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Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup: A Hearty Delight

As the weather turns colder, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and nourishment to the table. Enter the slow cooker Mexican chicken soup, a delightful fusion of flavours that can transport you straight to a bustling cantina in Mexico. Not only is this dish rich in taste, but it is also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

What You Need

To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 500g chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavour)
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of sweetcorn, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (including juices)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 750ml chicken stock or broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Sour cream and avocado, optional for serving

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will allow them to cook evenly, soaking in all the lovely spices and flavours.

2. Add the Vegetables: Next, layer in the black beans, sweetcorn, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and both bell peppers. These ingredients add not only colour but also a boost of nutrition to your soup.

3. Season Generously: Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. These spices are the heart and soul of your Mexican chicken soup, so don’t hesitate to measure generously.

4. Pour in the Stock: Finally, pour the chicken stock over all the ingredients. This will create a wonderfully rich broth as it cooks.

5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavours to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender and succulent.

6. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the cooker. Stir it into the soup to infuse the meat with all the delicious flavours.

7. Finish with Lime: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. This adds a refreshing zing that lifts the entire dish.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. For an added touch of indulgence, you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream and slices of creamy avocado.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker Mexican chicken soup is not just a hearty meal; it’s versatile and forgiving. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Substitute the chicken with turkey or even try it with a vegetarian twist by adding more beans and vegetables.

The beauty of a slow cooker is that it does all the hard work for you. Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do its job. When you come home after a long day, a hot, flavour-packed meal will be waiting for you.

Conclusion

Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, slow cooker Mexican chicken soup is perfect for any occasion. It embodies warmth, comfort, and the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine. With minimal effort and maximum flavour, it’s bound to become a favourite in your household. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of this hearty delight!