Description
A simple, flavorful slow cooker chicken tortilla soup that requires minimal prep time. Packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a rich tomato-based broth, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and freezes well.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 16 ounces medium or hot salsa
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for serving)
- Tortilla strips (for serving)
Instructions
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and salsa to the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Stir gently to distribute the spices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the drained black beans and corn. If cooking on LOW, let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve hot with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
Notes
For a thicker soup, blend half of it with an immersion blender or cook on HIGH with the lid off for the last 30 minutes. If using chicken thighs, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark on HIGH. Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness; do not skip it. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so shred your own block of cheddar for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, easy dinner, weeknight meals, freezer friendly, Mexican soup, healthy comfort food