Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe | Easy Crock Pot Soup

Published Date: November 7, 2024
Last Updated: November 7, 2024

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is an incredibly comforting and flavor-packed soup that is as easy to eat as it is to make! Packed with hearty add-ins and a robust broth, this soup is perfect to dig into on a chilly day.

Overhead image of two bowls of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Why You’ll Love This Simple Soup Recipe

  • Great for busy days. This incredibly simple soup recipe is great for busy days when you need dinner to make itself. Pop the ingredients in your slow cooker and come back when you’re ready to eat.
  • Incredibly customizable. Easily swap out the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and spice preferences.
  • Meal prep friendly. This recipe will feed a crowd (think 6-8 servings) so it can easily transition from a busy weeknight meal to an easy-to-pack work lunch.

Whether you’re craving something that will warm you up or are just looking for a meal that will cook itself while you’re busy living life, this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed dinner-time treat.

What Does Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Taste Like?

Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is a comforting, flavorful dish with a rich, savory base. It has a mild spiciness, thanks to the taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce, balanced with the natural sweetness of corn and the creaminess of beans. The shredded chicken is tender, and easily absorbs the spices and broth.

Each bite brings a blend of warmth from the chili powder and cumin, a tanginess from the tomato sauce, and a touch of acidity from fresh lime wedges. Toppings like crispy tortilla strips add a crunchy contrast, while melted Monterey Jack cheese and a dollop of sour cream lend creaminess to the soup’s texture and flavor.

It’s a vibrant mix of savory, zesty, and slightly spicy elements that make each spoonful satisfying and cozy.

Ingredients To Grab

Here’s how each of these ingredients enhances the flavors and textures in a slow cooker chicken tortilla soup:

Ingredients needed to make Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Chicken Breasts– Provide lean protein and are the main source of heartiness in the soup. As they cook in the slow cooker, they become tender and easy to shred.
  • Whole Kernel Corn– Adds sweetness and a pop of color, along with a satisfying texture that balances the soup.
  • Tomato Sauce– Acts as a base to thicken the soup and adds a mild tomato flavor that complements the spices.
  • Red Enchilada Sauce– Brings a zesty, mildly spicy depth that enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors of the soup. This sauce infuses the broth with a bold, savory punch, making it more flavorful.
  • Chili Beans– Provide a flavorful source of protein and fiber, along with a slight heat that blends well with the other spices in the soup.
  • Black Beans– Another source of protein and fiber, black beans add earthiness and body to the soup.
  • Taco Seasoning– A blend of spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, which gives the soup its classic taco flavor.
  • Chicken Bouillon– Adds concentrated chicken flavor and enhances the savory quality of the soup. It deepens the taste of the broth, making it richer and more satisfying.
  • Tortilla Strips– Serve as a topping that adds a delightful crunch, balancing the soft textures in the soup.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese– Melts into the soup, adding creaminess and a mild cheesy flavor.
  • Sour Cream– A cool, creamy topping that balances the soup’s spices. It adds a touch of tanginess that enhances the flavor.
  • Lime Wedges– Provide a burst of acidity that brightens the soup, balancing out the richness and adding a hint of freshness.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cook the chicken and broth. Place the uncooked chicken breasts, water, taco seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and enchilada sauce into the slow cooker. Place the slow cooker on low and allow it to cook for 4 hours.

Overhead image of Chicken Breasts submerged in tomato and chicken broth with spices

Shred the chicken and add beans and corn. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the chili beans (along with the sauce they are packaged in) into the broth along. Drain and rinse the cans of black beans and corn before adding them to the broth as well. Turn the slow cooker up to high and allow it to continue cooking for 30 minutes to an hour. This is just to warm the beans and corn and allow them to absorb some of the flavors of the broth.

A wooden spoon stirring Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup in a crock pot

Serve and enjoy. Once your soup has warmed through, add a hearty portion to a bowl. Top the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve and enjoy!

Close up image of Slow Cooker chicken Tortilla Soup in a square white bowl

Tips And Tricks

This incredibly simple soup practically cooks itself with the help of your slow cooker. However there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

  • Adjust slow cooker settings. If you need to start this soup before you head out to work, cook the chicken on low. To cut the cooking time in half for a faster meal solution, turn your crock pot up to high when adding the chicken and broth ingredients.
  • Add precooked ingredients last. To avoid mushy corn and beans, add them to your soup after you shred the chicken. They still have time to absorb all of the lovely flavors from the broth without overcooking.
  • Taste and adjust the broth. The brand of chicken bouillon you use can alter the taste of your broth significantly. To increase the chicken flavor, add more bouillon. To reduce the saltiness of the broth, add water.

Variations

We prefer this soup as it is written below, but everyone’s perfect soup looks a little different! Try some of these variations next time you need a quick and easy meal:

  • Add corn tortillas. Chop up some corn tortillas into strips and add them to the soup at the same time you add the beans and corn. They will provide additional heartiness to the soup.
  • Make it creamy. Stir 2 ounces of cream cheese into the soup to finish before serving for creamy bite.
  • Elevate the spice. If you like your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup to pack a spicy kick, dice up some jalapenos or add an extra shake or two of cayenne pepper when assembling the broth.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re unsure of what to serve with this spectacular soup, try some of these simple but satisfying side dishes along with your next bowl:

  • Additional Chips
  • Cheese Quesadilla
  • Mexican Rice
  • Grilled Cheese
  • Saltine Crackers
Close up overhead image of a bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup with a spoon in it

How Long Does It Last?

Hello, leftovers! This lovely soup is one of those recipes that only gets better with time. The flavors continue to marry while it is stored in the refrigerator.

Place any leftovers you may have in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding any garnishes right before digging in.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers you won’t be able to finish within a few days. Place them in individual portions in the freezer, allowing enough room in your freezer-safe container for it to expand.

Store the chicken tortilla soup for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them according to the instructions listed above.

More Craveworthy Chicken Recipes

If you love this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save this link so you can make it the next time you need a cozy dinner idea.

Overhead image of two bowls of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe | Easy Crock Pot Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is an incredibly comforting and flavor-packed soup that is as easy to eat as it is to make!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Chicken Breasts
  • 15 oz Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 15.5 oz Chili Beans in Sauce
  • 15 oz Whole Kernel Corn rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce
  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Chicken Bouillon or Knorr Caldo de Pollo bouillon
  • .5 oz Taco Seasoning or half of a packet
  • 10 oz Red Enchilada Sauce
  • 3.5 oz Tortilla Strips
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 8 Sour Cream to garnish
  • Lime Wedges to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the chicken and broth. Place the uncooked chicken breasts, water, taco seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and enchilada sauce into the slow cooker. Place the slow cooker on low and allow it to cook for 4 hours.
  • Shred the chicken and add beans and corn. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the chili beans (along with the sauce they are packaged in) into the broth along. Drain and rinse the cans of black beans and corn before adding them to the broth as well. Turn the slow cooker up to high and allow it to continue cooking for 30 minutes to an hour. This is just to warm the beans and corn and allow them to absorb some of the flavors of the broth.
  • Serve and enjoy. Once your soup has warmed through, add a hearty portion to a bowl. Top the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
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Hi! I'm Ashley.

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I'm married to my high school sweetheart and we have three amazing sons.

I love carbs, cheese, and all things spicy and deep fried. There's nothing that makes me happier than a full kitchen table and a family with a full belly!


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