When the cold air rolls in and I want something hearty yet effortless, my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup is the first thing I make.

It’s one of those winter soups and stews that warms you from the inside out filled with tender chicken, bold spices, and the kind of cozy aroma that makes the whole house feel like home. This healthy, easy chicken tortilla soup takes care of itself while I get on with the day, and by dinner time, the slow cooker has worked its magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The base is a flavorful broth layered with tomatoes, corn, beans, and plenty of spice, while the toppings crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and fresh lime turn it into a full meal. It’s satisfying yet light, healthy yet indulgent. I love that it’s one of my best soup recipes to make on a busy weeknight, especially when I want something wholesome that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Whenever I make this, I’m reminded of my healthy lasagna soup with ground turkey and spinach. Both recipes use lean protein and vibrant veggies to create something truly nourishing without any extra fuss.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup
- Total Time: 6h 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful slow cooker chicken tortilla soup made with tender chicken, beans, corn, and spices simmered to perfection. Finished with lime, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup cream or 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
Add chicken, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and spices to a slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
Stir in lime juice and cream if using.
Serve hot with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
Notes
Add chicken, vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and spices to a slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
Stir in lime juice and cream if using.
Serve hot with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6h
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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What You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s what I keep on hand to make this hearty soup come together easily.
- Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender results.
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, bell peppers, corn, and black beans form the flavorful backbone of this dish.
- Diced tomatoes: They bring brightness and a hint of acidity.
- Chicken broth: The base that ties everything together.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper for that bold Southwestern flavor.
- Lime juice: Adds the perfect tangy finish.
- Toppings: Tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro make it extra special.
For a creamy variation, I sometimes swirl in a bit of yogurt or cream at the end. It gives the soup a luscious finish that reminds me of the richness in my creamy tomato basil lasagna soup.

How I Bring It All Together Step by Step
Step 1 – Load up the slow cooker
I start by layering the chicken, onions, garlic, bell peppers, corn, beans, tomatoes, and spices directly in the slow cooker. It couldn’t be easier no pre-cooking required.
Step 2 – Pour in the broth
Next, I pour the chicken broth over everything and stir gently so the seasonings mix evenly through the pot.
Step 3 – Let it do its thing
I cover and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4). As it simmers, the kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma of chili, garlic, and smoky paprika. It’s the kind of cozy scent that instantly makes me think of my slow cooker healthy lasagna soup for busy weeknights the same hands-off, full-flavor magic.
Step 4 – Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is tender, I take it out, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. This step gives the soup that perfect texture where every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5 – Finish it off
Right before serving, I squeeze in fresh lime juice. Sometimes I add a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a velvety finish.
Step 6 – Time to serve
I ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with crispy tortilla strips, chunks of avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, and a few fresh cilantro leaves. The contrast between the crunchy tortillas and creamy broth is absolutely divine.
Delicious Twists to Try
There are so many fun ways to make this soup your own.
- Add extra protein: Stir in lentils like in my high-protein lasagna soup with lentils and kale for a heartier meal.
- Turn up the heat: Add chipotle peppers for a smoky touch, just like the flavor I love in my spicy Italian sausage lasagna soup with roasted peppers.
- Keep it gluten-free: Skip the tortillas and top with roasted corn or quinoa, taking a cue from my gluten-free lasagna soup with quinoa and fresh basil.
- Go dairy-free: Instead of cream, I use cashew cream for a smooth texture, inspired by my dairy-free lasagna soup with cashew cream and veggies.
- Low-carb version: Replace beans and corn with diced cauliflower for a hearty twist like my low-carb lasagna soup with cauliflower and ground chicken.
If you prefer lighter, veggie-forward soups, you might enjoy the texture and ease of my one-pot vegetarian lasagna soup with zucchini and ricotta, which also celebrates fresh ingredients in a warm, flavorful broth.

Why It’s My Go-To Winter Soup
This chicken tortilla soup crock pot recipe is everything I love about cozy winter cooking simple, filling, and satisfying. It’s the perfect mix of comfort food and healthy living, making it ideal for busy weeks when I need something that feels homemade but doesn’t take much effort.
The tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and warm spices come together beautifully, and every bowl feels nourishing and rewarding. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this slow cooker soup brings that cozy, heartwarming touch we all crave in winter.












