Description
Hearty Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that dance on palates with zesty warmth. Simmering tender chicken, robust spices, and fresh vegetables create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Juice of 1 lime
Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Layer chicken breasts at the base of the slow cooker, creating a foundation for the soup’s robust flavors.
- Scatter chopped onions and minced garlic across the chicken, infusing the dish with aromatic depth.
- Gently cascade fire-roasted tomatoes, zesty Rotel, protein-packed black beans, and sweet corn kernels over the initial layers.
- Sprinkle the seasonings evenly, ensuring a balanced distribution of spices throughout the mixture.
- Carefully pour chicken broth over the ingredients, using a gentle stirring motion to integrate all components without disrupting the layering.
- Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic, simmering on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches perfect tenderness.
- Extract the chicken pieces and utilize two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, succulent strands.
- Reintroduce the shredded chicken to the soup, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Brighten the flavor profile by drizzling fresh lime juice, which adds a vibrant citrus note.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, accompanied by crispy tortilla chips, warm crusty bread, or fluffy rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use thick, boneless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness in the soup.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, or adding extra chili powder for more heat.
- Drain and rinse black beans before adding to reduce sodium and prevent excess liquid in the soup.
- For a protein-packed vegetarian version, swap chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) / 3-4 hours (High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg