Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Easy Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s slow cooker chicken tortilla soup warms your soul with its robust, comforting flavors that dance between spicy and savory.

Southwest-inspired ingredients meld together in a magical culinary symphony inside your trusty slow cooker.

Each spoonful promises a rich, hearty experience that transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with aromatic spices.

Tender chicken transforms into melt-in-your-mouth morsels while robust vegetables add depth and complexity to this classic soup.

The recipe offers a straightforward approach that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weekend meal planning becomes effortless with this set-it-and-forget-it style of cooking that guarantees delicious results.

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone requesting seconds: come hungry and leave happy.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Perfect Comfort Meal

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Perfect Comfort Meal
  • Savor Effortless Flavor Explosion: This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup delivers maximum taste with minimal cooking effort, letting you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Experience Texture Paradise: The combination of tender shredded chicken, soft black beans, and crispy tortilla strips creates a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every spoonful exciting and satisfying.
  • Customize Your Comfort Bowl: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, and top with your favorite garnishes, making it perfect for feeding different taste preferences in one meal.
  • Meal Prep Magic: With just 20 minutes of prep time and the slow cooker doing all the work, this soup becomes a lifesaver for busy weeknights, providing a hearty and nutritious dinner with minimal hands-on cooking.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Main protein that becomes tender and easily shreddable in the slow cooker, best when fresh and boneless.
  • Black Beans: Additional protein source that adds texture and earthiness to the soup, canned beans work perfectly.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides a foundational flavor base and aromatic depth to the soup.
  • Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add color, sweetness, and nutritional value.
  • Chipotle Peppers: Brings smoky heat and complex flavor to the soup, use sparingly for desired spice level.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances overall soup flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Rotel Tomatoes: Adds acidity, moisture, and bright tomato flavor to the soup.
  • Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup slightly.
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spice blend that provides warmth and seasoning.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh, tangy finish.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Grated Cheese, Sliced Avocado, Chopped Cilantro: Optional toppings that add richness, creaminess, and fresh herbs.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Place chicken breasts flat at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer for cooking.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle spices evenly over chicken:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetable Mix

Layer chopped vegetables on top of seasoned chicken:
  • Onion, diced
  • Red bell pepper, chopped
  • Yellow bell pepper, chopped

Step 4: Pour Liquid Ingredients

Carefully add tomato and broth mixture:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Rotel tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Tomato paste

Step 5: Incorporate Spicy Beans

Stir in additional flavor components:
  • 2 finely chopped chipotle peppers
  • 1 can black beans, drained

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook:
  • High setting: 5 hours
  • Low setting: 8 hours

Step 7: Final Touches And Serving

  • Stir in fresh lime juice
  • Shred chicken using two forks
  • Taste and adjust seasoning
Garnish with:
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado
  • Grated cheese
  • Chopped cilantro

Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Boost Herb Vibrancy: Chop fresh cilantro or parsley just before stirring into the soup to maximize their bright, zesty flavor profile.
  • Thicken with Bean Magic: Gently mash a portion of black or pinto beans against the slow cooker's side, creating a rich, creamy base that binds the soup together.
  • Spike Smoky Depth: Sprinkle smoked paprika directly into the spice mix, instantly transforming the soup's flavor with a subtle, hearty undertone.
  • Crunch Corn Surprise: Toss frozen corn kernels during the final cooking hour, adding a sweet, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
  • Layer Flavor Brilliance: Let each ingredient build complexity by adding spices early and fresh herbs late, ensuring a multi-dimensional taste experience.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Cool completely: After cooking, let the soup sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Transfer to shallow, wide containers to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Seal tightly: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers with airtight lids. Remove excess air to maintain soup quality and prevent freezer burn. Label containers with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Portion strategically: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. This method allows quick defrosting and reduces waste. Smaller portions reheat faster and maintain better texture when thawed.

Delicious Variations of Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Blast: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños and add a can of corn for extra heat and texture. Increase chipotle peppers for a more intense, smoky flavor profile.
  • Green Chile Chicken Version: Swap Rotel tomatoes with green chile peppers and add a cup of salsa verde. Include a sprinkle of ground coriander for a zesty Mexican-inspired twist.
  • Creamy Tex-Mex Fusion: Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream during the last hour of cooking. Top with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a rich, luxurious soup experience.
  • Protein Power Remix: Substitute chicken breasts with a mix of shredded rotisserie chicken and ground turkey. Add quinoa during the last hour of cooking for additional protein and a hearty, filling meal.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: A Spicy, Hearty Dish

Mexican culinary magic unfolds through layers of robust flavors in this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal with minimal preparation.

Spices dance through tender chicken, creating complex taste profiles that comfort and excite palates.

Chipotle peppers add smoky depth while black beans provide hearty protein and texture.

Garnishes of sour cream, avocado, cheese, and cilantro elevate each spoonful into a complete sensory experience.

Passionate cooks and busy families can savor this soul-warming soup that celebrates southwestern cuisine with incredible ease.

Ready to dive into deliciousness?

Share this recipe, tag fellow soup enthusiasts, and spread culinary joy across your network!

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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup delivers authentic Mexican comfort straight to dinner tables. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and rich broth, this soul-warming dish promises a satisfying meal that draws family and friends together with its irresistible flavor profile.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (add 2 to 3 for more heat)
  • 1 lime, juiced

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) whole or diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) tomato paste

Garnishes:

  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Grated cheese

Instructions

  1. Position the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for the dish.
  2. Create a flavor foundation by generously sprinkling chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the chicken’s surface.
  3. Layer the kitchen with vibrant aromatics by scattering finely diced onions and colorful bell peppers (red and yellow) uniformly over the seasoned chicken.
  4. Introduce moisture and depth by carefully pouring diced tomatoes with their natural juices, fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, and rich tomato paste into the slow cooker.
  5. Enhance the dish’s complexity by incorporating finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and thoroughly rinsed black beans, gently stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
  6. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer on high temperature for 4 to 5 hours (300 to 375 grams/10 to 12 ounces), or alternatively on low temperature for 7 to 8 hours.
  7. Finish the preparation by squeezing fresh lime juice into the cooked mixture, then meticulously shredding the tender chicken using two forks directly within the slow cooker.
  8. Perform a final seasoning taste test, adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Ladle into serving bowls and embellish with a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, sharp grated cheese, and vibrant chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Develop tender, juicy chicken with zero marinating hassle.
  • Pack southwestern zest into every spoonful through slow-cooking magic.
  • Craft a protein-rich meal that adapts easily to dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian preferences.
  • Transform standard ingredients into a restaurant-worthy soup with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Generate mouth-watering leftovers that taste even more incredible the following day.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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