Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Option)

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Option)

This creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed meal that pretty much cooks itself! With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) does all the work, filling your home with the most incredible smell. The rich, spiced broth, tender chicken, and creamy broth make this a comforting, restaurant quality dish - all with minimal effort. And let’s not forget the crispy homemade tortilla chips that take it over the top!

Ingredients

  • onion

    diced

    1
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    4
  • can black beans

    drained and rinsed

    15 oz
  • corn kernels

    fresh or frozen

    1 ½ c
  • can diced tomatoes
    15 oz
  • can diced green chiles
    4 oz
  • taco seasoning
    2 tbsp
  • chicken broth
    5 c
  • chicken breasts or thighs

    boneless, skinless

    1 ¼ lb
  • heavy cream

    or full-fat coconut milk

    1 c
  • juice from
    1
  • salt and pepper
    to taste
  • corn tortillas
    6
  • avocado oil

    or any neutral flavored oil

    2 tbsp
  • cheddar cheese

    or your favorite cheese, shredded

  • jalapeños pepper slices
  • avocado slices
  • chopped cilantro
  • sour cream

Directions

  1. 1

    In a slow cooker, add onion, garlic, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilis, taco seasoning and chicken broth. Stir together to combine.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or 6-7 on low until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

  3. 3

    While the soup is cooking, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the tortillas in half, then slice them into 1/4-1/2 inch strips.

  4. 4

    Drizzle avocado oil over the tortilla strips and toss until fully coated. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet then bake for 15 minutes until crisp and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

  5. 5

    Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Add back in the slow cooker with lime juice and heavy cream. Stir well and season with salt & pepper, to taste. If you want a bit of spice, you can also add some cayenne or hot sauce. Switch to the KEEP WARM setting until you are ready to serve.

  6. 6

    Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, avocado slices, cilantro, and/or sour cream. Enjoy!

Instant pot method

  1. 1

    In a 6 qt Instant Pot, add onion, garlic, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilis, taco seasoning and chicken broth. Stir together to combine.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once it beeps to a finish, release pressure naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure manually.

  3. 3

    Continue from Step 3 above.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Option)

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Option)

471 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself? This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is your answer, delivering rich, restaurant-quality flavor with just 10 minutes of prep.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this soup lies in its minimal effort, utilizing your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) to tenderize chicken and meld spices into an incredibly flavorful broth. The creamy finish and crispy homemade tortilla chips elevate it beyond a simple weeknight dinner, creating a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

What to Expect

With every spoonful, you'll discover a deeply savory, subtly spiced soup featuring succulent chicken and hearty black beans and corn, all enveloped in a luxurious, creamy broth. The rich flavors from the diced tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning create a complex base that's both comforting and exciting. Topped with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice (from "1 juice from" which indicates a lime or similar citrus), it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it a truly restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Customization & Variations

Easily swap chicken breasts for thighs—both boneless and skinless work beautifully. For a dairy-free twist, opt for full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream to maintain richness. You can also adjust the heat by controlling the amount of jalapeño pepper slices or experiment with different shredded cheeses for the topping. Don't have avocado oil for the tortillas? Any neutral flavored oil will do.

Serving & Context

This ultimate cozy soup is perfect for a casual family dinner on a chilly evening or a gathering with friends. Serve it generously topped with shredded cheddar or your favorite cheese, fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and plenty of those crispy homemade corn tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions