Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dump-and-Go Recipe
Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that practically makes itself? This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is the answer! Simply combine all the ingredients in your crock pot, let it simmer low all day, then top with crunchy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for a fantastic, fuss-free weeknight meal the entire family will adore.
The Unbeatable Ease of a “Dump Soup”
Even when the temperatures soar in the heat of summer, we find ourselves yearning for a delicious bowl of soup. It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite foods! The versatility is endless, and simple, wholesome recipes like this Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup are true lifesavers on those incredibly busy weeknights. This particular dish embodies what I affectionately call a “dump soup.” The concept is brilliantly straightforward: you literally just gather all your ingredients, dump them into your slow cooker, turn it on, and then forget about it for hours while it transforms into a savory, aromatic meal.
This cherished recipe actually comes from my amazing sister-in-law, Sue, and it has undeniably become her signature tortilla soup. While many home cooks have their unique spins on this beloved classic, I’m always more than happy to be the designated taste tester for Sue’s incredible version. Her recipe consistently delivers rich, comforting flavors with a level of ease that is hard to beat, making it a perfect addition to any busy family’s meal rotation.
Crafting the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Sue’s genius recipe begins with pre-cooked chicken breasts, which is a fantastic hack for making dinner even quicker. This makes it an ideal choice for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken, pre-boiled chicken, or any cooked chicken you might have on hand. The convenience is unparalleled, as it eliminates any raw chicken handling or cooking steps. After adding the chicken, the rest is truly a “dump-and-go” process: you simply open and add cans of robust Mexican stewed tomatoes (or Rotel for an extra spicy kick), hearty black beans, mild green chilies, and a jar of your favorite zesty salsa directly into the crock pot. To complete the base, you’ll add tomato sauce and chicken stock, which will simmer down into a deeply flavorful broth.
Allowing all these ingredients to cook on low heat all day in the slow cooker is where the magic happens. The flavors have ample time to meld and deepen, creating a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—because it has! Once the cooking time is complete, the soup is ready to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with simple yet essential toppings. We love topping our bowls with crunchy tortilla chips (or homemade tortilla strips, as I’ve done here for an elevated touch), a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese, and a cooling dollop of sour cream. These garnishes add not only texture and flavor but also a vibrant visual appeal to this already delightful soup.
A Deeper Look at the Flavor-Packed Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup plays a vital role in creating its rich, layered flavor:
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: The foundation of this hearty soup. Using already cooked chicken breast, either chopped or shredded, is key to the “dump-and-go” philosophy. It soaks up the broth’s flavors beautifully and provides satisfying protein.
- Mexican Stewed Tomatoes OR Rotel: These provide the vibrant, tomatoey base with an inherent kick. Mexican stewed tomatoes are often seasoned with cilantro and peppers, offering a mild, savory depth. Rotel, a blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, introduces a noticeable level of spice. Choose based on your preferred heat level.
- Black Beans: A staple in Mexican cuisine, black beans contribute a fantastic earthy flavor and a boost of protein and fiber. Always remember to rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent unwanted starchiness in your soup.
- Green Chilies: These mild peppers offer an authentic Southwestern aroma and flavor without overpowering the palate. They add a subtle complexity that rounds out the soup. For those who enjoy more heat, a small amount of diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.
- Salsa: This is a powerful flavor shortcut! Your choice of salsa—mild, medium, or hot—will dictate much of the soup’s overall zest and spice. It’s a convenient way to add fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro notes directly into the pot.
- Tomato Sauce: Contributes to the body and richness of the soup, ensuring a smooth, comforting consistency.
- Chicken Stock (or Broth): The liquid base that brings all the ingredients together. It infuses the soup with savory depth and ensures a perfect, spoonable consistency.
The Versatility of Tortilla Soup: Exploring a Vegetarian Classic
While our chicken version is a hearty and beloved family favorite, it’s worth noting that the traditional tortilla soup I grew up with was quite different – it didn’t feature any meat at all. This classic vegetarian rendition focuses on a rich, spiced tomato broth, often thickened slightly with masa or corn tortilla pieces, and is primarily garnished with crispy tortilla strips and fresh toppings. It offers a distinct, lighter, yet equally satisfying experience that highlights the pure essence of Mexican flavors.
If you’re curious to explore a different take on this iconic dish or simply prefer a meatless option, I highly encourage you to give the vegetarian version a try. It’s a wonderful way to experience the depth of flavor that can be achieved even without a meat base. To discover that traditional vegetarian tortilla soup recipe, simply click on the photo below.
Discover More Mexican-Inspired Slow Cooker Favorites!
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of slow cooker Mexican cuisine, you’re in for a treat! We have an incredible selection of easy recipes that bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your table, all with the minimal effort only a slow cooker can provide. Here are a couple more of our highly recommended family favorites:
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Print Recipe
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped or shredded
- 2 15 oz cans either Mexican Stewed Tomatoes OR Rotel undrained
- 2 15 oz cans Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup salsa your favorite mild or medium
- 1 4 oz can green chilies undrained
- 1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 ounce can chicken stock or broth
- For Serving: Tortilla chips or strips, shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, hot sauce
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients (except the serving toppings like sour cream and tortilla strips) into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is well-mixed.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the flavors are well-blended and the soup is heated through and bubbling gently.
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Prior to serving, if your chicken breasts were whole (rather than pre-chopped or shredded), remove them from the slow cooker, shred them using two forks, and return them to the soup. Stir them back in to combine.
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Ladle the hot, flavorful soup into individual serving bowls. Top generously with crushed tortilla chips or strips, shredded Mexican cheese, a dollop of cooling sour cream, and any other desired garnishes like fresh chopped cilantro or creamy avocado slices. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!
Nutrition
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We sincerely hope this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup becomes a cherished staple in your home, just as it has in ours. It’s the perfect blend of ultimate convenience, comforting warmth, and irresistible Mexican-inspired flavors. Happy cooking, and may your weeknights be filled with delicious, stress-free meals!