Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup gets a smoky, spicy lift from chipotle peppers. This easy crock pot recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, is healthy and gluten free. One serving contains approximately 165 calories and 13 net carbs (without optional toppings).
With evenings full of classes, I look for recipes that are simple to make in advance and easy to reheat in a break room microwave. Soups and chilis are perfect for this: cook a large batch in the slow cooker on Monday and enjoy it for dinners all week.
This Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my favorites. A single chipotle in adobo plus a little adobo sauce lends a gentle smokiness and heat that deepens the tomato-and-chicken flavors without overwhelming them.
I love loading each bowl with toppings: crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, shredded cheddar, fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime finish the soup and add texture and brightness. Serve it as a main course or offer it alongside tacos for a cozy Taco Tuesday.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, chopped, plus 1 tsp adobo sauce
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 limes, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- ¼ cup additional fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Rub the spice blend over the chicken breasts and place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes over the chicken. Add the tomato paste, chopped chipotle and a teaspoon of adobo sauce, diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir gently to combine the tomato paste into the broth.
4. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro, stir, and let the soup rest a few minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Serve hot with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar, extra cilantro, diced avocado and lime wedges for squeezing over each bowl.
Recipe Details
- Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Servings: 6 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (on high) or 6–8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes (depending on setting)
- Author: Whitney Bond
Nutrition Facts (per serving, without optional toppings)
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
- Sodium: 1429 mg
- Potassium: 1036 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 1390 IU
- Vitamin C: 58.6 mg
- Calcium: 73 mg
- Iron: 3.1 mg
Tips, Variations and Storage
- Adjust the heat: Reduce chipotle amount or omit adobo sauce to make it milder. Add extra chipotle for more smokiness and heat.
- Vegetable add-ins: Add corn, black beans, or chopped zucchini in the last hour of cooking for extra texture and fiber.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra beans or a hearty mix of mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers: Soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.
- Freeze for later: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serving ideas: Serve in deep bowls with warm corn or flour tortillas. It also pairs nicely as a side cup with tacos or quesadillas.
Comforting, bright and full of smoky flavor, this slow cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup is a practical weeknight meal that’s easy to prep, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or warming up on chilly evenings.
