Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chicken tortilla soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners. This easy recipe combines smoky chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, and a touch of cumin for a comforting meal that practically makes itself.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced plus 1 tablespoon sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips, store-bought or homemade, toasted until crispy
- A handful of chopped cilantro (optional)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Finely chop 1-2 chipotle peppers along with a tablespoon of the adobo sauce if using fresh.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add drained black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), diced onion, and minced garlic on top.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt (start with 1 teaspoon), and pepper over the ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine without shredding the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and shred finely using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Taste the soup and add more salt or lime juice as needed. For a thicker broth, mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir to create a creamy texture.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and any optional toppings like shredded cheese or avocado slices.
Notes
Keep an eye on liquid level during cooking; add extra broth or water if needed. For spicier soup, add extra chipotle pepper or hot sauce. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Homemade tortilla strips add fresh crunch but store-bought saves time. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by about 1 hour on low.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups (350
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, easy soup recipe, cozy dinners, slow cooker soup, chicken soup, tortilla strips, chipotle, comfort food