Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (Slow Cooker)

Costco is known for so many ready made meals. People are loyal to Costco’s pizza, pumpkin pie, and especially the Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup. I knew that I wanted to recreate this delicious soup using my slow cooker. It’s one of those meals that is just perfect for cozy days where you are looking for a great meal that is easy to make. 

Ingredient List

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 (10 oz) cans of Rotel
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp concentrated lime juice or juice from 1 lime
• 30 oz chicken broth

Toppings:

• tortilla chips or crunchy tortilla strips
• fresh avocado
• dollop of sour cream
• green onions
• grated cheese

How To Make Costco Tortilla Soup

Begin by adding all of the ingredients, except the lime juice and toppings, into your slow cooker. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken or even a costco rotisserie chicken if you have them. The recipe is written to be able to use raw chicken breasts or leftover shredded rotisserie chicken, whichever works best for you. For the best results if you are using raw chicken be sure to put the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and pile the rest of the ingredients on top. If you are making this after Thanksgiving you could also substitute leftover turkey. 

If you do not have chicken broth you can use a few cups of water instead. The chicken broth does help to improve the flavor but water is a great option when you are in a pinch.

​Next, leave the slow cooker to cook for 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low. 

The Healthiest Soup Option

When it comes to nourishing my entire family, homemade soup triumphs over a lot of store-bought soups available in grocery stores. Unlike the typical canned option with higher sugar content, more sodium, and preservatives, homemade soup takes things to a different level.

One of the most significant advantages of homemade soup that I find lies in the ability to regulate sugar content. Many cheaper soups on the market often contain hidden sugars, compromising the health factor. In contrast, when I prepare a bowl of soup at home I am able to use fresh, wholesome ingredients, reducing unnecessary additives and maintaining a healthier balance.

Finally, the cost-effectiveness of homemade soup cannot be overlooked for me. While some store-bought options may seem inexpensive, their long-term impact on health and quality cannot compete with the value of a homemade alternative. By utilizing pantry staples and fresh produce, creating your own soup becomes an economical choice, providing both savings and superior nutritional benefits for the entire family.

Costco Kirkland Signature Chicken Tortilla Soup

Now that your crock pot has finished cooking it is time to shred the tender chicken meat and add in your lime juice. You can use juice from lime wedges or from concentrate. If you are using fresh lime you will want to get as much juice as possible out of the entire lime. The addition of the lime juice is so beautiful with the spicy chicken broth created in the soup. This is one of those soups that is delicious to eat the first time but gets even better the next day. I love having it for leftovers because the flavors just get better and better. 

The final step is to serve the soup nice and hot and add your preferred toppings. I think the corn tortilla strips are a must but also enjoy adding fresh avocado and a dollop of sour cream. My husband added some hot sauce to his to up the spice level and he loved that. There are lots of options for how you dress up this chicken tortilla soup recipe. 

How To Store Leftover Soups

Storing leftover soup is a breeze with a few simple steps. First, opt for airtight plastic containers or microwave-safe containers to maintain freshness. Once the soup has cooled down, carefully ladle it into the chosen container, ensuring there’s enough space to leave a bit of room for expansion during freezing or refrigeration. Seal the container securely to prevent any air from getting in, preserving the flavors and quality of the soup. If freezing, leave a bit of water at the top of the container before sealing to allow for expansion, reducing the risk of any spillage or damage.

When it’s time to reheat the stored soup, there are a couple of options. For microwave-safe containers, simply uncover partially to allow steam to escape, and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Adding a bit of water can help restore any lost moisture during reheating, preventing the soup from becoming too thick or dry. This method ensures a quick and convenient reheating process while maintaining the soup’s delicious taste and texture. Whether using a microwave or stovetop, storing and reheating leftover soup in this manner helps maintain its quality and flavors for a delightful encore meal.

Costco Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Embracing the essence of Costco’s beloved soup in my own kitchen means diving into a bowl brimming with aromatic spices, succulent chicken, and a medley of irresistible ingredients. This recipe serves as a versatile canvas, whether I choose to work with freshly shredded chicken or repurpose a Costco rotisserie chicken, ensuring not just convenience but a truly delightful taste. It’s like having a culinary blank slate, eager to absorb my personal flair, making it a perfect fit for post-Thanksgiving turkey leftovers or even a vegetarian interpretation.

The sheer ease of using a slow cooker transforms the entire process into an effortless culinary adventure. I simply gather the ingredients, let the slow cooker weave its magic, and come back hours later to a pot bubbling with flavorful goodness. And the real treasure? It’s in the leftovers. The flavors mingle and mature, offering an even more exquisite experience the following day, a trove of culinary delight just waiting to be relished.

Delicious Soup Recipes

HOMEMADE POTATO SOUP RECIPE

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP RECIPE

INSTANT POT MINESTRONE SOUP RECIPE