There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, flavorful soup—especially when it practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with bold flavors yet incredibly simple to make. Imagine tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of spice simmering away, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. And the best part? You only need five ingredients to create this cozy masterpiece!
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It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you just need a no-fuss meal that tastes like it took hours to make (spoiler: it didn’t). Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for effortless, delicious homemade recipes.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup
Versatile: Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this soup fits the bill. Just set it and forget it!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—no fancy items required!
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, zero stress. Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
Customizable: Want more heat? Add extra jalapeños. Prefer a creamier texture? Stir in some sour cream. You do you!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for all ages. Kids love it, adults crave it—everyone wins!
Ingredients in Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s what makes this soup so rich and flavorful with minimal effort:
Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish, becoming irresistibly tender as it slow-cooks.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and heat.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavors while keeping the soup light yet satisfying.
Corn Kernels: Adds a hint of sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.
Taco Seasoning: The secret to that bold, Mexican-inspired flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Set your slow cooker to low or high, depending on how long you plan to cook the soup.
Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and corn. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over everything.
Let It Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken becomes fall-apart tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime!
How to Serve Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is fantastic on its own, but here are some delicious ways to serve it:
With Crunchy Tortilla Strips: A must-have topping for that classic tortilla soup experience.
Topped with Avocado and Cheese: Creamy avocado and melted cheese add richness and depth.
With a Side of Warm Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup!
As a Base for a Hearty Meal: Add cooked rice or black beans to make it even more filling.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs and Lime: A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro bring everything to life.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Prep Ahead: Chop and measure ingredients the night before for a true dump-and-go meal.
Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time duration].
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to [time duration].
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm it up on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Q2: Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
A2: Yes! Simmer everything in a pot for about 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Q3: What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
A3: A mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works great!
Q4: How long does this soup last in the fridge?
A4: About [time duration], stored in an airtight container.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating later.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
A6: On the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
Q7: Can I add beans for extra protein?
A7: Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition.
Q8: How do I make it creamier?
A8: Stir in some sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Q9: What are the best toppings for this soup?
A9: Tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, lime, and cilantro are all winners.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra volume.
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor perfect for any night of the week. So grab your slow cooker, toss in those five ingredients, and get ready for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Print
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Crock Pot) / 10 minutes (Instant Pot) / 25 minutes (Stovetop)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 5-Ingredient Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick and easy Mexican-inspired meal, perfect for busy weeknights! With just five simple ingredients, this hearty and flavorful soup can be made in a Crock Pot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. Topped with shredded cheese, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a delicious and healthy recipe for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Method:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- After 2-3 hours, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Let cook for another hour.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot Method:
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, then remove and shred the chicken.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and serve.
Stovetop Method:
- Add all ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the pot.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
- Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, or tortilla chips for extra flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Add corn or diced bell peppers for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg