Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a super easy and healthy recipe for busy weeknights. Simply combine chicken, taco seasoning, broth, salsa, and canned corn and beans in your slow cooker before you leave for the day and come home to the savory aroma of this Mexican dish that your whole family will enjoy. Complete this authentic meal with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.

Cooler weather and busy schedules mean that soup recipes start appearing on the dinner table.

And this Crock-Pot chicken tortilla soup is BY FAR one of the BEST soup recipes out there.

(Or slow cooker, if you like to call it that!)

It’s super easy to make quickly on your way out the door in the morning. I’m talking throw in some chicken, broth, seasonings, canned corn, beans, a jar of salsa, and go!

When you return home in the evening you’ll be welcomed by an intoxicating aroma.

Once you dig into this flavor packed soup (thanks to the homemade taco seasoning) you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite weeknight recipes.

As if that isn’t enough to make it the perfect soup, it’s HEALTHY too! Yup, it’s made with all whole food ingredients, no heavy cream here!

So set it, forget it, and have this comforting meal ready waiting for you when you get home!

If you’re looking for other cool weather recipes, this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is so easy to make, and this flavorful Chicken Taco Soup is made on the stovetop.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make crock-pot tortilla soup include:

• Chicken Breasts. This is the best cut since it consists of lean meat that tenderizes easily while slow cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer result.
• Salsa. A medium salsa, instead of diced tomatoes, gives the bulk of the tomato flavor and spice to this soup. Homemade Roasted Tomato Salsa is another great option!
• Taco Seasoning. Homemade taco seasoning mix is the quickest way to give your recipe authentic Mexican flavor. If you don’t want to make you own, there are many store-bought packets available to choose from. You can also easily substitute fajita seasoning or even chili seasoning for a slightly different taste!
• Corn. Both canned sweet kernel corn and frozen corn will work great.
• Black Beans. Canned beans are used in this recipe. Make sure you rinse and drain them before adding into the soup!
• Lime. Fresh juice gives the taco soup a bit more acidity. Lemon can be substituted if that is what you have on hand.
• Tortilla Chips. These are for serving. You definitely don’t want to forget them for an amazing crunch!

How to Make Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Crock-Pot

The basic steps for making slow cooker tortilla soup are simple to follow:

Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Fill the crock-pot with the ingredients, making sure to follow this particular order: start with the chicken, then pour in the broth and salsa (be sure to lift up the chicken so it gets underneath and doesn’t burn to the bottom of the pot).

Next add in the seasoning, corn, and beans, mixing the seasoning into the corn and beans so the flavor spreads throughout.

Slow Cook and Shred

Set your slow cooker to high for 4-6 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. This timing is for a 6-quart crock-pot, the soup may be done a little earlier if you have an 8-quart one.

Either pull apart in the pot using two forks, on a cutting board with your hands (you will need to let the chicken cool down first!), or add it to a stand mixer. Do this during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then return the chicken to the pot so it can soak up the flavor of the soup.

Serve

But wait! Where does the “tortilla” come in? Right at the end!

Add some crushed tortilla chips to the top of the soup just before serving. They will get soggy if they sit in the liquid too long, so it is best to add them as you eat.

While this slow cooker tortilla soup recipe tastes incredible on its own, adding a variety of toppings can make it even better!

Here are a few of my favorite finishing touches for tortilla soup:

• Crushed tortilla chips <– A must!!
  • You can also make your own baked tortilla chips at home!
• Sliced Avocados
• Sour Cream – Or dairy-free sour cream by Tofutti.
• Shredded Cheese – Cheddar cheese, Mexican blend, or Monterrey Jack all taste great!
• Fresh Cilantro
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Homemade Guacamole

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: Since the flavors will continue to get better over time, this is a great soup to make in advance. Just wait to add the tortilla chips and toppings until serving.
• To Store: Leftover soup will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: This recipe freezes extremely well. Seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
• To Reheat: Warm in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or microwave, until heated through.

Dietary Modifications

Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to the recipe to help it fit your dietary requirements:

• Gluten-Free: Ensure you are using chips free of gluten.
• Dairy-Free: Opt for a dairy alternative cheese, or leave it out.

FAQs

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Make it from scratch. Mixing up homemade taco seasoning gives the best flavor.
• Shred then soak. Return the shredded chicken to the soup at least 30 minutes before serving so it can absorb the juices.
• Spice it up. Choose a medium or hot salsa, and add a little extra cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.
• Tons of toppings. Get creative and try avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, and more.
• Prep in advance. This soup improves with time, refrigerate or freeze for an easy make-ahead meal.

Sides to Serve with Tortilla Soup

This tortilla soup is absolutely delicious when you pair it with any of these sides:

• Mini Cornbread Muffins
• Mexican Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Honey Jalapeño Cornbread
• Pico de Gallo
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Chopped Green Onions

More Healthy Soup Recipes

Comfort food can be healthy too, believe it or not! Warm up with any of these cozy recipes:

• Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup
• Italian Wedding Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
• Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
• Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
• The Best Healthy Soup Recipes
• Chicken Enchilada Soup