This is the best Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! It is easy to make and is a family favorite. The flavors of a chicken tortilla in a soup!
A WARM AND COMFORTING SOUP RECIPE
You are going to love this recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! Now, I don't want you to look at the list of ingredients and get overwhelmed here. I promise this won't take you more than 5-10 minutes to throw in the crock pot. It can easily be put on before you go to work in the morning and be ready by the time you get home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Mainly it is made with shredded chicken, chicken broth, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce and Rotel. Other flavors like garlic, onion and corn can be added.
We serve it with cornbread. You could also serve it with a side salad.
Yes. Canned black beans or pinto beans would be excellent in this.
I like to serve this soup topped with shredded cheese and some crispy tortilla strips (you can usually find those located in the same grocery aisle as salad toppings.) You can also try some avocado, a slice of lime and some freshly chopped cilantro.
Yes, chicken tortilla soup can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or squash, to the soup to give it more flavor and nutrients. To make the soup vegan, you can also omit the cheese or use vegan alternatives.
Yes, chicken tortilla soup can be frozen. To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stove over medium heat until it is heated through.
INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:
- chicken breasts
- onion
- garlic
- chicken broth
- water
- corn
- diced tomatoes and green chiles
- enchilada sauce
- taco seasoning
- salt and pepper
- shredded cheese, for topping
- crunchy tortilla strips, for topping
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP:
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Season with a bit of salt & pepper. Add in diced onions and minced garlic. Then pour in chicken broth and water. Then add in corn, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and chili powder. Then give it all a good stir. Put the cover on and cook on low for about 8-10 hours.
About 10-15 minutes before serving, take the chicken breasts out and shred them using two forks. The chicken will shred very easily. Then put shredded chicken back in pot. Stir again.
Let cook for additional 15 minutes. Then serve!
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (+Video)
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 15 ounce can corn, undrained
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), undrained
- 11 ounce can enchilada sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- shredded cheese, for topping
- crunchy tortilla strips, for topping
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-quart crock pot.
- Season with a bit of salt & pepper.
- Add in diced onions and minced garlic.
- Then pour in broth, water, corn, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.
- Sprinkle with taco seasoning and chili powder and give it all a good stir.
- Put the lid on and cook on low for about 8-10 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, take the chicken breasts out and shred them using two forks. The chicken will shred very easily.
- Then put shredded chicken back in pot and stir.
- Let cook for additional 15 minutes. Then serve. Top with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips.
Video
Notes
- Serve with shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips.
- Feel free to add any beans you like in here. Black beans go well with this soup. Also, some folks like to top this with diced avocado as well as fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: December 2012
Updated & republished: October 2020
Anna
Winner, winner chicken dinner. This soup is delicious. Since I have to cook with my high blood pressure in mind, I was able to find almost all of the ingredients with low or no salt. I followed the instructions to the letter except for the addition of a jalapeno (because that's what I do). The flavors blend together perfectly. I topped the soup with tortilla strips, avocado and cheese. Just wonderful soup.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I am so happy you mentioned the low sodium ingredients! That is really helpful for others. Loved reading your comment!! Thanks so very much and I really do appreciate it!
Sarah P.
Absolutely delicious! Quick, easy, and so good. We added black beans like you mentioned in your notes and loved it! Will definitely be a regular dinner item in our home! Thanks so much!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thanks so much for a great review Sarah! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and comment!!
Elizabeth
I've been using my Crock Pot much more this past month, since the temperatures here have been hovering in the 105+ range, and today was no exception. I knew this would be good (I've yet to fix one of your recipes that hasn't been great!) but I thought I'd pass on a compliment from my husband, the native Texan, who says this is one of the best chicken tortilla soups he's ever had!
Happy husband, cooler hours = very happy me! Thanks so much for sharing!
Elizabeth
Oh, and FYI, I added a can of black beans, per your alternatives, and topped it with diced avocado, sliced black olives and shredded Mexican cheese as well as tortilla strips.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I love black beans too! Great addition! Always love hearing from you, Elizabeth! Y'all stay cool out there!!
Kimberly
Made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit with the whole family! My 9 year old declared it his most favorite soup ever. Thanks for sharing!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
I absolutely love hearing when kids like a recipe. They are my toughest critics - ha! Thanks so much Kimberly!
Pam
I just followed your directions Brandie!
It is cooking as I type.
Thankyou for sharing
I am carrying my full crockpot filled with your delicious soup to friends for their supper! Sure they will totally enjoy it!!!
It is a rainy day in Upstate SC. Your recipe will bring joy and bless my friends!
Appreciate your kindness in sharing this recipe!!!
Donna LeBeau
Everyone loved this soup going to make it again
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Thank you Donna! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave comment!
Catie
What is the serving size for this soup?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
The general serving size I use is about a cup.
Sonya
Can this be made on high in half the time?
Sarah
Can I cook this recipe on high in crock pot?
Kelly
That’s what I came here to see!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Sorry, I didn’t see the earlier comment. Yes you can! Some slow cookers can get really hot so just make sure it’s not boiling!
Bayleigh
Would it be about 4-6 hours instead then, if you cook on high?
Anonymous
If I wanted to add a can of black beans, would I add it in the beginning with the rest of the ingredients, or near the end? Thanks!
Melissa Evans
I put mine in with the other ingredients
LGraham
I prefer the alterations made by my local Mexican restaurant: the soup is served with narrow slices of flour tortillas already in the bowl when the soup is added; wedges of lime are on the side for squeezing into the soup to give it more tartness. It's fabulous. While the corn tortilla slices or chips are great in the soup, the narrow slices of flour tortillas bring another level of comfort and creaminess to the soup.
Teresa R.
made for tonights dinner. great soup for a chilly day like today. was easy and quick to throw together.
Kari Lindsay
This soup would certainly hit the spot on a chilly day.
Brandi
Great recipe, Brandie. I love cooking with my crock pot. I'm adding your recipe to next week's dinner menu.
maninthemoonherbs
I made this for dinner last night and it is SO tasty as well as being quick and easy to put together!
The Country Cook
Ok - to answer questions 🙂
This is actually being made in a 5 quart slow cooker here.
And yes, I would cut the proportions proportionally to fit your 2 quart slow cooker. I think actually cutting this in half would probably be fine. You just don't want your pot more than two-thirds full.
Geeni
@"Single Lady": I presume you mean a 2 quart rather than 2 cup cooker? In general, simply cutting everything down proportionally will work -- that is, use 1/3 of a 6 quart recipe or 1/2 of a 4 quart recipe, and cook for same length of time as the full recipe. The one question is, is Brandie using a 4 quart or 6 quart cooker here? My guess from the photos is 4, but I'd love to know for sure. (Since I don't have a 6 quart myself!)
Donna V
looks good
Alice
Making it soon!
Diane Higdon
Yum!!! I have printed off the recipe and will give it a try very soon. Sounds delish! Thanks fo sharing 🙂
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction
I see this appearing as a weeknight meal in our near future! Thanks for sharing this!
Anonymous
i am a single lady with a small slow cooker. how can i cut this down for a two cup cooker? it sounds delicious & am anxious to try it.
Janna
Looks delicious and so easy!! I can't wait to try it! May try it with Fritos Scoops!!