This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and warms you up with every spoonful. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. With tender chicken and delicious spices, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s simple, hearty, and so satisfying!
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, this Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a winner. Here’s why it’s become a go-to recipe in our kitchen:
- Hands-off cooking: With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. There’s no need to hover over the stove. Just add your ingredients, let the crockpot work its magic, and in a few hours, you’ll have a rich and hearty soup ready to serve.
- Packed with flavor: From the tender chicken to the savory broth, this soup is bursting with spices like cumin and chili powder, giving it that perfect kick. The addition of corn and black beans adds texture and extra nutrition, making it a well-rounded meal.
- Family-friendly: This recipe is simple and adaptable, so it’s perfect for picky eaters. Whether you like it spicier or milder, you can adjust the seasoning to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without much effort.
- Customizable toppings: One of the best parts of this soup is the ability to add your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, a squeeze of lime, or some crispy tortilla chips—the options are endless and always delicious.
- Comfort in a bowl: There’s something about a warm, hearty soup that just feels like a hug. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy, satisfied, and ready to take on the day.
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only a time-saver but a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and full flavor absorption.
Diced tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and body; fire-roasted adds smoky depth.
Corn kernels – Canned corn brings sweetness and balance; frozen works but may add moisture.
Chicken broth – Forms the soup base; low-sodium is best for flavor control.
Onion – Diced onion adds depth and soft sweetness after slow cooking.
Chili powder – Essential for heat, color, and smokiness; adjust to taste
Lime juice – Brightens and balances the soup with a citrusy finish.
Tortilla chips – Used for garnish, adding crunch and corn flavor.
Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Making Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is incredibly easy and hands-off, thanks to the slow cooker. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Prepare the ingredients – Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and rinse the black beans and corn so everything’s ready to go.
Layer the ingredients – Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, and spices to the slow cooker and stir.
Let it cook – Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken – Remove and shred the cooked chicken, then stir it back into the soup.
Add the lime juice – Squeeze in fresh lime juice for a bright, balanced flavor.
Serve and garnish – Spoon the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, and optional lime or cilantro.
Pro Tips for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
To make sure your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips that will elevate your soup game:
Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for convenience, using bone-in chicken (like thighs) can add even more flavor and richness to the soup. The bones release collagen, giving the broth a heartier texture.
Don’t skip the lime
A fresh squeeze of lime juice at the end really brightens up the entire dish. It balances the spices and adds a refreshing kick, so don’t skip it!
Shred the chicken well
After cooking, make sure to shred the chicken into small pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the soup. This ensures each bite has tender chicken and delicious broth in every spoonful.
Adjust the spices to your taste
If you like your soup spicier, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper or jalapeños. You can also tone it down by using less chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
Let it simmer longer for richer flavor
If you have extra time, don’t hesitate to cook the soup on low for a bit longer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a deeper, richer taste.
Use fresh toppings for extra texture
Add some crunch with fresh tortilla chips or even homemade crispy tortilla strips. A handful of cilantro or a slice of avocado adds freshness and brings even more flavor to the soup.
Meal prep
This soup is perfect for meal prepping! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat and add fresh garnishes when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Variations for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is wonderfully versatile, and you can customize it in so many ways to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:
Add more vegetables
For a heartier soup, toss in more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These add extra nutrition and flavor, while still keeping the soup light and fresh.
Make it creamy
Want to take your soup to the next level? Stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for those cold evenings.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
When it comes to serving your Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup, the options are as endless as the toppings! Here are some ideas to make this comforting dish even more special:
Pair with a fresh salad
Serve the soup alongside a vibrant Mexican-style salad made with crisp lettuce, avocado, cilantro, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the hearty soup and adds some refreshing crunch.
Serve with warm tortillas
For a more filling meal, serve the soup with warm flour tortillas or corn tortillas. You can even cut them into strips and crisp them up in the oven for homemade tortilla chips to dip into the soup.
Add a side of rice
If you want to make your meal even more filling, serve the soup over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice soaks up the soup’s delicious broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
Top with extra garnishes
Don’t forget to load up your soup with your favorite toppings! Add sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and texture. A little hot sauce or a squeeze of lime brings it all together.
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FAQs for Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here are some common questions about Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup and helpful answers to guide you through making this delicious dish:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. The flavors actually develop more as it sits, making it even better the next day. Just be sure to add the toppings right before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. The slow cooking process will thaw and cook the chicken beautifully. Just be sure to check the chicken for doneness before serving. If using frozen chicken breasts, they may take a little longer to cook, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! If you love a little extra heat, add jalapeños, a bit of chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
Can I use other types of beans?
While black beans are traditionally used in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Each type of bean will add its own texture and flavor to the soup, so experiment to find your favorite combination.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this soup on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can also use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
crockpot chicken tortilla soup
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz corn kernels, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Tortilla chips for garnish
- Shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn, and set them aside. This will help everything come together smoothly while the soup cooks.
Layer the ingredients
- In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Let it cook
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can check by pulling the chicken apart with a fork—it should shred easily.
Shred the chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Add the lime juice
- Squeeze in lime juice to add a burst of freshness and bring all the flavors together.
Serve and garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. We love adding a handful of tortilla chips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. For an extra pop of flavor, squeeze more lime over the top and add some fresh cilantro.