The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup: An Easy & Flavorful Recipe for Busy Nights

Imagine walking through the door after a long, demanding day to the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready and waiting. That’s the magic of this **Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup**. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a cozy weekend treat, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings all the vibrant flavors of your favorite tacos into one hearty bowl. Tender, juicy shredded chicken, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, sweet corn, and a blend of savory beans simmer slowly with authentic taco seasoning, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. This truly is a ‘dump and go’ meal – minimal prep for maximum reward, allowing you to reclaim your evenings without compromising on deliciousness.

A bowl of slow cooker chicken taco soup, featuring shredded chicken, corn, beans, diced tomatoes, and topped with shredded cheese and green onions. The bowl is placed on a red and white checkered cloth, surrounded by tortilla chips, fresh tomatoes, and a glass of iced tea.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about transforming the beloved elements of a taco into a comforting, spoonable soup. Instead of crisp taco shells or soft tortillas, we embrace the hearty broth, rich with the essence of juicy shredded chicken, tangy tomatoes, spicy green chiles, and a blend of hearty beans and southwest corn. Topping it all off with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed chips provides that essential textural contrast, making every bite an exciting journey of flavor.

My family is always enthusiastic when I find creative ways to incorporate taco flavors into new dishes. Beyond this amazing soup, you should definitely give my 7 Layer Taco Dip, Taco Baked Potatoes, and Taco Pasta Bake a try for more Tex-Mex inspiration!

This “dump-and-go” chicken taco soup exemplifies effortless cooking. It simmers gently throughout the day, filling your home with enticing aromas and ensuring a hot, delicious meal is ready the moment you step through the door. Once the chicken is perfectly tender, a quick shredding is all that’s needed before it’s ready to serve. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings, from classic shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream to fresh diced avocado and a bright squeeze of lime juice. The possibilities are endless for making each serving uniquely yours.

An overhead view of slow cooker taco soup with chicken inside a black crockpot. The soup is topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, featuring visible ingredients like shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes in a hearty broth.

This particular crockpot soup recipe has become the most requested meal in my household lately. To streamline meal prep even further, I often prepare a large batch on the weekends, making it incredibly easy to reheat delicious leftovers for quick lunches or effortless dinners throughout the busy week. It’s also an absolute winner for game day gatherings, serving a crowd with minimal stress and maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Chicken Taco Soup

**Unbeatable Convenience:** This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal. Simply combine your ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work while you go about your day. Perfect for busy schedules!
**Flavor Explosion:** Packed with a medley of Mexican-inspired ingredients like zesty tomatoes with green chilies, savory beans, and aromatic taco seasoning, every spoonful is a burst of bold, delicious flavor.
**Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:** You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items. This recipe uses readily available ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
**Effortless Preparation:** With minimal chopping and no pre-cooking required, this recipe boasts super easy-to-follow instructions, making it ideal for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
**Family-Friendly & Customizable:** A guaranteed hit with kids and adults, this soup can be easily adapted to suit various taste preferences. Add more spice, extra veggies, or a different protein – the possibilities are endless!
**Hearty & Satisfying:** Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a filling meal, this robust soup will warm you from the inside out and leave everyone feeling satisfied. It’s almost like a chili, but with a unique taco twist.
**Excellent for Meal Prep & Crowds:** Prepare a big batch on the weekend and enjoy wholesome leftovers throughout the week, or serve it up as an easy, impressive meal for game days, potlucks, and gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Chicken Taco Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible slow cooker chicken taco soup. This section provides detailed notes, along with handy substitution options to make this recipe your own. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check the full printable recipe card located at the end of this post.

An overhead view of labeled ingredients for a crockpot chicken taco soup recipe, including: diced tomatoes with green chiles, chicken breasts, tomato sauce, black beans, chili beans, southwest-style corn, diced onions, and taco seasoning.

Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet. There’s no need for any pre-chopping or searing; simply add them whole to the slow cooker, and they will become incredibly tender, ready to be easily shredded later. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor or have them on hand, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent alternative, adding a touch more moisture to the soup.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: This ingredient is a cornerstone of the taco soup’s vibrant flavor. Brands like Rotel are popular, but any brand of diced tomatoes combined with green chiles will work wonderfully. These come in various heat levels – mild, original, or hot – allowing you to easily adjust the soup’s spiciness to your preference. They contribute both a tomato base and a subtle, zesty kick.
Southwest Style Corn (Mexicorn): This special blend of canned whole kernel corn mixed with red and green peppers adds a fantastic pop of color, sweetness, and a hint of bell pepper flavor. It’s a key component that enhances the Tex-Mex profile of the soup. If you can’t find Mexicorn, a can of regular whole kernel corn with a quarter cup of finely diced red and green bell peppers can be a suitable substitute.
Chili Beans: These are usually pinto or red beans, prepared in a savory chili sauce. This sauce is crucial for the soup’s depth of flavor, so it’s important *not* to drain the chili beans. Different varieties exist, including those made with kidney beans, so choose your favorite. The seasoned sauce contributes significantly to the overall taste profile.
Black Beans: These add a creamy texture and earthy flavor to the soup. Unlike the chili beans, it’s recommended to drain and rinse your black beans thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps to remove excess sodium and any starchy liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor.
Tomato Sauce: This ingredient forms the rich and robust base of our soup’s broth, lending a smooth tomato flavor without being too chunky. It helps to tie all the other ingredients together in a cohesive, satisfying liquid.
Chopped Onion: Half of a yellow or white onion, finely chopped, provides an essential aromatic foundation for the soup. As it slow cooks, the onion sweetens and melds into the broth, adding a subtle depth without being overpowering.
Taco Seasoning: The secret weapon for authentic taco flavor! One packet of store-bought taco seasoning (typically 1 ounce) is perfect for convenience. Alternatively, you can use about 3 tablespoons of your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend. This seasoning infuses the entire soup with that signature zesty, savory, and mildly spicy taco goodness.

Looking to Reduce Sodium in Your Taco Soup?

Many canned goods are known for their high sodium content, but you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to make this slow cooker chicken taco soup a healthier option. To significantly cut down on the sodium in this recipe, actively seek out and use “no salt added” or “low sodium” versions of your ingredients. Specifically, look for no-salt-added diced tomatoes and green chilies, low-sodium chili beans, low-sodium black beans, no-salt-added tomato sauce, and reduced-sodium taco seasoning. By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of this soup with a mindful approach to sodium intake.

Simple Steps to Your Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Making this hearty chicken taco soup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions, complete with photos, to achieve a perfectly flavorful meal. For the complete, printable version of the recipe, refer to the recipe card further down this page.

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker Base. Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. There’s no need to cut them; they will cook perfectly whole and be shredded later.

Step 2: Add All Remaining Ingredients. Next, pour all of the other ingredients directly over the chicken breasts. This includes the diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), southwest-style corn (undrained), chili beans (undrained, with their flavorful sauce), drained and rinsed black beans, tomato sauce, chopped onion, and the packet of taco seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly and all components are well combined.

Step 3: Cover and Cook to Perfection. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Ingredients for easy slow cooker chicken taco soup cooking in a crockpot.

Step 4: Shred the Tender Chicken. Once the cooking time is complete, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Using two forks, carefully shred the chicken directly within the slow cooker. You can also remove the chicken breasts to a separate bowl, shred them there, and then return the shredded chicken back to the pot. This method ensures even distribution of the delicious chicken throughout the soup.

Step 5: Stir, Serve, and Garnish. Give the soup a final stir to incorporate the shredded chicken. It’s now ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into bowls and invite everyone to customize their soup with their favorite toppings. Classic choices include crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright finish.

A ladle lifting a serving of easy slow cooker chicken taco soup with shredded chicken, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoess from a crockpot.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Chicken Taco Soup

This slow cooker chicken taco soup is not only fantastic fresh, but it also makes for incredibly convenient leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout the week. Knowing how to properly store and reheat your soup ensures you can enjoy its robust flavors for days to come.

Refrigerator: To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely at room temperature (but no longer than two hours) before transferring it to an airtight container. Once sealed, it can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an ideal candidate for quick, satisfying lunches or hassle-free dinners on busy nights.

Freezer: For longer storage, this crockpot chicken taco soup freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to account for expansion. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with reheating.

How to Reheat:

For Individual Portions: The microwave is your best friend. Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
For Larger Quantities (Stovetop): For more than one or two servings, the stovetop offers the best results. Pour the soup into a large pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
For the Entire Batch (Slow Cooker): If you’ve prepared a large batch specifically for a gathering or to serve an entire family meal later, you can reheat it directly in the slow cooker. Set it to the ‘Warm’ setting or ‘Low’ until thoroughly heated, stirring periodically to prevent scorching. This is especially useful for game days or parties.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Taco Soup

