Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
A cozy, budget-friendly soup made in a slow cooker, perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Top with crunchy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Thighs can be substituted for more flavor and moisture.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained Use fire-roasted corn for extra char.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies Rotel-style; swap for plain diced tomatoes plus 1–2 jalapeños if you prefer.
- 1 large onion, chopped Yellow or white.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.
- 4 cups chicken broth Low-sodium recommended; adjust salt at the end.
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Garnishes
- Crispy tortilla strips for garnish Store-bought or homemade.
- Shredded cheese for serving Cheddar or Mexican blend.
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Add everything to the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should reach 165°F and be very tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board or bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat finely, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Taste and finish: Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Let it warm through for 10–15 minutes before serving so flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add an extra can of beans or cooked shredded jackfruit. Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor, but increase cook time slightly and remove bones before shredding.