• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Published: Sep 27, 2021 by Rachel

    Chicken Tortilla Soup (Crock Pot)

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    165 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A hearty, easy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe! This soup has a healthy mix of corn, beans, and a flavorful broth that is topped off with crunchy tortillas and melty cheese. Directions for instant pot and stove top included as well.

    Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup topped with avocado, cilantro, cheese and sour cream with tortilla chips. Ingredients strewn around in the background and forefront.
    Contents show
    1 Ingredients and Notes
    2 Step by Step Recipe Guide
    3 Instant Pot Directions
    4 Recipe Tips
    5 Serving and Storage Directions
    6 More Great Soup Recipes
    7 FAQs
    8 Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Sometimes a recipe comes along that you just can’t keep to yourself! Like this Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s filled with hearty ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a flavorful broth that just soaks into everything.

    This weekend in Virginia was a total surprise gift because it was our first wave of cool fall weather! I know it’s very short lived, it got me craving all things comforting and fall. Plaid Scarves, colored leaves, and hearty soups.

    Football practice has been taking over our schedules, so I need no fuss recipes that are freezer friendly. Hearty soups are one of my favorite weeknight meals. They are easy to make, feed a crowd, and transport well for lunches. Soup is a classic, and we make lots around here like Cabbage Beef, Sausage and Kale, and Fantastic Broccoli with Real Cheese soup.

    Ingredients and Notes

    What I love most about this taco style soup is how forgiving it is when it comes to ingredient measurements. After all, the point of recipes like these is to be easily thrown together.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup ingredients with text labels.

    Canned Whole Tomatoes – I personally find these to have the most flavor, but you can use diced, canned tomatoes as well.

    Black Beans – For the crock pot, you can use either canned or fresh black beans without any changes to the recipe. I generally use canned, however.

    Chicken Broth – Low Sodium, fat free, or regular are all fine. Taste test before adding any additional salt.

    Corn – I prefer frozen corn over canned corn because the flavor is just much better. No need to thaw, toss it in the slow cooker frozen.

    Topping Ideas – My favorites are sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and addictively crispy tortilla chips, of course!

    Whole30 – For Whole 30, you would need to use a Whole30 compliant chicken broth or make your own. Again, the corn and beans would need to be left out, but you can find great additions in carrots, potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. My friend recommends this Whole30 compliant Chicken broth (or make your own). Top with guacamole, cilantro, avocado slices, lime slices, or compliant chips.

    Low Carb or Keto – For Keto, you can easily leave the corn and beans out of this crock pot chicken tortilla soup. I would swap them for zucchini or red pepper to keep the heartiness. You can also experiment with adding black soybeans. Unfortunately, you would need to leave off the tortilla strips, but you could substitute in some Keto Crisps if you want that crunch. These might be available at a larger health grocery store.

    Step by Step Recipe Guide

    In the recipe card, I have included directions for crock pot and stove top.

    Overhead of soup ingredients put into a slow cooker before cooking.

    For the crock pot, I keep this as simple as can be! It is truly a dump and cook meal.

    • In a large slow cooker, combine chicken and all the remaining ingredients. Break apart the tomatoes slightly. I usually crush them a bit before adding.
    • Cover and cook on low until chicken is cooked and falling apart, approximately 5 to 6 hours.
    • Remove chicken and shred with a fork or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add back into pot to warm up fully. Break apart any remaining large tomato chunks.
    • Serve soup in bowls and garnish as you like with tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or cheddar cheese.

    Instant Pot Directions

    If you would rather make this soup in an instant pot, the instructions are pretty easy too!

    1. Add the chicken to the bottom and all of the other ingredients on top. Stir well, close lid, and turn the Instant pot to pressure cook on high. If using frozen chicken breasts, pressure cook 25 minutes. If using fresh chicken breasts, pressure cook for 18 minutes
    2. Let let the pressure release naturally.
    3. Take the chicken breasts out and either dice or shred with a fork or a stand mixer. I generally prefer the stand mixer method using the paddle.
    4. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
    5. Garnish and enjoy!
    Tortilla soup with toppings of avocado and sour cream. Spoons, a second bowl, a bowl of cilantro and tortilla chips in background.

    Recipe Tips

    • You can make this authentic soup recipe with other meat, like ground turkey or beef. I’ve also made this with leftover rotisserie chicken, which I added after shredding just to warm up.
    • Make this tortilla soup spicy with a dash of cayenne pepper, or use the hot version of diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add diced jalapeno peppers with the onion.
    • Vegetarian option is made by leaving out the meat and using vegetable broth. If you want to add more protein the soup, add another can of black beans, or cubed extra firm tofu.
    • If you need to thicken the soup, the easiest way is just to pour out a bit of the broth.

    Serving and Storage Directions

    Serve: Its ready to serve as soon as the chicken is put back in. You can leave it out for a few hours on the counter to cool before storing. I often serve with a variety of toppings on the side so everyone can pick their own. And don’t forget the tortilla strips!

