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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is your guilt-free solution for a flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe proves that delicious and satisfying can also be wonderfully convenient.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • shredded cheddar cheese Optional garnish
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt Optional garnish
  • fresh cilantro Optional garnish
  • diced avocado Optional garnish
  • tortilla chips Optional garnish
  • lime wedges Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Plate or Cutting Board
  • Two Forks
  • Saucepan
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Begin by chopping your large onion and two bell peppers. Mince your garlic cloves. Rinse and drain the canned black beans and drain the canned corn.
    1 large onion, chopped, 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  2. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 large onion, chopped, 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and the can of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the liquid).
    1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  4. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and the drained corn.
    1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the slow cooker. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
    1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine it with the soup.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  9. Ladle the hot Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crunchy tortilla chips for dipping, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
    shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips, lime wedges

Notes

Storing Leftovers:
Allow the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer the soup into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the containers are well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from transferring.
Freezing for Future Meals:
For longer storage, freeze the soup. Again, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. It's helpful to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Instructions:
* Stovetop: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Pour the desired amount of soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* Microwave: Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
* Thawing Frozen Soup: If reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using stovetop or microwave methods.