips
to taste (for serving)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, add the boneless chicken breasts, frozen corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, salt, cumin, chili powder, ground red pepper (if using), black pepper, and bay leaf.
2
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients while ensuring the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4-6 hours or on Low for 8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5
Stir well to incorporate the chicken into the soup.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with crispy tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese. For added crunch, you may serve the soup over a bed of tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southern Tortilla Chicken Soup?
It is a hearty dish blending Tex-Mex and Southern cuisine featuring shredded chicken, beans, corn, and spices.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a treasured Southern Living recipe with added enhancements to elevate the taste.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that the boneless chicken breasts may be used even if they are frozen.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless chicken breasts.
What type of corn is used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of frozen whole kernel corn.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic, which should be minced.
What is the liquid base of the soup?
The base consists of 28 ounces of chicken broth and 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
What kind of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, such as Rotel.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the 15 ounces of black beans should be drained before being added to the pot.
How much salt is added to the soup?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much cumin is used?
The soup requires 2 teaspoons of cumin for its signature flavor.
What is the amount of chili powder?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Is the ground red pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/8 teaspoon of ground red pepper is optional depending on your heat preference.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
Does the recipe use bay leaves?
Yes, one bay leaf is added to the slow cooker for flavor.
How do I start the cooking process?
Add all ingredients except garnishes into a slow cooker and stir gently while ensuring the chicken is submerged.
How long should I cook the soup on High?
Cook on the High setting for 4 to 6 hours.
What is the cook time on the Low setting?
If using the Low setting, cook the soup for 8 hours.
How is the chicken prepared after cooking?
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.
What is the final step before serving?
Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and garnish with chips and cheese.
What garnishes are recommended?
The soup should be garnished with crispy tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I serve the soup over chips?
Yes, for extra crunch, you can serve the soup directly over a bed of tortilla chips.
Is this soup considered spicy?
Yes, it is described as a spicy soup and includes ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and optional red pepper.
Is this a good recipe for crowds?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a slow cooker one-pot meal, making for easy preparation and cleanup.
Is there a vegetarian option?
The tags indicate a vegetarian option is possible, likely by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for the best flavor match.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Can this be served for a family meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a family meal and a comfort food.