Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 4 hours

Makes

8 servings (2 qt.)

Updated: Jan. 29, 2024
Don't be shy about loading up the spices and shredded chicken for this recipe. Slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. Your family will thank you for this one! —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1-1/2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Optional toppings: Chopped avocado, jalapeno peppers and lime wedges

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in oil. Remove chicken to 3-qt. slow cooker. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in the next 9 ingredients. Cover and cook on low until chicken is tender, 4-5 hours.
  2. Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Stir in cilantro. Sprinkle with tortilla chips. Serve with toppings as desired.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Tips

Can you use other kinds of chicken in slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a fast, easy, and juicy substitute for chicken breasts. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand.

What else can you put in slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup?

To make this soup extra hearty, toss in chopped bell peppers. To make it spicy, add green chiles or a chopped and seeded jalapeno pepper. If you want even more heat, add the sauce from 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, or increase the amount of chili powder or ground cumin. We suggest adding just a little extra seasoning at first, then increasing more as desired.

What can you serve with slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup?

Garnish each serving with crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips, chopped avocado, jalapeno peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, lime wedges or a dollop of sour cream. This soup is delicious served with buttery cornbread or your favorite Mexican side dish.

How should you store leftover slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup?

Store this soup (without toppings or garnishes) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days. Or, store in the freezer for up to 6 months—just be sure to follow our pro tips for freezing soup. If you liked this slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe, try more of our slow-cooker soup recipes.

—Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 176 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.