Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Hi, hi! Happy Mexican Soup Monday!

Watch the How To Video Here:
Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup from Half Baked Harvest on Vimeo.
Or more like an extended Sunday, since my thinking is that a lot of you guys may have work off today. Or maybe you don’t? I know my little sister, Asher has school, so that means at least some of the world has work. Whether you have work or not, I hope you’re all online doing your daily reading because I have one of my favorite soups to share today!
I actually debated whether sharing a soup recipe so late in February was a good idea. I mean, are we over the winter eats yet? I went back and forth, but then a few days of grey clouds, cold, and snow had me convinced, yes, we are indeed still in need of soup recipes. I heard that even sunny California had a very rainy and dreary weekend, meaning soup is needed for everyone today. Plus, honestly, this is one of those soup recipes that can be made just about any time of the year. It’s that good and that easy. <–hello throw everything in the crockpot, let it cook all day –> dinner.
Done and DONE.

So here’s the deal. This is one of those recipes that comes along with a little story…promise I’ll try to keep it short..ish. 🙂
Way back before the blog, like back when I was still in high school cooking for my family and making them try all of my creations, I made a soup very similar to this. It was actually summer at the time, but anyone who lives in the Colorado mountains knows that summer storms can be intense and pretty freaking cold. Cold to the point of fresh snow on the mountain tops and possibly even on the ground (trust me, its happened, and trust me, I don’t think it’s awesome). When these storms roll in, it’s really dark and they happen really fast. All you want to do is put on your warm and cozy clothes and snuggle up with a bowl of soup. I know it sounds like weird summer behavior, but that’s just kind of summer-life here.
Enter in this, easy as can be, soup. This soup that is perfect for these freezing cold winter days and even the upcoming dreary early spring days too (dang, it’s actually perfect any season around here).
Years back when I made this soup, I literally used two cans of enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and leftover chicken. I remember it being so, so, so good. Ever since then, I’ve always made my tortilla soup with enchilada sauce. I know it’s not even close to traditional, but I feel like anything topped with tortilla chips, avocado and cheese can be called tortilla soup right?
Ah, yes. Obviously.
Anyway, I decided it was time I share my little trick for a super easy cozy soup with you guys…because I swear, this crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup really is the best. I also decided to make life just a little simpler and turn this into a crockpot recipe. Meaning just add everything to your crockpot, forget about it all day long, and come home to a house that smells like your favorite Mexican restaurant. YESSS.
Count me in!

OH and if you’re into it, you can also stir some rice into your tortilla soup. I do this…ALWAYS. My mom taught me the very important life lesson that soup needs carbs, and rice is a pretty darn good option. Especially when said soup is Mexican Tortilla Soup. Then you not only get carbs in the form of rice, but you also get salty tortilla chips. YUM.
Be sure to finish off the soup with lots and lots of avocado, cheese, cilantro, and maybe even some greek yogurt and limes too. <–perfection


Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: easy meal, slow cooker soup
This Mexican inspired soup is and easy dump and go meal
Ingredients
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper
- 3 cups homemade or store-bought red enchilada sauce
- 3-4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1-2 cup cooked white or brown rice
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving
- tortilla chips, diced mango, sliced avocado, limes, shredded cheddar, and yogurt, for serving
Instructions
-
In the bottom your crockpot, layer the onion, jalapeños, and garlic. Add the chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour over the enchilada sauce and 3 cups broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken using two forks. Stir in the rice, lime juice, and cilantro. Taste and add salt if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, mango, avocado, cheese, and yogurt. Garnish with cilantro and limes. Enjoy!

ps. I know the mango might seem weird, but it’s actually the best thing ever.
oh tortilla soup!! sounds like what the doctor ordered alright!!
https://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
Haha! YES!! I hope so (: Thanks Ruth.
Yum this looks incredible! By the way, I’d love it if you did a post with food photography tips, or if you did a post about how you learnt to take such good food photos! 🙂
Hey Rhian! Thank you so much! I have been thinking about that, so hopefully I will in the future!
definitely not too late for soup!! i made your buffalo chicken corn chowder this weekend.. so good! we are actually having some crazy warm and beautiful weather on the east coast. it was in the 60s and sunny this weekend which was PERFECT for taking our new puppy out for a jog 🙂 i’m sure we’ll be back to soup weather pretty soon though and this simple recipe looks like the perfect recipe to come home to on a busy weeknight!
