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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup is made using a slow cooker, combining tender shredded chicken with a spicy, smoky broth infused with chipotle peppers, lime, and hearty beans. The soup develops rich flavors over hours of simmering, resulting in a thick, flavorful broth with chunks of chicken, beans, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese and crispy tortilla strips for texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 lime lime juiced, plus wedges for serving
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend, for topping
  • Tortilla strips as needed Tortilla strips for garnish and crunch
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper, then cover with the lid.
  2. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork. The house will fill with a fragrant, smoky aroma.
  3. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the broth and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld further.
  4. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime as desired. This brightens the flavors and balances the smoky heat.
  5. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Top with crispy tortilla strips and additional lime wedges for garnish.
  6. Serve immediately, enjoying the warm, hearty broth with melty cheese, tender chicken, and crunchy tortilla strips. The soup is best enjoyed with extra lime on the side for squeezing as you eat.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños. For extra spice, add more chipotle peppers. Use the leftovers for a delicious wrap or rice bowl the next day.