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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Perfect for Cozy Dinners

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A quick and easy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup that is warm, comforting, and slightly spicy, perfect for cozy dinners and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels (150g)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz / 113g) diced green chilies (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • About 1 cup tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the black beans.
  2. If making homemade tortilla strips, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with a little oil and salt, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
  3. Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, then add fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including juices), black beans, corn, diced onion, minced garlic, and green chilies.
  5. Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the top. Stir gently to distribute spices without moving the chicken too much.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks or tongs. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in.
  8. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and stir well.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese if using.

Notes

If soup tastes flat, add more salt or lime juice before serving. To thicken soup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and cook on high for 10 more minutes. Homemade tortilla strips can be seasoned with chili powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Let shredded chicken rest a few minutes before shredding to avoid it falling apart.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner, slow cooker soup, chicken soup, tortilla strips, fire-roasted tomatoes