Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup
It’s a cool evening, and the house is filled with the irresistible aroma of smoky chipotle and simmering spices. This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup has become a cherished favorite in our household, not just because of how effortless it is to make but because of how deeply satisfying every spoonful is. The first time I made it, I was looking for a hearty, flavorful recipe to warm up our family during a chilly weekend—and it delivered in spades.
The kids love it because it’s packed with tender chicken and just the right amount of spice, while my husband appreciates its versatility. One night, it’s a soup paired with crusty bread; the next, it’s the star of nachos with melted cheese. Personally, I love how easy it is to set it and forget it with the slow cooker. By dinnertime, it’s ready to serve, and I’m free to focus on other parts of our busy day. Trust me, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing dinner is already handled, especially on those chaotic afternoons.
Every time I serve this soup, it gets rave reviews. My sister insists it’s better than anything she’s tried at a restaurant, and my mom asked for the recipe immediately after tasting it. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether we’re around the dinner table or enjoying it casually in front of a movie. I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your home too. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this incredible recipe a reality.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder? Yes! To make it spicier, add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, use only half of a chipotle pepper and add extra broth to dilute the heat.
Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! You can add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. Just make sure it cooks thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this without a slow cooker? Yes, you can prepare this on the stovetop. Use a large pot and simmer everything on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! This soup freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What toppings go best with this soup? Some great options include sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup:
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ cup uncooked white rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
Slow cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon
Ladle
How to Make Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup:
Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the red onion and chipotle pepper. Rinse the pinto beans and measure out the corn, rice, and spices.
Assemble in the slow cooker: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the corn, pinto beans, onion, and chipotle pepper on top. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce.
Add spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 2 hours.
Add rice: After 3 hours (or 1.5 hours on high), stir in the uncooked rice. Allow it to cook for the remaining time.
Shred the chicken: Once the soup is cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup:
For creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re in a rush, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time.
Adjust consistency: If the soup is too thick, stir in additional chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Flavor boost: Add a bay leaf while cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free rice or omit the rice and add diced potatoes instead.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This soup is a game-changer! It’s so flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights!” – Sarah J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My family loved it! I added extra chipotle for a spicy kick, and it was amazing.” – John P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe, but I’ll use less rice next time. It got a bit thick for my taste.” – Emma L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So versatile! We had it as soup one night and turned the leftovers into nachos the next.” – Maria K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’m not a fan of chipotle, but this recipe converted me. It’s perfectly balanced!” – David R.
Printable Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup
This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Soup is smoky, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be served as a soup or transformed into nachos. Your family will love it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tools:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Ladle
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the red onion and chipotle pepper. Rinse the pinto beans and measure out the corn, rice, and spices.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the corn, pinto beans, onion, and chipotle pepper on top. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 2 hours.
- Add rice: After 3 hours (or 1.5 hours on high), stir in the uncooked rice. Allow it to cook for the remaining time.
- Shred the chicken: Once the soup is cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
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