A rich, comforting, and creamy chicken soup loaded with bold flavors, beans, corn, and tender chicken. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and cheese, it’s a perfect slow-cooker meal for cozy dinners.
1 onion, diced
2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ lbs chicken breast
3 cups chicken broth (see notes)
14 oz crushed tomatoes (half of a 28-oz can)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can southwest corn, drained
1 can Ro-Tel, not drained
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
8 corn tortillas
1 tbsp oil (any kind)
⅔ cup heavy cream
1 cup Mexican cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cook Soup Base:
Add onion, jalapeño, garlic, chicken breast, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, Ro-Tel, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Thicken Soup:
About 30 minutes before the end, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup of the broth to make a slurry.
Stir into the soup and continue cooking for 30 minutes.
Prepare Tortilla Strips:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut tortillas into ¼-inch strips, toss with 1 tbsp oil, and bake for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Shred Chicken & Add Cream:
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return chicken to the pot, stir in heavy cream and cheese until smooth and creamy.
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls, top with crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Broth Options: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt to taste.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Spice Level: Leave seeds in the jalapeños for more heat.
Make Ahead: Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tortilla strips are best served fresh.