If you’re craving something hearty, smoky, and bursting with bold flavors, the Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe is an absolute must-make. This soul-warming soup blends tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and a medley of fresh vegetables into a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any day of the week. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a rich and chunky soup that’s spicy and satisfying without overwhelming heat. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch together. Each component plays a crucial role – from the smoky chipotle chilis adding depth, to the black beans and corn providing texture and color that make this soup so vibrant and inviting.
- 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The hearty protein that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and aroma as it simmers.
- 3 sticks celery (chopped small): Offers a crisp, fresh crunch and balances the smoky heat.
- 1 (15 fluid ounce) can black beans (drained): Brings creaminess and fiber, making the soup filling.
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can corn (drained): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and a pop of golden color.
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): The soup’s tangy, juicy base that keeps everything vibrant.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with deep savory tones.
- 2 chipotle chilis (chopped) + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: The smoky, spicy heart of the soup that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Enhances warmth and layers of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid gold that melds all the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring the dish to life.
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped): A fresh, herbal brightness added just before serving.
- Lime wedges (optional): Adds a zesty finish if you want to brighten your spoonfuls.
- Tortilla strips (optional, to taste): Provides a crunchy contrast that makes the experience irresistible.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, to taste): Creamy topping to cool the smoky heat and add richness.
How to Make Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, celery, garlic, and chipotle chilis. Add all these ingredients, along with the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, chili powder, and broth into your Crockpot. I like to add the chicken breasts last so I can stir everything together gently, ensuring the flavors mix evenly before the chicken slows cooks to tender perfection.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crockpot on high and cook your soup for 3 to 4 hours, or switch to low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours if you have more time. The slow heat melds the chipotle’s smoky notes with the richness of the chicken and vegetables, resulting in a deeply flavorful soup that just melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Final Touches
Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup, then stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. At this stage, your Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the smoky heat with creamy cooling. A few fresh lime wedges on the side never hurt either, as a squeeze of lime juice adds a perfect bright lift. Don’t forget tortilla strips for a fun crunch that complements each spoonful wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that smoky broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep it casual, crunchy tortilla chips also make an excellent companion for dipping and adding texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or small cast iron skillets. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and broil it for a couple of minutes for a bubbly, cheesy finish. Pairing with a glass of crisp white wine or a light Mexican lager rounds out the experience deliciously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making your next meal even more enjoyable.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for busy weeks when you want a ready-made, wholesome meal on hand.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works well too, just be sure to cover and stir halfway through to prevent hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a slightly richer flavor and tend to stay juicier during the long cooking time, making them a delicious alternative.
How spicy is the Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe?
The chipotle chilis offer a smoky warmth with moderate heat. If you prefer a milder soup, use fewer chilis or remove the seeds before adding them.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot on the stove?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld. It won’t be quite the same as slow cooking, but still delicious.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this soup are naturally gluten-free! Just watch any optional toppings like tortilla strips to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots would be fantastic additions and bring additional color and nutrients to your soup.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe a wholehearted try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any season and every occasion. Once you taste the deep smoky flavors and tender chicken, you’ll see why it might just become your new favorite slow cooker recipe to make again and again!
Print
Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, slow-cooked to perfection and served with optional garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, and sour cream for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (chopped small)
- 1 (15 fluid ounce) can black beans (drained)
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 chipotle chilis (chopped) + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla strips (to taste)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, celery, garlic, and chipotle chilis. Drain the black beans and corn. Gather all ingredients except for the garnish items.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Add the chopped onion, celery, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), minced garlic, chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, chili powder, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top last to leave room for stirring before adding them.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cook the soup on high heat for 3 to 4 hours or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The chicken will cook thoroughly and the flavors will meld beautifully in this gentle, slow cooking process.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks until finely shredded.
- Combine and Season: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to mix with the soup. Chop the cilantro and stir it into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with a squeeze of lime juice, tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Enjoy immediately or freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Cooking times vary depending on slow cooker model; adjust as needed.
- For a spicier soup, add more chipotle chilis or adobo sauce.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian variation (omit chicken).
- Leftover soup can be garnished with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh jalapeño slices for extra flavor.
