Amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

“Ah, the best kind of evenings, right? When it’s chilly out, you’re just done with the day, and you want something warm, cozy, and totally effortless waiting for you. That’s exactly why I adore this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Seriously, it’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ dinner – perfect for those crazy weeknights when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Here at Kings Cook, my whole thing is helping you feel amazing and confident in your kitchen, no matter your skill level. I’ve always loved cooking, maybe because my Midwest grandma taught me that food is just love you can eat! You can read a bit more about my own kitchen journey right here. So, I wanted to make sure this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is just as reliable and joyful as a hug in a bowl.”

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Seriously, what’s not to love about this soup? It’s:

• Dump-and-Go Easy: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic!
• Super Cozy: The ultimate comfort food for those chilly nights when you’re craving cozy soup season.
• Packed with Flavor: Hearty, zesty, and wonderfully satisfying with that authentic Mexican-inspired taste.
• Perfect for Weeknights: It truly is one of those fantastic weeknight crockpot meals that practically makes itself.

Gather Your Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing soup! It’s all about simple, good stuff that comes together so easily. Trust me, you probably have most of this in your pantry already, which is always a win in my book. Here’s what you need to have on hand:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These are the stars of the show!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – The backbone of that rich tomato flavor.
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained – Don’t drain these little guys! They bring the heat and the texture.
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – For heartiness and a bit of fiber.
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained – Adds just a hint of sweetness and color.
• 1 cup chicken broth – To make sure everything simmers up nicely and isn’t too thick.
• 1 packet taco seasoning – This is your shortcut to big flavor, seriously a pantry staple!
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For that classic Mexican flair.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – Earthy and warm, it’s a must!
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything is better with garlic.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Another flavor booster!
• Salt and pepper to taste – Always important for balancing all those amazing flavors.
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips – Now for the fun part – dressing up your bowl!

Easy Steps to Make Crockpot Tortilla Soup

Okay, get ready for the easiest soup you’ll ever make – seriously, it’s almost embarrassing how simple this is! You just grab your slow cooker, which they also call a crockpot, and get ready to dump and go. This recipe is a lifesaver for those days you just need dinner to happen without you hovering over the stove. It’s all about tossing ingredients in and letting time do the work.

1. First things first, put those chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Now, grab a bowl and just combine everything else: your crushed tomatoes, those diced tomatoes with chilies (don’t drain ’em!), the rinsed black beans, drained corn, chicken broth, and all those yummy seasonings – taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Just mix it all up.
3. Pour that whole tomato-y, bean-y, spice-filled mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover it up and let it cook!
5. Once the cooking time is up and that chicken is super tender and cooked through, carefully take it out. Shred it using two forks – it’s so easy when it’s cooked perfectly – and then just pop that delicious shredded chicken back into the soup.

6. Give it a taste and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Now, if your soup looks a little thinner than you like, no worries! You can gently mash some of those black beans against the side of the slow cooker with your spoon, or if you want it really smooth, take about a cup of the soup out, give it a quick whiz in a blender (be careful, it’s hot!), and stir it back in. That’ll thicken things up beautifully.
7. Serve it hot, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Cooking Time: Low vs. High for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

When it comes to cooking this amazing crockpot tortilla soup, you’ve got options! You can cook it on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This is great if you want to get it going in the morning and have it ready when you get home from work. Or, if you’re in a bit of a rush or just got home, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Just keep in mind that every slow cooker is a little different, so these times are a good guideline, but always check your chicken to make sure it’s cooked through!

How to Thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup

Sometimes, even with all those yummy beans and corn, your slow cooker chicken tortilla soup might end up a little on the thin side. Don’t you worry about a thing! It’s super common and totally fixable. The best way for how to thicken chicken tortilla soup without a bunch of fuss is actually right there in the recipe. You can simply take a sturdy spoon or a potato masher and gently mash some of those tender black beans right against the side of the crockpot. It releases their lovely starch and makes the broth wonderfully creamy. Or, if you want it even smoother, carefully scoop out maybe a cup of the soup, give it a quick whiz in your blender until it’s nice and pulpy, and then stir it back into the main pot. Easy peasy!

The Best Toppings for Tortilla Soup

Okay, now for the really fun part – dressing up your bowl of slow cooker chicken tortilla soup! These toppings are my favorite part because they just take this already amazing soup to a whole new level and let you really make it your own. The best toppings for tortilla soup add all sorts of textures and pops of flavor. You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese – it gets all melty and delicious. A dollop of cool sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt is perfect for balancing any spice. Diced avocado adds that gorgeous creaminess, and a little fresh cilantro just brightens everything up. And of course, you HAVE to have some crunchy tortilla strips! You can buy them, or honestly, just cut up some corn tortillas, toss ’em with a tiny bit of oil and salt, and bake or air fry them until they’re crispy. It makes all the difference!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is totally a meal-prep dream! If you’re thinking about having this awesome soup ready for another night, or just want to stock your freezer with some goodness, you’re in luck. It freezes beautifully! First, just let the soup cool down completely – this is super important to avoid any yucky condensation in your container. Then, scoop it into airtight containers or freezer bags. I like to use those sturdy freezer bags and lay them flat in the freezer; they stack so nicely! It’ll keep great for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s one of those secret weapons for busy weeks and definitely makes our list of favorite freezer friendly soups!

Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is pretty foolproof, but I get that you might be wondering about a few things. Here are some common ones:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this easy chicken soup?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. They tend to stay even more moist and flavorful, which is a win-win. Just use about the same amount, and they’ll cook up beautifully in the slow cooker. It’s a great way to customize this already simple soup!

Can I make this a vegetarian Mexican soup night star?

You sure can! To make this a vegetarian delight, just skip the chicken altogether. You can add extra beans like pinto beans (besides the black beans) or even some cubed sweet potato for heartiness. You’ll want to replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious, meat-free version perfect for your Mexican soup night!

How spicy is this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup?

This recipe is generally mild to medium, thanks to the diced tomatoes and green chilies. It has a nice warmth without being overwhelming. If you like it spicier, though, I totally recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (seeds and all!) along with everything else. You can always serve with extra hot sauce on the side, too!

Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Tortilla Soup?

Oh, for sure! This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is super forgiving. Bell peppers (any color!) are a great addition – just chop them up and toss them in with everything else. Some people love adding zucchini or even a bit of finely diced carrot. Just make sure whatever veggies you add are cut small enough to cook through in the slow cooker time. Happy adding!

Approximate Chicken Tortilla Soup Calories and Nutrition

You know, when you’re enjoying a big, warm bowl of this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, it’s always nice to have a little idea of what’s in it. Based on the way we make it, with about a 1.5 cup serving size, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories. Of course, this can change a bit depending on exactly what brands you use and how many of those yummy toppings you pile on – but it’s a really satisfying and hearty meal for those calories! It’s packed with protein and fiber, which is always a good thing.

Share Your Creations!

Did you whip up this amazing slow cooker chicken tortilla soup? I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out, or maybe rate the recipe if you have a sec. And if you snapped some pics of your beautiful bowls, tag me on social media – seeing your kitchen creations makes my day! You can even share any questions or feedback via my contact page!

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