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A steaming bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup cooked in a Crock Pot, ready to eat.

Classic Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This classic Crock Pot chicken tortilla soup is a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy night in. Made with tender chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, it's easy to prepare and customize with your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained or frozen
  • 1-2 jalapeños, finely diced (optional, seeded for less heat)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, added at the end
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

For Serving

  • Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
  • diced avocado Optional topping
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt Optional topping
  • shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese Optional topping
  • hot sauce Optional topping

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and finely dice the jalapeño, if using; rinse and drain the black beans and corn.

Cooking

  • Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the onion, garlic, undrained diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and jalapeño.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is easily shredded.

Finishing and Serving

  • Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
  • Stir in fresh lime juice and cilantro, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips or chips, and any desired toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese.

Notes

For a spicier soup, leave some seeds in the jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.