Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with Simple Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s a comforting meal that’s full of rich flavors. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. As the soup simmers, the spices blend together beautifully, creating a warm and satisfying dish.

Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is versatile and easy to customize. Whether you love it extra spicy or prefer a milder taste, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. Serve it with crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of cheese, and a squeeze of lime for that final touch. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal you’ll want to make over and over again!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Effortless Prep – Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
  • Rich Flavors – The combination of spices, beans, and chicken creates a flavorful, comforting broth.
  • Tender Chicken – Slow cooking ensures the chicken is juicy and tender every time.
  • Customizable Heat – Easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili or jalapeños.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
  • Crispy Toppings – Garnish with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, and lime for added texture and flavor.
  • Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is filling without being heavy.
  • Great for Crowds – It’s an ideal recipe to feed a group or bring to potlucks and gatherings.
  • Versatile – You can customize the ingredients to fit different dietary preferences, like using dairy-free toppings or making it gluten-free.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts – Tender, shredded chicken forms the base of the soup.
  • Diced tomatoes – Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the broth.
  • Chicken broth – Provides the liquid base and enhances the savory flavors.
  • Black beans – For added protein and heartiness.
  • Corn – Sweetness and texture to balance the spices.
  • Onion and garlic – Adds depth and aromatics to the soup.
  • Cumin, chili powder, and paprika – Key spices that give the soup its warm, smoky flavor.
  • Jalapeño or green chilies – For an extra kick of heat.
  • Lime juice – Brightens and balances the flavors.
  • Tortilla strips – Crunchy topping for added texture.

Chefs Helpful Tips

  • Sear the Chicken First – For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a nice caramelized layer.
  • Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – For a deeper, smoky flavor, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes.
  • Shred Chicken Easily – Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks or even a hand mixer for quick shredding.
  • Add Spices in Layers – To deepen the flavor, toast the cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Don’t Add All Toppings at Once – Serve the soup with toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking, whether it’s more cheese, avocado, or extra lime.
  • Thicken the Broth – For a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, or blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
  • Use Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice added at the end really enhances the flavors and makes the soup pop.
  • Make It Ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so feel free to make it a day ahead for an easy meal.
  • Freeze the Leftovers – This soup freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just omit the toppings before freezing and add them fresh when reheating.
  • Crisp Your Own Tortilla Strips – For the best texture, fry or bake your own tortilla strips instead of using store-bought chips

Recipes You Must Try…

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 8 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6 Calories: 275
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a flavorful broth, it's a comforting meal that's full of rich flavors. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. As the soup simmers, the spices blend together beautifully, creating a warm and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients

    Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the jalapeño if using. Drain and rinse the black beans.

  1. Add to Slow Cooker

    Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and jalapeño (optional). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  1. Cook

    Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  1. Shred the Chicken

    Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.

  1. Add Lime Juice

    Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten the flavors.

  1. Rest

    Let the soup rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.

  1. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.

  1. Enjoy

    Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 275kcal
Calories from Fat 90kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 850mg36%
Potassium 750mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
Dietary Fiber 7g29%
Sugars 4g
Protein 24g48%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, easy recipe, Mexican soup, comforting meal, healthy soup, gluten-free, dairy-free, high protein, meal prep, family dinner, customizable, spicy soup, shredded chicken, crockpot recipe, weeknight dinner, simple ingredients, soup with toppings, hearty soup, low carb

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great and will add even more flavor. Just ensure they’re cooked until tender before shredding.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just leave out the toppings before freezing and add fresh toppings when serving.

How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water).

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, the base recipe is dairy-free. Just skip any dairy-based toppings like cheese or sour cream.

What can I substitute for black beans?

You can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute for black beans.

What are some good toppings for this soup?

Great options include tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes, simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

How long can I leave this in the slow cooker on 'keep warm'?

Once the soup is done cooking, it can stay on the 'keep warm' setting for 1-2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to avoid overcooking the ingredients.

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