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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup in a rustic bowl with fresh toppings.

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This is a hands-off, comforting soup that simmers all day for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes meld with warm spices in a rich broth. It's finished with fresh lime and cilantro, and served with all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • For Serving: tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño (if using) to the slow cooker.
  2. Place the chicken on top of the aromatics. Add the black beans, corn, tomatoes with juices, and green chiles around the chicken.
  3. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. Pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir to distribute spices.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until chicken is tender.
  5. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let sit for 10 minutes with the lid off.
  6. Serve hot with desired toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken, especially breasts, to prevent dryness. The lime juice at the end is essential for bright flavor. Always taste and adjust salt at the end. For a faster version, use shredded rotisserie chicken added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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