Slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is an easy one-pot recipe that practically cooks itself! The smoky and savory broth is loaded with tender chicken, zesty lime, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Topped with gooey melted cheese or crispy tortilla chips, this soup will disappear fast.
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Test Kitchen Review
I’ve been making this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup since I first bought my crockpot, which is to say, I’ve been making it since the dawn of time! Anytime the weather is dropping below 60, you can bet I am whipping up another pot. It’s easy to prep in the morning, and by the time we sit down to eat, the flavors are rich, complex, and downright irresistible. With all of that being said… I think my favorite part of all is the garnishes I pile on top. Extra cilantro and crispy tortilla chips for me, please!
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Oh So Easy: A true dump-and-go crockpot recipe — it doesn’t get much easier!
- Bold Flavors: Each bite is a delightful mix of smoky and savory with fresh lime squeezed on top for a zesty finish.
- Comforting: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights!
- Great for Gatherings: Serve it alongside a toppings bar — it stays warm for hours in the crockpot.
- Nutritious: Packed with hearty protein and vegetables in a well-seasoned broth, it’s also gluten free!
Enjoy more of my favorite Mexican-inspired soup recipes like creamy poblano corn soup, caldo de pollo, and caldo de res.
Key Ingredients
Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this recipe for slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are my favorite cut to use, but boneless, skinless thighs also work.
- Rotel: Mild, medium, or hot – the choice is yours! We like to use mild so our kids can enjoy this soup with us.
- Jalapeño: Deseed the pepper to tame it. Or, leave the seeds in the mix for an extra kick of heat.
- Lime Juice: I always get the best results when I use freshly squeezed lime juice. The bottled alternative also works though if that’s all you have on hand!
- Onion: A white onion is my go-to, but a yellow onion also gets the job done.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Don’t drain the can, all the juice will add a lot of flavor to your broth!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
If you’ve been searching for a new set-it-and-forget-it soup recipe, you’ve found it! Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll down to the recipe card for full instructions.
- Add Everything: Add all of the ingredients (except for the cilantro) to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook until you can easily shred the chicken with two forks. You can shred the chicken in the pot for less mess, but I find it easier to remove the chicken to shred it.
- Enjoy: Stir in your fresh cilantro, then serve it hot with all the fixings. Crispy tortilla strips really send it over the top!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can make things more or less spicy in a few different ways. For more heat, use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños. For less heat, omit the jalapeños and use half a chopped green bell pepper.
- Add Beans or Corn: Add a can of drained and rinsed beans or corn. Black or pinto are always good choices, but any beans you like will work.
- Make It Creamy: To make your soup creamy, add 4 oz cream cheese. Cut it into cubes and add it in the last 30 minutes of cook time.
- Toppings: The options are limitless! Fresh avocado, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla chips or strips for an added crunch.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: You can store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat leftovers for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.
- Freezing: Let your chicken tortilla soup fully cool to room temperature prior to freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced fire roasted tomatoes, do not drain
- 2 (10 oz) cans rotel, mild, original, or hot
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings:
- tortilla strips, or crushed tortilla chips
- lime wedges
- cilantro
- avocado
- shredded mozzarella cheese, pepper jack cheese, or crumbled cotija cheese
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Instructions
- Combine all soup ingredients (except cilantro) in a 7-quart slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook for 8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high, until chicken is fork tender and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken breasts from soup and shred, then return to the soup. Stir in fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve in bowls with all your favorite toppings!
Notes
Nutrition
Categories:
More Crockpot Soup Recipes to Try
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What is Rotel?
Rotel is a combination of canned tomatoes and chilis. It comes in mild to extra hot versions and gives this soup an awesome flavor. You will find it at the store next to the canned tomatoes.
Can you make this in the instant pot as well?
You should be able to! I would try it 20 minutes on manual – high pressure, with a 10 minute natural pressure release. Just make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through!
We just made this soup today and loved it! My husband is now a fan of the slow cooker. He has one tortilla soup he loves from a specific restaurant and he said after trying yours, he will never pay for it again. Thank you so much for the recipe!!!
I’m going to give this recipe a try. Do you make the tortilla strips or can I buy them already made>
I bought the tortilla strips but you can always make your own!
Your stove top version is on heavy rotation at our house. Can’t wait to try this one!
Is the stovetop recipe still posted somewhere? It is a favorite of mine and I can only find the slow cooker version now. Thanks!
Will be trying this recipe today since I’m running around with appointments today.
I love slow cooker recipes. And this tortilla soup looks so delicious, comfy and full of awesome flavors. Love how easy it is.
My slow cooker is my BFF during the fall! Love this recipe <3
Definitely going to try this one! Good to know about the canned fire roasted tomatoes.