Description

A hearty, flavorful, and low-effort slow cooker soup featuring shredded chicken, black beans, and salsa, topped with homemade crispy tortilla strips for the perfect texture contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups shredded chicken (about 450g, rotisserie or cooked)
16 oz (450g) jar medium-hot salsa
1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (150g) frozen or canned corn
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4–6 small corn tortillas (about 150g), cut into strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt (for tortilla strips)
Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stack tortillas and cut into ½-inch strips. Toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet.
Place chicken, salsa, beans, broth, corn, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If using rotisserie chicken, cook on low for 2-3 hours just to meld flavors.
Bake tortilla strips for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly to crisp up further.
If using raw chicken, remove and shred with two forks, then return to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, add crispy tortilla strips right before serving to prevent sogginess. The soup tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be made vegetarian by swapping chicken for extra beans and using vegetable broth. Adjust heat level by choosing mild or hot salsa.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-7 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl with toppings
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 8
Protein: 25

Keywords: crockpot soup, chicken tortilla soup, slow cooker recipes, easy weeknight dinner, 5-ingredient recipes, comfort food, meal prep