Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Name: Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 cups chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Tortilla strips or chips; Shredded cheese; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro; Sliced avocado

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This easy-to-make soup is loaded with flavor and topped with crispy tortilla strips.

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:22:08.455Z

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a family favorite that combines tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a medley of spices. It simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and warming, perfect for chilly evenings
Hands-off cooking with minimal prep time
Customizable with your favorite toppings

      

A Cozy Meal for Any Occasion

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food that suits any occasion. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup is sure to please. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that can warm you up on cold days or provide a nourishing option for busy weeknights.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to cater to your family's tastes. Add extra vegetables for a heartier soup or kick up the spice level with additional chili powder. This recipe invites creativity, ensuring that you can make it your own every time.

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

One of the standout features of this recipe is its slow cooking method, which allows flavors to develop beautifully over time. As the ingredients simmer together, the chicken becomes tender and infused with the spices, while the broth thickens and intensifies. The slow cooker does all the work for you, meaning you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities.

Slow cooking not only enhances flavor but also locks in nutrients, making your meal both delicious and healthful. This method is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families, as it minimizes hands-on cooking time. You can prepare the soup in the morning and return home to a warm, inviting meal.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. The combination of textures—from the crispy tortilla strips to the tender chicken—creates a delightful dining experience. For a burst of freshness, serve the soup with lime wedges, which can enhance the overall flavor profile.

When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. Adding sliced jalapeños can bring some heat, while a dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. Each bowl can be customized to satisfy everyone's tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Soup Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients

Tortilla strips or chips
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Sliced avocado

Gather all ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth.

Season the Soup

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients.

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

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado as desired.

Enjoy your homemade soup on a cold day!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in luck! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Divide it into portion-sized containers for easy meals on the go. Just remember to leave space for expansion when freezing, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn, making it a well-rounded meal. The addition of vegetables like onions and tomatoes adds vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet.

For those watching their caloric intake, this soup is a satisfying option that can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs. You can easily make it gluten-free by ensuring your toppings are compliant and use low-sodium chicken broth to keep the sodium levels in check without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about this recipe is whether you can use frozen chicken breasts. The answer is yes! You can add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker; just be sure to increase the cooking time by an hour. This is a great option if you forgot to thaw your chicken beforehand.

Another frequently asked question is how to make the soup spicier. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You can also experiment with different types of chili powder or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before shredding.

→ Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild spice level due to the diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can adjust the chili powder to your liking.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

→ What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water with added seasoning as a substitute for chicken broth.