Yes I heard from my brother that the weather over there was super nice!! I am really glad you loved that soup and I hope you love this one! Thank you!!
The soup look so delicious! I live in Miami, and for me, soup doesn’t have a particular season. I can eat it anytime of the year. I love the addition of the avocado!
Awesome! I hope you love this one, Carlos! Thank you!
Yum! Making this tonight as the storm in sunny LA rages on. Going to do it in the oven though as the expensive slow cooker I bought makes chicken taste like rubber! Grrr. Do you have a recipe for home made enchilada sauce? Would love it if you do! Thank you.
Hi Natalie! I don’t have one on the blog, but i love this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/61727/ten-minute-enchilada-sauce/
I’m not over winter eats yet and I LOVE a good slow cooker recipe!! This soup looks amazing!!! xoxo
Thank you Rebecca!!
Yum. Well, we’re still covered in snow here near Mt. Hood so soup is still very welcomed!
Wow! I hope you love it Amber! Thanks!
I’d love to make this, it looks so incredibly delicious! Did you purchase or make the tortilla chips? If you purchased please tell me what brand. If you made them, then I’m sure you’ve shared how before!!
Hi Cassandra! I homemade them! Corn tortillas, fried in oil and then sprinkled with salt. ?
Looks so good!
Izzy |https://pinchofdelight.wordpress.com
Thank you!
I too would love to see a recipe for enchilada sauce.
Okay thanks Maureen!!
Thanks for this recipe! I’m going to try soup this weekend! How many servings does this Crockpot Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup make?
Hi Jose!! It serves 4-6. Hope you love this! 🙂
I have never heard of tortilla soup before but it looks delicious!
x Annabelle
travelsandtea.com
Thanks Annabelle! Its one of my favorites, I hope you love it!
Chicken torilla soup has never looked better – my taco Tuesday needs a huge bowl! 🙂
I think that a bowlmight be the only okay substitute for taco Tuesday!
Perhaps, I’ve missed it ……….but where can I find the Nutrition details for
this yummy sounding soup? I’m curious to try it as I’ve never used enchilada sauce
as a soup base. Sounds really good. Thanks
Hi Middie, I am sorry but I do not like to provide nutritional info for my recipes. I am really sorry for the trouble. Hope you love the soup!
Could you make this on the stove? How long would it need to cook?
Yes! I would simmer it 40 minutes to 1 hour. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love this! 🙂
Love that this is a crockpot recipe Tieghan. I just got a new one and I’m cooking in it all the time lately, so this recipe will definitely be added to my list. Love Mom’s idea to add some rice! Mom’s know best, right?!
Ah yes! Nothings better than crockpot recipes, especially in a new one. They really do know best (:
Yummm! thanks for the recipe. It looks amazing and comforting! Just what I was looking for!
About 6-8 pancakes. Hope you love these! 🙂
So happy you liked it Marianne! Thank you (:
Made it last night, so damn good and so damn easy!=) Can’t wait to make it again!
So happy you liked it! Thanks Gabi!
Tortilla soup is always delicious, love that this one is so easily made in the slow cooker!
Thanks Gina, in love with slow cooker recipes!
Simply perfect! I LOVE tortilla soup 🙂
You and me both! Thanks Jennifer hope you love it!
Hi there!
Do you have an good brands to recommend for red enchilada sauce? Or perhaps a good homemade recipe version?
Thanks!
Hey Ella! I love this simple homemade recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/61727/ten-minute-enchilada-sauce/
I made this yesterday and it was EXACTLY the soup I had been craving! I made my own enchilada sauce, and it was perfect. For a recipe to be so delicious and so easy to make, it definitely has a place in frequent rotation in my kitchen. Thank you!
That is SO awesome to hear Tenley! Thank you so much!
Looks delish ?? & I love avocado.It can still be cold here in NC in march this soup will hit the spot.
Perfect! So happy you like it, thanks Steve!
Just picked up all the ingredients..im so excited to try this recipe!!
Yay, hope you love it Jenn!
Tieghan, I stumbled across your blog a few days ago and now I am obsessed with your crockpot recipes! I am not really a cook but I am looking to become more of one, and I thought that perhaps an easy gateway for me to do so would be to try cooking using the crockpot that my mom gave me a few years ago. Most crockpot recipes I’ve found seem really boring and bland, but I can’t wait to try this one and the one for butter chicken (drool!). Thank you for inspiring me with your beautiful photography, stylish design (I adore the font that comes up in the search box!), and easy-to-follow recipes like this one. Please keep the simple recipes coming for folks like me 🙂
YES!! I love crockpot recipes so much!
