The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a total winner. This soup is spicy, tangy, and very filling.
It uses tender chicken and zesty Mexican spices. Ree Drummond makes this family favorite very easy to prep.
Learning how to make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is great for busy days.
You just toss everything in and let it simmer. This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a healthy meal for everyone.
The broth is rich with tomatoes and lime. Every spoonful is packed with beans and corn. Your family will love the crunchy toppings.
Let us start cooking this zesty soup today!
When I First Introduced to Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
I first saw this recipe on a chilly Tuesday night. I wanted something hot with a little kick. The Pioneer Woman showed this on her ranch show.
It looked so colorful and very fresh. I tried it for a casual movie night with friends. Everyone asked for a second bowl immediately.
The smell of cumin and chili was so inviting. It is now my go-to recipe for cold weather. You do not need to be an expert cook.
The slow cooker does the magic for you. You will love this easy one-pot wonder.

Equipment List
- A 6-quart slow cooker.
- Two forks for shredding chicken.
- A sharp knife for dicing.
- A can opener.
- A cutting board.
- A large ladle for serving.
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Gather these ingredients for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts.
- 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans.
- 1 can (15 ounces) of whole kernel corn.
- 1 can (10 ounces) of Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies.
- 1 cup of mild or medium salsa.
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- 1 medium diced yellow onion.
- 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they lay flat on the bottom. This helps them cook through very evenly.
2. Add the Veggies
Drain and rinse the black beans and corn. Add them into the pot over the chicken. Add the diced onion and minced garlic now.
3. Pour the Liquids
Add the Ro-Tel tomatoes and the salsa. Pour in the four cups of chicken broth. The liquid should cover all the other ingredients.
4. Season the Soup
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir the top layer a little to mix spices. Do not worry about stirring the bottom yet.
5. Slow Cook It
Set your slow cooker to the low setting. Let the soup cook for six hours. The chicken should be very soft and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken
Take the chicken out with a pair of tongs. Use two forks to shred it into bits. Put the shredded chicken back into the soup.
7. Add the Zest
Stir in the fresh lime juice at the end. This makes the flavors pop and taste fresh. It balances out the spicy chili notes.
8. Prep the Toppings
Ladle the soup into deep bowls. Add tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream on top. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro for extra color.
Tips to Make the Best Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Use chicken thighs for more juicy meat.
- Don’t forget to rinse the canned beans.
- This keeps the soup broth nice and clear.
- Use a high-quality salsa for the best base.
- Add a diced jalapeño for more spicy heat.
- Squeeze the lime juice right before you serve.
- It keeps the citrus flavor very bright.
- Store leftovers in a sealed plastic container.
- Reheat it slowly on the stove top.
- Add extra chips just before eating for crunch.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Can I use frozen chicken for this?
Yes, but it may take one hour longer. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Is this soup very spicy for kids?
No, it is mild if you use mild salsa. You can skip the extra chili powder too.
How do I make it more creamy?
Stir in a little heavy cream at the end. Or, add a block of cream cheese.
What are the best toppings to use?
Shredded cheese, avocado, and lime are the best. They add great texture and cool flavor.
Can I freeze the leftover soup?
Yes, it freezes very well for three months. Do not freeze it with the tortilla chips.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is a delight. It is healthy, easy, and very satisfying to eat.
You will feel great serving this to your family. The bold Mexican flavors are perfect for any night.
It is a great way to feed a crowd. Your kitchen will smell like a wonderful taco shop. Give this recipe a try this coming week.
You will love how simple and tasty it is. Enjoy your warm and crunchy bowl of soup.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breasts.
- 1 can 15 ounces of black beans.
- 1 can 15 ounces of whole kernel corn.
- 1 can 10 ounces of Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies.
- 1 cup of mild or medium salsa.
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- 1 medium diced yellow onion.
- 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they lay flat on the bottom. This helps them cook through very evenly.
Add the Veggies
- Drain and rinse the black beans and corn. Add them into the pot over the chicken. Add the diced onion and minced garlic now.
Pour the Liquids
- Add the Ro-Tel tomatoes and the salsa. Pour in the four cups of chicken broth. The liquid should cover all the other ingredients.
Season the Soup
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir the top layer a little to mix spices. Do not worry about stirring the bottom yet.
Slow Cook It
- Set your slow cooker to the low setting. Let the soup cook for six hours. The chicken should be very soft and tender.
Shred the Chicken
- Take the chicken out with a pair of tongs. Use two forks to shred it into bits. Put the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Add the Zest
- Stir in the fresh lime juice at the end. This makes the flavors pop and taste fresh. It balances out the spicy chili notes.
Prep the Toppings
- Ladle the soup into deep bowls. Add tortilla chips, avocado, and sour cream on top. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro for extra color.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more juicy meat.
- Don’t forget to rinse the canned beans.
- This keeps the soup broth nice and clear.
- Use a high-quality salsa for the best base.
- Add a diced jalapeño for more spicy heat.
- Squeeze the lime juice right before you serve.
- It keeps the citrus flavor very bright.
- Store leftovers in a sealed plastic container.
- Reheat it slowly on the stove top.
- Add extra chips just before eating for crunch.













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