Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, comforting dish that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Lillian Hayes

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:16:13.154Z

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a family favorite. It's easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Just throw in your ingredients, and enjoy a hearty meal when you get home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A delicious blend of spices and fresh ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep, leftovers taste even better
  • Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado and cheese

A Flavorful Base

The foundation of this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup lies in its rich and flavorful base. The combination of diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn creates a robust mixture that forms the heart of the soup. These ingredients not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute a delightful taste that keeps you coming back for more. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.

Adding spices like chili powder and cumin elevates the flavor profile even further. Chili powder offers a gentle heat, while cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that's simply irresistible. Together, they enhance the taste of the chicken and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that is sure to please your palate. This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this chicken tortilla soup is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a casual gathering with friends or seeking a comforting dinner for your family, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that everyone will love.

Moreover, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply make a batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. You can also freeze leftovers for a future meal, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand.

Customizable Toppings

The beauty of this recipe lies in its customizability. Once the soup is ready, you can personalize each bowl with your favorite toppings. Creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or fresh cilantro can elevate the dish, adding layers of flavor and texture. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add richness and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the soup's spiced notes.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor each serving to your taste. This makes every bowl of tortilla soup a unique experience, ensuring that everyone at your table leaves satisfied.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla strips for serving
  • Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, cheese

Feel free to add any additional vegetables or spices that you love!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 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 the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and any desired toppings.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade tortilla soup!

Tips for Success

To ensure your slow cooker chicken tortilla soup turns out perfectly, consider using high-quality chicken breasts. Fresh, organic chicken not only tastes better but also provides a healthier option for your meal. If you have extra time, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for an added depth of flavor.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the spices! Adjusting the amount of chili powder can cater to your heat preferences, and adding a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a delightful smokiness to the soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially after the soup has cooked and the flavors have developed.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken tortilla soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of warm corn tortillas or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you're looking to add more fiber, consider pairing the soup with a quinoa salad or brown rice. These sides enhance the nutritional value of your meal while complementing the flavors of the soup.

For a festive touch, serve the soup at a gathering with a toppings bar, allowing guests to customize their bowls. This interactive element not only makes serving easier but also lets everyone enjoy the soup exactly how they like it, making your gathering even more enjoyable.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

→ Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the chili powder to make it spicier.

→ Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can. Simply simmer all ingredients in a pot for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro are great choices!

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a warm, comforting dish that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Lillian Hayes

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  3. 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  4. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  5. 1 cup chicken broth
  6. 1 medium onion, diced
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 tablespoon chili powder
  9. 1 teaspoon cumin
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Tortilla strips for serving
  12. Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, cheese

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 03

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.

Step 04

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and any desired toppings.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 20g