Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: Shredded colby jack cheese; Squeeze of fresh lime juice; Cilantro; Avocado; tortilla chips; Greek yogurt or sour cream (if you don't use cream); 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 3/4 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat); 2-3 pounds boneless boneless chicken thighs; 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices (regular diced tomatoes would work, too); 1 (4 oz) can mild green chilies; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 small yellow or white onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, veins and seeds removed, diced (optional. omit if you don't like spice); 1 poblano pepper, veins and seeds removed, diced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning. see below); 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/4 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Jump to Recipe

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is on repeat in my house. It’s made in the slow cooker, is insanely easy to make and the flavor is out of this world. My kids devour it, which as we know, is a big deal. This simple, crock pot recipe will definitely become a new staple in your kitchen. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!

bowl of creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup

Why I’m Obsessed With This Recipe

Made in the slow cooker (crock pot, whatever you want to call it.) – This is a dump everything into the slow cooker recipe and turn it on. Thank GOD. If you like slow cooker recipes, here a few more I think you’ll like! Chicken Chili and Healthy Cheeseburger Soup.
Flavor – Between all the spices, vegetables and chicken thighs, this chicken tortilla soup is not lacking in flavor. It’s delicious.
Versatile – It’s so versatile. It can be made dairy free, it can be made spicy or mild. Ingredients can be added or taken out. This recipe can be adapted easily to YOUR liking. I’ll chat more about this later!

The Ingredients & Substitution Ideas

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. I mentioned this recipe can be adapted. I’m going to walk you through the recipe ingredients so you know exactly what to expect when making this recipe!

Canned tomatoes, chicken thighs, onion, black beans, corn, poblano pepper, jalapeno, green chilies, spices, garlic, cream, chicken stock on a baking tray for Mexican chicken chili recipe.

Chicken thighs – These are the best for flavor. They cook so well and easily shred. I like the flavor and fat content they give the soup. Chicken breasts can also be used – they will have less fat. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to as well. I find that using raw chicken is actually easier, though.
Canned tomatoes – Petite diced, regular diced, fire roasted, basil and oregano flavored. Any kind will do! Fire roasted will give you a little heat and smoky flavor.
Onion – white or yellow will work. No need to get complicated!
Garlic – Fresh garlic is best. I just love fresh garlic. If you don’t use it, add 1/2 teaspoon more of garlic powder to the spices.
Black beans – black or pinto beans are best for chicken tortilla soup.
Poblano pepper – Love the flavor it adds. It’s not super spicy. A green bell pepper would be a good substitute.
Corn – Frozen or canned will work. Make sure to drain the canned if you that’s what you use.
Jalapeño – Totally optional! When I make it for my kids, I omit the jalapeño because it does add spice. If you love spice, keep it!
Green chilies – I use mild. I personally think the regular are really spicy.
Spices – I do a blend of chili powder, oregano, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper. It’s perfect. Sometimes cayenne is added to a Mexican spices, but because this recipe includes jalapeños and chilies, I leave it out.
Chicken stock – Chicken stock or vegetable stock will work!
Cream – The ingredient that makes this soup indulgent. Add as much or as little as you want. I suggest starting with a 1/4 cup and see what you think. Add another 1/4 cup for a creamier soup. You can also omit the cream and use coconut milk for a dairy free version. For a healthier, use just chicken stock for the liquid and add a dollop of Greek yogurt as a garnish. Delish!

Instructions

This chicken tortilla soup is SO easy to make. I make it often, sometimes twice a week because it’s that easy. I’ll send to school in this thermos and my kids love it.

chicken thighs in a slow cooker — Place chicken thighs in your slow cooker.

Ingredients for chicken tortilla soup in a crock pot — Place chicken thighs in your slow cooker.

Frequent Asked Questions

Is creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup gluten free?

Sure is!

Can I make this creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup recipe dairy free?

Absolutely. Omit the cream all together and use more chicken stock – I’ve done this and it’s seriously just as good. Or, use 1/4 – 1/2 cup coconut for a creamier texture.

How do I make it kid friendly?

Omit the spice and any vegetables your kids don’t like. Personally, my kids don’t notice the vegetables, but if you have a picky eater, just don’t add it! The soup is great with just corn, beans and tomatoes. I add more vegetables because why not? To keep it less spicy, use regular canned tomatoes (not fire roasted), MILD green chilies and omit the jalapeño.

Can I make chicken tortilla soup with rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Simply shred the chicken and add it with the other ingredients. Personally, I like to use raw chicken thighs because then I don’t have to shred a rotisserie chicken. Either way works, though!

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! I do this all the time. I make a huge batch and serve it for 2-3 days. It’s great for lunch and dinner.

What toppings go best with chicken tortilla soup?

Personally, I like avocado and chips. Other toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, jalapeños, sour cream and Greek yogurt are also delicious. It can also be served over rice – YUM

Can I make a healthier version?

Yes! Just omit the cream and add more chicken stock. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. It’s very good.

Final Thoughts

This creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is everything you want in a comfort meal – warm, filling and packed with flavor. It’s kid friendly, adaptable and simple to make. It’s seriously my new favorite dinner recipe for my family. It can be served over rice, with chips and sent to school in a thermos. I could go on and on, but you get the point! Add this one to your weekly dinner rotation to keep things simply and tasty!

Yield: 5 large bowls