    Store: Leftovers are amazing! Store They are good in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

    Reheat: You can reheat either a single serving or the whole pot.

    • Stove Top:  In a saucepan or soup pot over medium heat, warm the leftover soup. Depending on how much you have, it can take 3-15 minutes.
    • MICROWAVE:  You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave by transferring to a microwave safe bowl and microwaving for 60 seconds. I usually stir and check it for cold spots. Continue to microwave at 30 second intervals until heated through.

    Freeze: This is a perfect freezer meal! I portion it up after cooking and cooling the soup. Leave off the tortilla strips and toppings. It works great in a ziplock bag if you lay flat to stack them. In an airtight container, this recipe should last 4-6 months.

    More Great Soup Recipes

    • Cabbage Beef Soup
    • Sausage and Kale Soup
    • French Onion
    • Chicken and Wild Rice

    FAQs

    What toppings can I use for Chicken Tortilla soup?

    I usually set out toppings for everyone to enjoy their favorite and top how they like, such as:
    Avocado slices
    Sour cream
    Shredded cheddar
    Chopped fresh cilantro
    Guacamole
    Lime slices
    Tortilla chips or strips (love the rainbow kind especially!)

    Is Chicken Tortilla Soup Unhealthy?

    Sometimes soups can be pretty heavy, but this chicken tortilla soup is on the lighter side but still hearty and filling. However, the flavor is bursting to give this soup an amazing taste! And the toppings complete it to your personal tastes so effortlessly.

    Close up of crock pot tortilla soup with black beans, tomato, cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado and tortilla chip.
    Cookbook cover of Chicken and Rice casserole. The cookbook is titled Weeknight Supper Solutions

    Not Sure
    What's For Dinner?

    Signup for recipe updates and get a free cookbook of Easy Weeknight Supper Solutions!

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    Cabbage Beef Soup in a red bowl on wood top with crackers.
    Cabbage Beef Soup
    Cheesy chicken enchiladas in a glass dish with toppings.
    Chicken Enchiladas
    Vegetable Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe - This hearty soup includes broccoli as well as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes to provide all the rich goodness that a cheesy soup can muster!
    Broccoli Cheese Soup
    Two Bowls of white chicken chili on white background. Chili is garnished with tortilla strips, jalapeno, avocado, and cilantro.
    White Chicken Chili

    PS. If you make this recipe, leave a COMMENT AND A STAR RATING in the comments section at the bottom and be sure to take a photo and tag it #cravingcreative on Instagram! I appreciate you for taking the time to read about me and my family recipes. 

    Close up of crock pot tortilla soup with black beans, tomato, cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado and tortilla chip.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup

    A hearty, easy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe – so simple to make while being a flavorful version of your favorite comfort food in a bowl! This soup has a healthy mix of corn, beans, and a flavorful broth that is topped off with crunchy tortillas and melty cheese.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 431kcal
    Author: Rachel

    Ingredients

    Soup

    • 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 28 oz Canned Whole Tomatoes
    • 1 14.5 oz can Chicken Broth
    • ½ cup Yellow Onion, diced
    • 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced can use jalapenos for more heat
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin
    • 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 2 teaspoon Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
    • 1 teaspoon Paprika
    • 1 cup Corn Kernels frozen is preferred
    • 1.5 cup Black Beans canned, drained, and rinsed
    • ½ teaspoon Salt add more or less, to taste
    • ½ teaspoon Pepper add more or less, to taste

    Garnish Options

    • Tortilla chips or tri-color strips
    • Shredded cheese
    • Fresh Chopped Cilantro
    • Sour Cream
    • Lime Slices
    • Guacamole or Avocado Slices

    Instructions

    Directions For Slow Cooker

    • In a large slow cooker, combine chicken and all the remaining ingredients. Break apart the tomatoes slightly. I usually crush them a bit before adding.
    • Cover and cook on low until chicken is cooked and falling apart, approximately 5 to 6 hours.
    • Remove chicken and shred with a fork or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add back into pot to warm up fully. Break apart any remaining large tomato chunks.
    • Serve soup in bowls and garnish as you like.

    Directions For StoveTop

    • Heat olive oil In a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and pepper. Cook until onion is softened, stirring occasionally.
    • Add remaining ingredients and simmer 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
    • Remove chicken and shred. Add back to the pot and simmer for 3 minutes.
    • Serve soup in bowls and garnish as you like.

    Notes

    Keto Variation – Swap the corn and beans for zucchini or more red pepper to keep the heartiness. You can also experiment with adding black soybeans. Unfortunately, you would need to leave off the tortilla strips, but you could substitute in some Keto Crisps if you want that crunch. 
    Whole30 Variation – Again the corn and beans would need to be swapped out for carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or green beans if you want to keep it hearty. My friend recommends this Whole30 compliant Chicken broth (or make your own). Top with guacamole, cilantro, avocado slices, lime slices, or compliant chips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 7.5g
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « Cincinnati Chili
    DIY Stacked Pumpkin Topiary »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity