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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup - Cozy, Flavorful, and Effortless

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs work too)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Tortilla strips or chips (for topping)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, thinly sliced radishes

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the tomatoes, green chiles, black beans, and corn.
  2. Season it well: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Mix until the tomato paste dissolves into the veggies and spices.
  3. Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth. Nestle the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the mixture so they’re mostly submerged.
  4. Let it simmer: Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Finish with lime: Squeeze in the juice of half a lime, then taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  7. Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and add tortilla strips or crushed chips. Top with cilantro, avocado, cheese, and a spoonful of sour cream if you like. Add extra lime wedges on the side.