If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the cozy, comforting flavors of a favorite fast-casual meal right in your own kitchen, this Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of spices, this soup simmers low and slow to develop rich, hearty flavors that warm you up from the inside out. It’s like a big, flavorful hug in a bowl and a wonderful way to bring friends and family together on any day craving a meal that feels both special and effortlessly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken and fragrant spices to the creamy beans and lively bursts of corn, each component works together to create a soup that is anything but ordinary.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base that becomes irresistibly tender after slow cooking.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a savory sweetness and a subtle crunch to the broth.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings a pop of vibrant color and a mild, fruity flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth into every spoonful.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder: Gives the soup a gentle smoky spice that’s signature to tortilla soup.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds a toasted earthiness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle sweetness and rich color.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity and spice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that adds a Mediterranean touch.
- 10 ounces canned tomatoes with green chilies: The tomato base adds tang and the green chilies bring light heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid that carries all the ingredients.
- 2 15 ounce cans navy beans, drained and rinsed: Boost the creaminess and heartiness.
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: Add texture and a touch of earthiness.
- 15 ounce can yellow corn, drained and rinsed: Sweet kernels that pop delightfully.
- 15 ounce can creamed corn: Adds extra creaminess and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously silky before serving.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings tangy richness that perfectly complements the spice.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens and freshens each bite.
- Tortilla strips: The crunchy topping that defines traditional tortilla soup experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Start by placing your chicken breasts right at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add the diced onion and red bell pepper along with the minced garlic. These veggies will slowly release their flavors, making the soup bursting with freshness and a sweet aroma.
Step 2: Season with Love
Sprinkle in the salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, and oregano over the chicken and vegetables. This spice blend is the heart of the Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe, giving it that unforgettable warmth and complexity you’ll crave again and again.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in canned tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. These ingredients create the rich, flavorful base for the soup. Give everything a gentle stir so all those spices start marrying together for the perfect broth.
Step 4: Beans and Corn Go In
Next, stir in the navy beans, black beans, yellow corn, and creamed corn. This combo makes the soup hearty and thick, balancing out the spicy broth with bursts of sweet corn and creamy beans.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker, set it on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. This slow simmering tenderizes the chicken and allows all the flavors to meld into a beautifully cohesive bowl of comfort.
Step 6: Shred and Return Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then stir it back into the soup. This step ensures every spoonful has juicy, tender chicken woven throughout the soup.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. They add silky richness that makes this Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe something truly special and indulgent without being heavy.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Finally, add those crunchy tortilla strips on top just before serving. The contrast of creamy soup with crisp tortilla strips makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl by adding fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro, a squeeze more of lime juice, diced avocado, or a handful of shredded cheese. These add layers of color and flavor and turn your bowl into a work of art.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm cornbread, or even some chips and guacamole. These easy sides round out the meal while keeping the spotlight on the soup’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls nestled on wooden boards or in mini mason jars for a fun party presentation. You could also set out a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl with jalapeños, shredded cheese, or extra sour cream for a truly personalized experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen slightly overnight, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
Freeze the soup without the tortilla strips in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add fresh tortilla strips and a splash of lime juice after reheating to revive the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a little more richness and stay juicy, but chicken breasts keep the soup lighter. Both work beautifully in this Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe.
Is this soup spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a gentle spicy warmth from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, but feel free to dial it up or down to your taste by adjusting the cayenne amount or adding fresh jalapeños.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Simply simmer all ingredients (except the cream and sour cream) in a large pot for about 45 minutes, shredding the chicken when cooked, then stir in the creams before serving.
What can I substitute for the sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream or prefer dairy-free, Greek yogurt or coconut cream are great alternatives that maintain the creamy texture.
How do I make homemade tortilla strips?
Cut corn or flour tortillas into thin strips, toss with a little oil and salt, then bake or fry until crispy. Fresh homemade strips elevate the soup even more!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a soup that simmers slowly, fills your kitchen with enticing aromas, and tastes even better than you remember. This Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe is a cozy, comforting meal that’s simple to make but bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, dive into this bowl of goodness and watch everyone come back for seconds with smiles all around.
Print
Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Chick-Fil-A Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for busy days. Combining tender shredded chicken with a medley of beans, corn, and a blend of spices, this soup delivers a comforting, southwestern-inspired taste. Creamy finishing touches and crispy tortilla strips make it an irresistible family favorite.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 10 ounces canned tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 (15 ounce) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can yellow corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
Toppings
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle the salt, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, and dried oregano evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker to build the base of your soup’s robust flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes with green chilies along with the chicken broth, ensuring everything is mixed together well.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the navy beans, black beans, yellow corn, and creamed corn gently, dispersing evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through until tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Finish Soup: Right before serving, stir in the heavy cream and sour cream to add richness and a creamy texture, then squeeze in the juice of one lime for bright acidity.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your comforting and delicious tortilla soup!
Notes
- You can adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the heat of the soup.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit sour cream.
- Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor, or low-sodium broth to reduce salt content.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add fresh cilantro or shredded cheese as optional toppings for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