This is one of my favorites so I hope you’ll love it! So happy I could bring some inspiration to you!
Thanks so much Jeanette!
Thank you for this delicious recipe!!!
I made it and my boyfriend couldn’t stop raving about it. He said it was “definitely the best tortilla soup ever.”
I happened to have a ripe mango in the fridge and I’m SO glad I followed your recipe on that, it’s amazing.
But seriously, the combination of the soup with the mango, avocado, yogurt and cheese (i used pepper jack) is just out of this world. Can’t wait to make this again 🙂
So so glad you and your boyfriend enjoyed this recipe! Thank you Melissa!
Hi,
Do the chicken breasts go into the crock pot raw or cooked?
New to crock pot.
TY!
The chicken goes into the crockpot raw. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love the soup!
Made this last night for the family and served it up on a cold and rainy late October evening. I loved it as did my family. Added sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado and rice. Will definitely make it again- which says a lot! Thanks, HBH, for helping me make a simply and delicious meal for my family.
Ooo this soup sounds amazing on a night like that! I am so glad you all enjoyed this Beth! Thank you!
This is hands down the easiest and best tasting Chicken Tortilla Soup I’ve ever had, thank you!
I am so happy you love this! thank you Melissa!
Wow! Your tortilla soup is awesome!! I just made it on stovetop in my dutch oven. Delicious and authentic…I am Latina and can tell you, this taste jst as good as my mom’s.
Thank you! I am so happy to hear that!
Hi! Love your blog! How would an instapot change all this? Just got one, and excited to try your soup!!
HI! Just add everything to the instant pot, Cover and cook on high pressure/manual for 20-25 minutes. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function and release the steam. Shred the chicken using two forks. Finish as directed.
Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Happy Holiday’s 🙂
This soup is outstanding! I made it in my Instant Pot using the Meat/Stew setting (35 minutes) and I cannot believe how tender the chicken was. (I’m still getting used to my Instant Pot, but it definitely makes meat even more tender than my crock pot used to). Then I just let it sit on Warm, added the cooked rice, lime juice and cilantro, and served it with chips, cheese and yogurt. Probably my favorite soup of all time. 🙂
Sounds so yummy!! Thank you Dawn! I am so glad you enjoyed this soup!
very good made it today.easy I love the slow cooker.
I am so glad you liked this! Thank you!
Hi Tieghan! Can you make this using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Sure that will be great. just stir the chicken in towards the end of cooking. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Didn’t have the mango, but the recipe was fabulous even without it. Topped with goat cheese, cilantro, and some lime juice…delicious!
Sounds amazing! I am so glad you liked this Autumn!
This is so good. I have tried a lot of taco chicken soups and I think this is the best one.
I am so glad you liked this! Thanks!
Can you freeze this?
Yes! Freezing works great. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Made this soup tonight and it was delicious!! This was my first HBH recipe and can’t wait to try others.
Awh so happy to hear that! I hope you enjoy many others Lindsay! Thank you!
This is the bomb! I shared it with friends and family, and their comments were ‘This is delicious’ and ‘Friggin awesome’! So easy to make too!.
I am so glad you enjoyed this Katie! Thank you so much!
Hi! I’ve made this recipe before an I love it! If I double the recipe in the slow cooker do I need to cook it for longer? If so how long do you think? Thanks!!
HI! I think you should cook for 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Love this soup! Do you think I could make it in my instant pot…?
LOVED this recipe! Any suggestion on a stovetop version using cooked rotisserie chicken?
I would just add the ingredients to a large pot, simmer over medium for 20-30 minutes and stir in the shredded chicken. that should be great! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Made this and it was awesome. Used sweet corn cut off cob and added last 15 minutes. Avacadis weren’t ripe, so used a dollop of guac. It is fast, easy, and delicious!
I made this today and added black beans and roasted corn at the end- delicious! Love the addition of rice to bulk it up and using Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce made this super quick and easy!
Thank you so much Hil! I am so glad you loved this!
I LOVED this soup – so incredibly flavorful and so easy – and I haven’t even tried it with all the toppings yet! I use homemade enchilada sauce and added some kale to up the veggie content.
I am so glad you loved this Jamie! Thank you!
Just made this and its delicious! Thank you
Thank you so much Nicole!
I’ve made this soup a bunch if times and I love it! This time I was brave and added the mango too and it was AMAZING!luv luv luv it! Thank u!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much Jamie!
