Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

This Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup is packed with spicy Mexican flavors.  It's super easy to prepare on a weeknight or on the weekend for a football watching crowd.  {gluten free}

Hi guys!  It's another simple slow cooker dinner coming your way because I know how busy you are. Trust me, I know!

It's not easy wrangling three kid's homework, sports schedules, playdates and quality family time.   See how I said "quality family time?"  That's been on my mind a lot lately.  Do we even have any quality family time in this house?

Yes, of course we do, but it's not as much as we used to when the kids were little.  I remember how hands on it was when my three were young. We were constantly on the floor together playing with blocks, reading books and just giggling.

That doesn't happen with teenagers.  I have to find different ways to connect and I'm learning slowly but surely...

Things I've learned about teenagers...

• Do not under any circumstance ask, "How was your day?" as soon as they get in the car after school.
• It's a great idea to have snacks in the car after school to tame the beasts.
• Do not say in front of their peers that you like Justin Beiber - he's just not cool anymore!
• Validate their feelings when they are upset, tell them you understand how hard something is for them.  Don't just try to solve their problems for them.  They need to be heard.
• Sleep is king.  Everything is better when they are well rested and prepared to cope with the challenges of growing up.
• Be careful with sarcasm or teasing them.  They can dish it out to other family members but they can't always take it.
• Do not dance to a song in the carpool line - way too embarrassing!
• Never attempt to pick out clothes for them without them present.  You will just have to take it all back.
• Connect on their level - do things they enjoy like watching Netflix, shooting hoops, walking the dog on the river while chasing Pokemon.
• If you want to have a serious conversation, do not look them in the eye.  Plan to do it in the car, while riding bikes or shooting hoops.

For years I have had made a regular habit of connecting with my kids.  I know it made sound silly since we spend so much time together but time spent together doesn't mean connecting.  Early mornings and right before bed are a must for hugging and talking a bit.  It's a time when they know (I hope) that they can talk to me about anything.  Other times throughout the day I make sure to put everything down (goodbye Seasonal Cravings on Instagram) and really focus and listen.  This might mean listening to my nine-year play Hot Cross Buns on the trumpet (so stinkin' cute). In fact, I made a video of it and he was all smiles.  It might mean looking at my teenagers accumulated Pokemon and really acting like I care ?. It makes a big difference in our lives!

What do you guys do to connect with your kids?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Another must is dinner together every night like this Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup.  It is so easy to put everything in the slow cooker in the morning and be on with your day.  I don't even ask you to brown the chicken first.  Woot, woot!

I love the addition of sweet potatoes to pack a nutritional punch. I've added spice to mine with red pepper flakes but you can opt out of that.  The toppings really make it kid friendly.  Who doesn't want cheese, avocado or sour cream added on for extra goodness?  Serve it with tortilla chips for even more kid-friendliness (is that even a word?)

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

This Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup is packed with spicy Mexican flavors. It's super easy to prepare on a weeknight or on the weekend for a football watching crowd. {gluten free}

4.75 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 539kcal

Ingredients

• 2 15 oz cans black beans rinsed
• 1 onion diced
• 1 5 oz can mild diced green chilis drained
• 3 garlic cloves chopped
• 4 cups gluten free chicken broth 1 32 oz box
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 ½ tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• one sprinkle of red pepper flakes optional
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• salt and pepper to taste
• toppings: cheese avocado, green onions, sour cream, jalapenos, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Instructions

• Put all ingredients into a slow cooker set on low.
• Cook for 6-8 hours on low.
• Remove chicken thighs and place on a cutting board. Shred chicken with two forks and place back into Crock Pot.
• Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste. Add more salt and pepper if necessary or a bit more broth if too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 1782mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6735IU | Vitamin C: 16.5mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 6.4mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

Adapted from Cooking Light.