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Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for Perfect Summer Evenings

easy crockpot chicken tortilla soup - featured image

A light, fresh, and comforting chicken tortilla soup made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for warm summer evenings. This recipe combines smoky spices, fresh lime, and crunchy tortilla strips for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes with juice (preferably fire-roasted)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels (fresh works too)
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 960ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked if possible)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional but recommended)
  • Tortilla chips or strips for topping
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and rinse the black beans under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Add diced tomatoes with juice, black beans, frozen corn, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
  5. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring ingredients are mostly covered.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender.
  7. Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks.
  8. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and stir well.
  10. Add chopped fresh cilantro and stir.
  11. Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips or chips and optional toppings.

Notes

Add lime juice at the end to preserve fresh flavor. Shred chicken while hot for best texture. Use dried spices instead of pre-mixed blends for better control. Avoid overcooking chicken to prevent dryness. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium. For extra smoky flavor, add one minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to adjust consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, chicken tortilla soup, slow cooker, summer soup, easy dinner, Mexican soup, healthy soup, chicken recipe