Love your blog. I’ve made a few of your recipes and they have all been great. Thanks for sharing your recipes to the world. Can you recommend a canned enchilada sauce?
HI! I love the Whole Foods 365 brand! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
This looks so yummy! How SPICY is this? Wonderinf if there is a modification that can make it a little more mild? Thank you!
It’s not too bad but start with 1 jalapeno and see how that taste to you! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
We loved it !! Perfect and spicy for the big game last night!
Thanks Tieghan !
Thank you Kim!
Oh my goodness! This tortilla soup is to die for! I got so many compliments in the one evening from my partner. I cooked it very gently in my Creuset casserole dish on top of the oven. I sautèd the onion, chilli, garlic and spices in coconut oil. I added Aleppo Pepper & a guacamole spice mix (red bell pepper, amchur, sumac, cumin, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, oregano, lemon peel, salt & pepper). I also added a can of kidney beans with the rice. I fried white tortillas in coconut oil. It was all so tasty and such a treat. Thanks for a fab recipe. ?❤️??
This is so sweet! I am so glad you loved this recipe, Kati! Thank you so much!
This is fabulous! Spicy, soulful with just the right amount of zing. My husband even said, “Honey, would you please add this one to our go-to list?” That’s high praise from him. And the best part is it’s a dump and run out the door recipe. Amazing!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much Jennifer!
super eager to make this! could i do it with an instant pot?
Sure! I would cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Could you make this in an instant pot? How would you adjust cooking info? Thank you!!
Hey Tara! I recommend following the same directions for the slow cooker, adding everything to the instant and cooking on high pressure for 8 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
This was perfection! I added a can of drained, rinsed chickpeas and an undrained can of low-sodium black beans. My
husband raved about it and I could eat this on the regular. Super easy to make and the mango/avocado garnish is delicious! Another home run…LOVE your recipes, Tiegan!
Hi Karen! I am so glad you loved this recipe and it turned out so good for you! Thank you so much!
OMG… this is so amazing and so easy! I love soups that are quick and simple. All of the fresh ingredients make it even better!
This will definitely be one of my go-to recipes… thank you!
Thank you so much Denise! xTieghan
This was so delicious
Thank you Crystal! xTieghan
This recipe is so amazing! I found that using only a tiny piece of the jalepeno has the right amount of kick. I have made this three times already!! My boyfriend absolutely loves this and goes back for thirds, every time I make it. I have now added this recipe to my personal recipe book and will use forever!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Mary!! xTieghan
Making this tonight but plan to add corn and black beans – would you recommend doing so at the beginning or with an hour or so left in the crockpot? Can’t wait!
Hi Would add more towards the end. That should be delicious!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
This was absolutely delicious! Great flavor from such a quick and simple recipe. This is one I’ll be saving and making frequently!
Thank you Sabrina! Its the best when a great meal can be easy! Thank you for trying this! xTieghan
Nice recipe the flavor from the enchilada sauce is amazing! I did mine on the stove top and used boneless
Skinless chicken thighs and added a bit of anchovy chili pepper and cilantro. Topped it with avocado, creme fraiche,and a little pineapple mango salsa I happened to have left from fish taco night. I like the simplicity and genius use of ingredients in this one!
Thank you Dave!! So glad to hear this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Made this last night for superbowl! It was DELICIOUS! and seriously so easy!! Thanks!!!
Thank you so much for trying this Samantha! I am so glad you loved it! xTieghan
This is one of my favorite recipes. I make it weekly during the winter time. When the crock is just about empty, I drain the liquid and make a burrito out of it! Love!!
Ok YES to that! That seriously sounds amazing! Thank you so much Katie! xTieghan
Expecting a baby soon and going to make this to freeze for when we’re too tired to cook. Is it okay to add the rice before I freeze, or should I make it fresh and add after reheating?
Hi there! I would leave the out and make it fresh just before serving. Congrats on the little one. How exciting!!
Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
Outstanding! I’ve made many different chicken tortilla soup recipes. I’m particular and this recipe is simple but very tasty. I followed the recipe as written and added 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice. It is amazing! I topped with avocado, tomato, cilantro, green onion, tortilla chips and lime! Restaurant quality! Will definitely make again. Thank you.
Aw that is so amazing to hear! Thank you for trying this recipe, Traci! I am so glad you have been loving it! xTieghan
Loved this. Incredibly easy to make, few ingredients, tasted amazing.
