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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

slow cooker chicken tortilla soup - featured image

A quick and healthy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup with smoky, savory flavors and tender chicken, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
  • Shredded cheese (optional, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice onion, mince garlic, and dice bell pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
  5. Add chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
  6. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  8. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
  9. Optional: Ladle about 2 cups of soup into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir back into the slow cooker.
  10. Stir in lime juice just before serving.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and avocado slices if desired.

Notes

Sautéing the aromatics before slow cooking enhances flavor. Blending part of the soup adds a silky texture. Adjust spice level with cayenne or jalapeños. Use gluten-free tortilla chips for gluten-free version. Skip cheese or use vegan alternatives for dairy-free. Check slow cooker temperature to avoid overcooking chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, comfort food, crockpot soup, Mexican soup, weeknight meal