Chicken tortilla soup is your answer to weeknight comfort without the hassle. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a flavorful, low-effort dinner, this slow cooker version delivers big on taste and ease. The magic happens while you go about your day — tender shredded chicken, bold spices, and savory veggies simmer away, creating a soup that’s both hearty and satisfying.
This recipe is a lifesaver when you want something warm, rich in flavor, and totally customizable. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort that tastes like it took hours — because it did, but you barely lifted a finger.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal prep: Just chop, dump, and walk away.
- Customizable: Tweak the spice level or toppings to fit your taste.
- Nutritious & hearty: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and veggies.
- Great for leftovers: Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
- Perfect for meal prep: Freeze in portions for future dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Crispy tortilla strips or chips
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Add to Slow Cooker
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, roasted red peppers, garlic, cumin, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. - Shred Chicken
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the soup. - Simmer to Blend Flavors
Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to deepen the flavor. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips. Enjoy!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Main Dish
- Calories: 320 per serving
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Note: Exact values may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips & Variations
- Want it spicy? Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with an extra can of beans and use vegetable broth.
- Thicker soup? Add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.
- No slow cooker? Simmer everything in a large pot on low heat for 45–60 minutes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Equipment
- – Slow Cooker
- – Sharp knife
- – Cutting board
- Ladle
- – Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- – 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- – 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- – 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- – 1 cup corn kernels frozen or canned
- – 1 cup roasted red peppers chopped
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- – 4 cups chicken broth
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker with tomatoes, black beans, corn, roasted peppers, garlic, cumin, and broth. Season.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken and return it to the soup.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
FAQs
Can I freeze chicken tortilla soup?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Add cooked, shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm through.
What goes best as a side?
Try a simple green salad, quesadillas, or even cornbread on the side.
How do I make it kid-friendly?
Reduce or skip the cumin, and serve with cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a mild, fun bowl.
Conclusion
Chicken tortilla soup is more than just a weeknight dinner — it’s a cozy, customizable, feel-good meal that fits into any season. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you’re free to relax and still enjoy a dish packed with flavor and nourishment. Don’t forget the toppings — they’re the final touch that transforms this comforting soup into something extra special.