There’s a reason Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of the most beloved crockpot dinners: it’s warm, comforting, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. With tender shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, chili spices, and a broth that simmers low and slow into something magical, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with hardly any effort.

It’s everything you want on a cool evening — cozy, hearty, and satisfying — while still being bright and fresh thanks to toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something warm and nourishing, this recipe never disappoints.

Why This Chicken Tortilla Soup Is So Good

• Dump-and-go convenience — everything goes straight into the slow cooker.
• Incredibly flavorful thanks to spices and long, slow simmering.
• Customizable heat level from mild to spicy.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch into a hearty meal.
• Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable.
• Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully.

This is the kind of recipe that becomes a household regular.

Ingredients

Base Soup Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded & diced (optional for heat)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (mild or original)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

Finishing & Toppings

• Crispy tortilla strips
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeño slices

Instructions

Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Add all ingredients
   Place chicken breasts, onions, garlic, jalapeño, tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, corn, broth, and all spices into the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently
   Mix to combine (no need to chop or precook anything).

Cook

3. Slow cook
   Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Shred chicken
   Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Add lime juice
   Stir in freshly squeezed lime to brighten the flavor.

Serve

6. Top generously
   Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, lime, cilantro, cheese, or sour cream.
7. Enjoy warm
   Serve immediately while hot and comforting.

Tips for the BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness

Chicken breasts work beautifully, but thighs stay even juicier.

2. Add heat to taste

Increase spice by adding chipotle peppers, hot Rotel, or extra jalapeño.

3. Don’t skip lime

It brings the soup to life.

4. Add tortillas at the end

They stay crispy instead of soggy.

5. Meal prep superstar

Flavors get deeper after a day in the fridge.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

A cozy and flavorful slow cooker chicken tortilla soup made with tender shredded chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, and warm spices.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 260

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jalapeño diced, optional
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 10 oz Rotel
• 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn frozen or canned
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 lime juiced

Toppings

• tortilla strips

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Mixing spoons

Method

 

1. Add chicken, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices to slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
3. Shred chicken and return to slow cooker.
4. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve hot with tortilla strips and desired toppings.

Notes

For a creamy version, add cream cheese at the end.

Delicious Variations

Creamy Tortilla Soup

Add 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream at the end.

Fiesta Vegetable Tortilla Soup

Add bell peppers and zucchini.

Chipotle Tortilla Soup

Add 1 chopped chipotle pepper + 1 tbsp adobo sauce.

Southwest Tortilla Soup

Add 1 packet taco seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican rice
• Cheesy quesadillas
• Cornbread
• Guacamole and chips
• Lime cilantro rice

Storage

• Fridge: 4–5 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: Simmer on stovetop or microwave; add fresh toppings after reheating

This soup freezes exceptionally well due to its broth-based nature.