Thank you so much Jessica! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
I made the following modifications due to the pandemic situation we are all in and using things we have on hand. Made the whole thing in the instant pot. Started by searing the chicken breasts for 5 minutes per side. then added the rest (except for the rice). Substituted the enchilada sauce for 14oz tomato sauce, 14 oz fire-roasted tomatoes and 2 Tbsp taco seasoning. omitted the cilantro because we did not have it Added 1 cup frozen corn. pressure cooked for 8 minutes. then added the rice. Excellent!
Thank you so much Lorrie! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! Also, I am so glad you were able to modify it with the ingredients you already had! xTieghan
My sister recommended this recipe, and I’m excited to try it. I have a huge bag of frozen mango from Costco. I’d love to sub that for the fresh mango, which might not be ripe in time, but how? (Advice or discouragement welcome). Thank you!
Hi Jessica,
You can absolutely use frozen mango, I would just recommend to thaw first. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Love this recipe!! This is my go-to recipe for a delicious tortilla soup that’s so simple and easy. I probably make this at least once a month because my boyfriend never gets tired of it. So great, thanks!
Thank you so much Mariam! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Can you give me insta pot directions for this recipe?
Hi Kim! Just add everything to the instant pot, Cover and cook on high pressure/manual for 20-25 minutes. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function and release the steam. Shred the chicken using two forks. Finish as directed. I hope you love this recipe, Kim!! xTieghan
This was delicious! Didn’t have a crockpot, just cooked on stovetop, simmered for about an hour-hour and a half. Took chicken out after about 45 min. Used the enchilada sauce recipe recommended. Just cooked whole jalapeños. The mango was splendid. Family couldn’t be happier with this warm and flavorful dinner!
Thank you so much Ashley!! That is so great to hear! xTieghan
Hello !
How could I go about adding tortellini pasta to this ?
Hey Mikailey,
I would add tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if I can help in any other way! xTieghan
I have been looking for a really good taco soup and this one fits the bill. We love that this has enchilada sauce in it.
Thank you so much Ingrid! xTieghan
Made this for dinner. Followed the recipe except didn’t really bother measuring ingredients… My husband (who is Honduran) and our friend (who is Mexican) were OBSESSED. My husband said that in our 5 years together this is the best thing I’ve ever made, and I love cooking..! A testament to this excellent recipe. HBH has done it again! 🙂
(Your mom’s oatmeal cookies were my husband’s favorite, too, and I’ve made a lotttt of cookies over the years! Guess I’m sticking with strictly HBH recipes from now on.)
Wow yes!! I am really glad this recipe turned out so amazing for you, Ali! Thank you! xTieghan
How would I convert this to instapot?
Hey Lauren,
You can follow the instructions from the recipe for the instant pot: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chicken-tortilla-soup/
I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I am craving tortilla soup very badly and want to make it in the crockpot. Would it alter the taste if I omit the chicken and add black beans instead? I don’t eat much meat. And what do you think the best way to make it not as spicy so that my kids can eat it?
Hey Leah,
Totally fine to omit the chicken and add black beans. To reduce the heat, just skip the jalapeños! I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Delicious soup! The flavors meld together so well, and the lime juice is the cherry on top. I made this for my family today and we’re adding it to our list of recipes to keep in rotation. I added a can of drained black beans with the rice at the end and doubled the garlic. We didn’t try the mango this time around but probably next time!
Hey Kiara,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
So good. So easy!
Thanks so much Sarah! xTieghan
I have a GO TO tortilla soup recipe, but this one looks enticing! I’ve never seen a tortilla recipe with enchilada sauce!… hmmm skeptical lol I dont wanna mess up a meal next week by trying this one out lmaoooo, hmmmmm
I hope you love the recipe Jackie! xTieghan
This looks incredible & I’m gonna try it- can’t wait. I have a quick question, though… for the WEIRDOs like me who’re bigger fans of green enchilada sauce than red… do you think that would work ok? Or should I stick with the red enchilada sauce? I have Trader Joe’s green enchilada sauce at home, but wanted to see what you thought.
Hey Eliza,
I totally think green enchilada sauce will work, obviously the soup will be a different color, but if that is was you prefer then go for it! I hope you love the recipe, let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
Hi!! Just discovered your website two weeks ago and I have already made several of your recipes!! Everything has been so delicious!!! Made this soup today and of course, home run. My whole family loves it! Looking forward to trying many more!!!!
Hey Marisa,
I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thank you for making it! xTieghan