Get ready to cozy up with a warm bowl of Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup, a delightful fusion of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and flavorful spices. This dish is a slow-cooker favorite that brings comfort and a hint of spice to your dining table, captivating your taste buds with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work while you relax.
- Bold Flavors: The taco seasoning and fresh vegetables infuse the soup with a zesty, vibrant taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish makes a generous amount, ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor that blend harmoniously into a mouthwatering soup.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: This provides the protein base that makes the soup hearty and fulfilling.
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz cans): These add a tangy richness and the essential tomato flavor to the broth.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the soup light while allowing other flavors to meld beautifully together.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Introduces the robust spiciness that is characteristic of fajitas.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Enhances the overall aroma, adding a hint of earthy depth.
- ½ cup onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth, balancing the spicier elements.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds a fresh, crisp sweetness that complements the savory elements.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Not only adds color but a slightly sweeter flavor than its green counterpart.
Variations
This Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences effortlessly.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for hearty chickpeas or black beans to maintain protein while going meat-free.
- Spice it Up: Add a couple of chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who like their soup with extra heat.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Begin by placing the chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, taco seasoning, minced garlic, onion, and bell peppers into your 6-quart crock pot. The vibrant colors and scents will already start creating a feast for the senses.
Step 2: Cook and Shred
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the pot. This ensures every piece is infused with the delicious flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
- Optimal Cooking: If you have the time, cooking on low for the full 8 hours will allow deeper flavors to develop.
- Quick Prep: Use pre-chopped onions and bell peppers to save time without losing out on flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, ready to go in the morning.
- Ingredient Selection: Choose organic chicken broth for a healthier, more flavorful base.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This soup is beautifully complemented by warm, crusty bread or soft, homemade tortillas to mop up every delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in vibrant, colorful bowls to reflect the lively colors of the soup, or garnish with a slice of lime on the side for a refreshing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. This allows for an easy lunch solution — just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on high in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, turkey or even beef could be delicious alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
-
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely, this soup holds up well when made ahead of time, with flavors deepening as it sits.
-
How do I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in vegetables like zucchini or corn, just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from overcooking.
-
What if my soup is too spicy?
Mix in a touch of cream or sprinkle with extra cheese to mellow the heat while enhancing richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup filling your home. This recipe is a hug in a bowl, perfect for making mealtime special. I hope you’ll give it a try and share the warmth with your loved ones.
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines tender shredded chicken with vibrant bell peppers and tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
Canned Goods
- 2 cans diced tomatoes 14.5 oz each
Broth and Spices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, taco seasoning, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped bell peppers into a 6-quart crock pot. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return and mix: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Stir well to combine everything and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning amount or adding hot sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or corn for variety.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
