Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich southwestern spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it offers a wholesome, hearty meal that fills your home with amazing aromas and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or fresh diced tomatoes)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Spices
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Toppings
- Tortilla strips or chips, for serving
- Optional: sliced avocado, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Dice tomatoes if using fresh. Rinse and drain the black beans and corn if using canned. Gather all ingredients before starting.
- Layer the slow cooker: Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, chopped onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper evenly on top.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add finishing touches: Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust the seasoning as needed. Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer and deeper-flavored broth.
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens and balances the spices.
- Add crispy tortilla strips just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Opt for low sodium chicken broth for better salt control and a healthier soup.
- Double the recipe for meal prep or feeding a larger crowd.
- For vegetarian variation, omit chicken and double the black beans and vegetables or add cubed tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Southwestern Soup, Comfort Food, Gluten Free, Easy Soup, Meal Prep
