This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. It features tender chicken, beans, and vegetables in a rich broth, topped with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes. It’s simple to make and ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious meal without much effort.
Rich and Hearty: Packed with chicken, beans, and vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Customizable: Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, avocado, or cheese to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1/2 cup white onion, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup frozen corn
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can (4 oz) mild green chilies
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup tortilla strips (or more if desired)

Toppings (optional):

Sour cream
Avocado
Olives
Shredded cheese

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

Prepare the Soup: Place the onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, chicken breasts, chilies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, chicken broth, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Finish the Soup: Stir in the chopped cilantro. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and any desired toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cheese.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including prep)

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a can of hot green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use more beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
Thicker Soup: To thicken the soup, mix a small amount of flour with broth, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and add extra flavor.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a can of hot green chilies or some diced jalapeños for more heat.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I use ground chicken in this recipe?

Yes, ground chicken can be used, but you’ll need to cook it beforehand and then add it to the slow cooker.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.

How do I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, use a slurry of flour and broth or add sour cream for a creamy consistency.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with cornbread, a side salad, or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Yes, homemade chicken broth works wonderfully in this soup and adds more depth of flavor.

How do I make the tortilla strips crispy?

You can fry the tortilla strips in a little oil until crispy or buy pre-made tortilla strips for convenience.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and a variety of toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including prep)
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender chicken, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich broth, it’s topped with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes like avocado, sour cream, and cheese. This hands-off, customizable dish is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or feeding a crowd. Ready in 3-8 hours, it’s a hearty, flavorful soup that will quickly become a family favorite!

Instructions

Prepare the Soup:
Place onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, chicken breasts, chilies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, chicken broth, and salt in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Finish the Soup:
Stir in the chopped cilantro. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips and any desired toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cheese.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Spicy Version: Add a can of hot green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add heat.

Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use extra beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

Thicker Soup: To thicken, add a flour slurry or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW
Category: Soup, Comfort Food
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican