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    Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup

    clock-icon270 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A rich and satisfying chicken tortilla soup slow-cooked to perfection, topped with avocado, red onion, sour cream, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips.

    Ingredients for Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup

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    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

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    Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

    0 lb

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    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Large Yellow Or White Onion, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Large Jalapeño, finely chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, minced

    tablespoons

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    Ancho Chili Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lager-Style Beer

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Bay Leaves

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fresh Thyme Sprigs

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chipotle Chile En Adobo, minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes

    0 oz

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    Tomato Paste

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Diced Green Chilies

    0 oz

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    Low Sodium Chicken Stock, homemade or store-bought

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Avocado, diced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Medium Red Onion, diced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sour Cream

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chopped Fresh Cilantro Leaves And Fine Stems

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Shredded Cheddar Cheese

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Crushed Tortilla Chips Or Fried Fresh Corn Tortillas Cut Into Strips

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Limes, cut into wedges

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Hot Sauce

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken Tortilla Soup

    1. Brown the Chicken

    Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then brown them in the hot oil for about 8 minutes, turning to ensure they are golden brown on all sides. Browning the chicken at this stage will enhance the flavor of the soup, giving it a rich and satisfying depth.

    2. Cook the Aromatics

    Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion and jalapeño to the same pan. Cook these aromatics for about 6 minutes until they are softened and their flavors are released. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its aroma to infuse into the mixture.

    3. Toast the Spices

    Next, stir in the ancho chili powder, ground cumin, and unsweetened cocoa powder, cooking for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and bring out their full flavors.

    4. Deglaze with Beer

    Pour in the lager-style beer, raising the heat to bring it to a boil, which deglazes the pan and lifts all the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial as it adds a deep, savory complexity to your soup.

    5. Transfer and Combine

    Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, then add the bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, minced chipotle chile en adobo, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, diced green chilies, and chicken stock. Stir to combine everything well. Cover and cook on the low setting of your slow cooker for at least 4 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

    6. Shred the Chicken

    After the cooking time is up, discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Shredding the chicken ensures it is evenly distributed throughout the soup, making every bite deliciously consistent.

    7. Serve and Garnish

    To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with diced avocado, red onion, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips or fried corn tortilla strips for a delightful crunch. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the flavor to their liking. Enjoy your hearty, slow-cooked chicken tortilla soup!

    Variations

    Spicy Chipotle Tortilla Soup

    Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy kick.

    Citrus Twist

    Add the zest and juice of one lime or lemon to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a refreshing twist.

    Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

    Omit chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans or quinoa for protein.

    Pork Tortilla Soup

    Replace chicken with pork shoulder or loin, cooking until tender.

    Crispy Tortilla Soup

    Add extra crispy tortilla strips or crushed chips for texture.


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