Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup with Corn and Spices
This hearty and flavorful Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, and an array of spices that bring warmth to every bowl. Perfect for busy days, it cooks slowly in your crock pot, allowing all the ingredients to meld into a delicious symphony of flavors. With only 1 Weight Watchers point per cup, this satisfying soup is not just healthy but also a family-friendly favorite ideal for meal prep. Great for using up leftover chicken, this dish also freezes well, making it a part of your go-to recipes for quick dinners or lunches. Enjoy topped with your favorite garnishes for an extra touch of comfort!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
8 ounces (cubed)
frozen corn
2 cups (none)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chicken broth
4 cups (none)
tomato puree
10 3/4 ounces (none)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
10 ounces (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your chicken if you're using raw. Cube it into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large crock pot, combine the cubed chicken breasts, frozen corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato puree, and Rotel tomatoes & chilies.
3
Add in the salt, cumin, chili powder, cayenne (if using), black pepper, bay leaf, and oregano. Stir everything well to ensure all spices and ingredients are coated.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for approximately 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste. For a richer flavor, consider using leftover cooked chicken and homemade broth.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips if desired (remember these will add points).
7
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for future meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Weight Watchers points are in this chicken tortilla soup?
This soup contains only 1 Weight Watchers point per cup, making it a very healthy and points-friendly meal.
What is the primary cooking method for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be prepared in a large crock pot or slow cooker for a period of approximately 6 hours.
How much chicken is required for the Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup?
You will need 8 ounces of chicken breasts, which should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of frozen corn to be added to the crock pot.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe uses a combination of 10 3/4 ounces of tomato puree and 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes and chilies.
How long does it take to cook the soup on high?
The soup should cook on the high setting for about 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Can I use leftover chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is an excellent way to use up extras and can even enhance the flavor of the soup.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf before eating?
Yes, you should remove and discard the bay leaf before serving the soup to your guests.
What garnishes are recommended for this tortilla soup?
Recommended garnishes include shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips, though these will add extra points.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep as it is easy to make in bulk and stores well for future lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze the Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Absolutely, this soup freezes very well, making it a great option for stocking your freezer with healthy meals.
What spices give this soup its flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and salt.
Is this recipe spicy?
The soup has a mild kick from the Rotel tomatoes and chili powder, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth as the liquid base for the soup.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the crock pot?
No, you can add the large chopped onion directly into the crock pot raw; it will soften perfectly during the slow-cooking process.
What can I substitute for Rotel tomatoes?
If you do not have Rotel, you can use a mix of diced tomatoes and canned diced green chilies.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves to be minced before being added to the slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count is not specified, the 4 cups of broth and various vegetables create a substantial amount of hearty soup.
Can I make this soup more filling?
You can add more vegetables or beans to the soup, but be sure to track any additional points if you are following Weight Watchers.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
No, the chicken is added raw (cubed) and will cook thoroughly in the liquid over the 6-hour cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are generally gluten-free, but you should always check your broth and tomato labels to be certain.
What size should the chicken cubes be?
Chicken should be cubed into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and ease of eating.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh oregano?
The recipe refers to 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, typically dried oregano used in slow cooking.
Can I use an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can adapt this for an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking for about 10-15 minutes.
How much cumin is used in the soup?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of cumin to provide a warm, earthy flavor profile.
Is tomato puree the same as tomato paste?
No, tomato puree is thinner than paste; ensure you use the 10 3/4 ounce amount of puree for the correct consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but keep in mind this may change the nutritional values and Weight Watchers points.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor and herbal aroma to the broth as it simmers.
How do I adjust the seasoning if it is too bland?
Before serving, taste the soup and add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed to suit your preference.