Chicken Tortilla Soup : A Warm, Comforting Bowl of Mexican-Inspired Flavor

When you crave something warm, hearty, and full of bold flavor, nothing hits the spot quite like chicken tortilla soup. Bursting with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and crunchy tortilla strips, this soup is a cozy, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping for the week, or looking for a hands-off crock pot Mexican soup, this recipe is perfect for everyone. From simple chicken tortilla soup to creative twists like ground chicken tortilla soup or even chicken tortilla soup with rice, you’ll find this dish endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes.

Here’s your complete guide to making the best chicken tortilla soup crock pot style — with tips, variations, and everything you need to know.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

This soup is beloved for good reason:

• Comforting & filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a complete meal.
• Easy & hands-off: Crock pot cooking means you can set it and forget it.
• Customizable: Make it with ground chicken, add rice, or leave out the beans.
• Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love the zesty, mild spice and crispy toppings.

If you’ve already enjoyed hearty one-pot meals like cabbage fat-burning soup or creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup, this will fit right into your weeknight dinner rotation.

Simple Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Family-Friendly Dinner

This simple chicken tortilla soup keeps the ingredient list short and sweet, so you can throw it together in minutes. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s a stress-free way to get a healthy, flavorful dinner on the table — perfect for busy families.

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic crock pot tortilla soup:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen or canned corn kernels
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Tortilla strips or crushed corn tortillas, for serving
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Crock Pot Tortilla Soup

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
• Cutting board & knife
• Can opener & colander
• Ladle
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe Crockpot Style

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Chop onions, mince garlic, and rinse beans if using.

Step 2: Assemble in Crock Pot

Add chicken, broth, tomatoes, beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt & pepper to your crock pot. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, and your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!

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Ground Chicken Tortilla Soup Variation

Prefer a lighter or quicker-cooking option? Try ground chicken tortilla soup:

• In a skillet, cook 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) ground chicken with onion and garlic until browned.
• Add to crock pot with remaining ingredients.
• Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

This method gives the soup a slightly different texture but is just as flavorful.

Tortilla Soup No Beans: How to Customize It

If you prefer your soup without beans — no problem! Just omit the black beans entirely and replace them with extra corn, diced zucchini, or even chopped bell peppers. This tortilla soup no beans version is just as hearty.

How to Add Rice for Chicken Tortilla Soup with Rice

Love rice in your soup? Stir in 1 cup (185 g) of cooked white or brown rice just before serving. If you prefer cooking the rice in the soup, add 1/2 cup uncooked rice during the last hour of cooking on high.

Serving Suggestions for Corn Tortilla Soup Recipes

Round out your meal with these tasty sides:

• Warm cornbread or flour tortillas.
• Crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette.
• A side of spicy dilly beans for extra zest.

For more ideas, explore other corn tortilla soup recipes by adding roasted poblano peppers or charred corn for smoky depth.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Mexican Soup Every Time

• Use boneless thighs for extra juicy chicken.
• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or more chili powder.
• Always taste and adjust salt & lime juice just before serving — the flavors develop as it cooks.
• Fry your own tortilla strips for extra crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until steaming hot.

You can also freeze for up to 3 months — just cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight before reheating.

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Chicken Tortilla Soup FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — just add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you use certified gluten-free tortilla strips.

Can I make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely — simmer all ingredients (except toppings) in a large pot for 30–40 minutes until chicken is tender.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Make This Cozy Crock Pot Dinner Tonight

This chicken tortilla soup is the ultimate comfort food — flavorful, filling, and so easy to make. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try variations like chicken tortilla soup with rice or tortilla soup no beans, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.

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