Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, protein-rich comfort food packed with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, black beans, corn, and savory spices. It’s a “dump-and-go” recipe requiring minimal prep and delivers deep, slow-simmered flavor in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this customizable soup is topped with fresh garnishes like avocado, tortilla strips, and cheese.
Ingredients
Essential:
2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes or Rotel with green chilis
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
1 cup frozen or fresh corn
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
Optional Add-ins:
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (for heat)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and trim the chicken. Rinse beans to reduce sodium.
Layer Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add onion and garlic first, followed by chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices. Pour in chicken broth and lime juice.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the soup.
Stir and Serve: Mix in chopped cilantro (if using) and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls.
Garnish: Top with avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream, and cheese as desired.
Notes
You can use frozen chicken, but thawing it before cooking ensures even texture.
Spice can be adjusted to taste—omit chili powder or use mild peppers for a gentler flavor.
This soup stores well and develops a richer flavor overnight.
For extra thickness, blend 1 cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Tex-Mex
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, meal prep, gluten free, family dinner, Tex-Mex, crockpot soup