Go Back
Adam

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup: The Secret to Perfect Dinners

When it comes to the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, few dishes deliver the perfect combination of bold flavor, satisfying texture, and ease quite like Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's cozy, zesty, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that simmer together beautifully in the slow cooker. This soup features tender chicken, black beans, corn, green chilies, tomatoes, and a mix of warm spices, all swimming in a flavorful broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and fresh lime and cilantro, every bite offers the perfect balance of textures and tastes — spicy, savory, crunchy, creamy, and fresh. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a fuss-free, flavor-packed evening. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder this soup is a family favorite all year round.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Everything you need is easy to find affordable, and pantry-friendly. Here’s the full list:
Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Canned Goods:
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can corn, drained
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 4 oz can green chilies, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
Fresh Ingredients:
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (for serving)
  • 1 avocado sliced (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Spices & Seasonings:
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dairy:
  • 1 cup cheese shredded (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Grains:
  • 1 cup tortilla strips store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • This recipe is incredibly simple, and all you need are a few kitchen basics:
  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle
  • Bowls for serving

Method
 

  1. Follow these simple steps and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting for you.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Rinse and drain the black beans.
  3. Drain the corn.
  4. Slice the avocado and lime — set aside for garnish.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, black beans, corn, green chilies, diced tomatoes with juice, and chicken broth.
  3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
  1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary — a little extra lime juice or salt can brighten it up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Ladle soup into bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with sliced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Cool soup completely before storing.
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
This soup is freezer-friendly!
Freeze in individual portions (without toppings) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
You can also microwave individual bowls in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring between.
🥄 Variations
This soup is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences or what's in your pantry:
Make It Creamy: Add a splash of cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt stirred in before serving.
Extra Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
More Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Swap the Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken.
Add Rice or Quinoa: Stir in cooked rice or quinoa at the end to bulk it up.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and sour cream toppings for a lighter version.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Just add 1–2 extra hours of cooking time if using frozen.
2. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and taste great.
3. Can I make this spicier?
Definitely! Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, they’re more flavorful and stay tender — just trim any excess fat.
5. Do I need to cook the beans first?
No, just rinse and drain canned black beans and they’re ready to go.
6. How do I make homemade tortilla strips?
Cut corn tortillas into strips, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
7. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sauté onion and garlic, add remaining ingredients, and simmer for 25–30 minutes. Shred chicken and return to pot.
8. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your tortilla strips and broth are certified gluten-free.
9. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Add the shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking.
10. What sides go well with this soup?
Cornbread, a green salad, or a warm quesadilla are great sides.
🏁 Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the definition of easy, satisfying, and bold comfort food. With a medley of spices, wholesome ingredients, and vibrant toppings, it’s a go-to meal that you’ll look forward to making again and again.
Whether you're feeding your family, serving a crowd, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe brings warm, delicious flavor with hardly any effort. One pot, all the flavor, and none of the stress — now that’s the secret to perfect dinners.