Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Are you looking for a dish that promises big flavours without demanding hours of your time? Something that can simmer gently to perfection while you manage your busy day? We understand the desire for a nourishing, home-cooked meal without the fuss. That’s precisely why we’re so excited to share our foolproof recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.

This recipe truly simplifies mealtimes, especially on hectic weeknights or relaxed weekends. It’s a fantastic “set it and forget it” meal, where the slow cooker masterfully blends rich, smoky, and vibrant flavours into a soup that’s simply sensational. Imagine the delightful aroma of chicken, tomatoes, and spices welcoming you home. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your key to a wonderfully relaxed and tasty dinner that everyone will love. It’s the ideal one-pot #CrockpotRecipe that ticks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-and-Forget Simplicity: Just pop all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and a beautifully cooked, fragrant meal will be waiting for you in the evening. It’s the definition of low effort, high reward.
• Packed with Flavour: We’ve chosen a classic blend of spices, including cumin, smoked paprika, and chilli powder, to craft a broth that’s deeply savoury with a comforting, gentle warmth. It’s a bowl of pure #ComfortFood.
• Wonderfully Customisable: What truly makes this #ChickenTortillaSoup special is the toppings! Each person can create their own masterpiece with additions like fresh avocado, zesty lime, cool sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips.
• Healthy and Hearty: Filled with lean chicken protein, fibre-rich beans and sweetcorn, and a host of vegetables, this soup is as wholesome as it is delicious. It’s a satisfying meal all in one bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 400g tin of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 300g tin of sweetcorn, drained
• 1 litre of good-quality chicken stock
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tsp chilli powder (adjust to your taste)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 large lime
• A large handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Slow Cooker Soup

Putting this soup together is delightfully straightforward. We’ve laid out the process in a few simple stages. The real transformation happens as it simmers, allowing the flavours to deepen into something truly exceptional.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

1. Begin by laying the chicken breasts at the base of your slow cooker pot.
2. Layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and drained sweetcorn on top.
3. Carefully pour the chicken stock over all the ingredients.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the tomato purée, chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add this spice blend to the slow cooker and give everything a gentle mix to ensure it’s well distributed.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

1. Secure the lid on the slow cooker.
2. Set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. We find the low and slow method yields the most tender chicken and a richer, more complex broth, so we recommend it if you have the time.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Soup

1. Once the cooking is complete, carefully lift the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker and onto a plate or chopping board. The chicken will be wonderfully tender and ready to shred.
2. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into shreds. This is a brilliant technique for tender meat and also works perfectly for other meals like our Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the soup in the slow cooker.
4. Stir through the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped coriander. This final addition awakens all the flavours and gives the soup a lovely, fresh finish. Let it sit for another 10 minutes to allow the flavours to mingle before serving.

The Best Toppings for Your Chicken Tortilla Soup

An excellent #SoupRecipe is taken to the next level with the right accompaniments, and this is your chance to be creative! Why not set up a “toppings station” so everyone can build their perfect bowl? Here are a few of our top suggestions:

• Crunchy Tortilla Strips: You can find these in shops or make them at home. Simply slice corn tortillas into thin strips, toss with a little oil and salt, and bake until crisp and golden.
• Creamy Avocado: Whether diced or sliced, fresh avocado provides a beautiful, creamy texture that complements the soup’s gentle warmth.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt: A generous spoonful on top adds a cooling, tangy dimension.
• Grated Cheese: A mature Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a crumbly feta-style cheese would be delicious.
• Fresh Coriander: An extra sprinkle of chopped coriander brings a fresh, aromatic lift.
• Lime Wedges: Serving with extra lime wedges allows everyone to add another squeeze for a zesty kick.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For anyone who enjoys an extra touch of heat!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

While this recipe is beautifully simple, we have a few extra tips to help you make it absolutely outstanding.

• Use Chicken Thighs: For meat that is even more succulent and flavourful, feel free to swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Adjust the Spice: This recipe delivers a mild-to-medium heat. If you prefer more warmth, increase the chilli powder, add a dash of cayenne, or stir in a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a spicier, smokier flavour.
• Make it Creamy: To create a richer, creamier broth, stir in about 100g of full-fat cream cheese during the final 15 minutes of cooking until it has completely melted.
• Thicken if Needed: If you’d like a thicker consistency, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cornflour with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking on the HIGH setting.

This #SlowCookerSoup is wonderfully adaptable. The tender shredded chicken is also fantastic in other dishes. Leftovers could be used in tacos, quesadillas, or even a hearty pasta dish, much like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Go-To Soup

We’re certain that our Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup will quickly become a firm favourite in your household. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience, deep flavour, and nourishing satisfaction. Think of it as a comforting hug in a bowl, ideal for warming up on a chilly evening or simply enjoying a delicious, stress-free dinner whenever the craving strikes.

So, it’s time to get out your slow cooker and prepare for a bowl of pure comfort. We’d be thrilled to hear how it turns out for you! Did you experiment with different toppings or adjust the heat? Let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please consider sharing it with your friends and family!

Recipe Card

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 3-4 hours
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 400g tin of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 300g tin of sweetcorn, drained
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tsp chilli powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 large lime
• Handful of fresh coriander, chopped

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with onion, garlic, tomatoes, black beans, and sweetcorn.
2. Pour over the chicken stock. In a small bowl, mix the tomato purée with the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the soup and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped coriander. Serve hot with your favourite toppings like tortilla strips, avocado, and sour cream.

Nutrition (per serving):
320 kcal,
23 g Carbs,
44 g Protein,
5 g Fat