Adjusting Consistency: This recipe naturally yields a thick, hearty soup – almost like a chili. If you prefer a thinner, more traditional “soupier” consistency, simply add a can (about 14.5 ounces) of low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You can even add more to taste after cooking.
Scaling Up: Hosting a crowd or looking for more leftovers? This recipe is easily doubled! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume (at least an 8-quart slow cooker would be recommended for a double batch). The cooking times will remain largely the same, but always ensure chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Boosting the Heat: If you love a bit more kick, don’t hesitate to amp up the spice. You can add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, an extra teaspoon of chili powder, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup before cooking. For a fresh burst of heat and flavor, top your individual bowl with sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Vegetarian Adaptation: While this is a chicken taco soup, the base flavors are wonderfully adaptable. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add an extra can of your favorite beans (like kidney beans or black beans) and an additional can of vegetable broth. You could also include some crumbled plant-based meat substitute.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables for added nutrition and texture. Diced bell peppers (any color), a can of drained corn (if not using Mexicorn), or even some zucchini or sweet potato would be delicious additions. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Creamy Twist: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream cheese (softened), heavy cream, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk (for a different flavor profile) during the last 30 minutes of cooking, after the chicken has been shredded.
Garnish Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! They not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor and texture of each spoonful. Think beyond the basics and get creative!

Irresistible Topping Suggestions for Your Taco Soup

The beauty of chicken taco soup lies in its versatility and how easily it can be customized with a variety of toppings. These additions not only enhance the flavor and texture but also allow everyone to personalize their bowl. Here are some of our favorite topping suggestions to take your soup to the next level:

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A classic choice that adds a cool, creamy tang, perfectly balancing the savory, spicy notes of the soup. Greek yogurt is a fantastic healthier alternative that provides similar creaminess and a protein boost.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar cheese is a quintessential taco topping. It adds a rich, savory dimension and a wonderful gooey texture as it melts into the warm soup. Other great cheese options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra heat), or a Mexican cheese blend.
Crispy Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: Essential for that satisfying crunch! Whether you use store-bought tortilla strips or simply crush up your favorite tortilla chips, they add a delightful textural contrast and reinforce the taco theme.
Fresh or Pickled Jalapeño Peppers: For those who love an extra kick, thinly sliced fresh jalapeños provide a vibrant, spicy punch. Pickled jalapeños offer a milder heat with a tangy, briny flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous freshness that complements the robust flavors of the soup beautifully.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the entire dish, adding a zesty, acidic counterpoint that elevates all the other flavors. Don’t skip this!
Diced or Sliced Avocado: Creamy, rich avocado adds a lovely texture and healthy fats, mellowing some of the spice and adding a luxurious feel to each bite.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo: For an extra layer of fresh tomato, onion, and herb flavor, a spoonful of your favorite salsa or homemade pico de gallo is a fantastic addition.
Green Onions (Scallions): Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild oniony bite and a pop of fresh color.

A bowl of crockpot chicken taco soup garnished with cheese and green onions, served with tortilla chips.

What to Serve Alongside Your Chicken Taco Soup

While this Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few simple sides can create a more complete and delightful meal. Here are some serving suggestions that complement its rich, hearty flavors:

Warm Cornbread or Corn Muffins: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a perfect match for dipping into the savory soup, soaking up all the delicious broth.
Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, adding freshness and balance to your meal.
Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: If you’re looking to make it an even more substantial meal, a side of fluffy Mexican rice or fragrant cilantro-lime rice can be a wonderful addition, often mixed directly into the soup for a fuller bowl.
Quesadillas or Tacos: For a true Tex-Mex feast, serve small cheese quesadillas or soft tacos alongside your soup. It’s a fun way to enjoy more of those complementary flavors and textures.
Avocado Salad: A simple salad made with diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice offers a creamy, fresh side that echoes the soup’s flavors.

Creative Variations to Try

The beauty of a recipe like Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is how easily it can be adapted and transformed to suit different tastes or ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations:

Beef Taco Soup: Instead of chicken, use 1-1.5 pounds of ground beef or ground turkey. Brown the meat in a skillet with the chopped onion before adding it to the slow cooker (drain excess fat). This creates a heartier, richer soup.
Vegetarian Taco Soup: For a meatless option, simply omit the chicken. Increase the amount of beans (e.g., add an extra can of black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans) and consider adding some diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor. You’ll likely want to add a cup or two of vegetable broth to maintain liquid levels.
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: To achieve a wonderfully rich and creamy texture, stir in 4-6 ounces of cream cheese (softened and cut into cubes) or 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds a luxurious element that is incredibly comforting.
Spicy Southwest Kick: If you crave serious heat, add a diced habanero or serrano pepper along with the other ingredients. You can also include a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy depth, or even a can of diced jalapeños in addition to the green chiles.
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Taco Soup: For a smoky flavor profile, add 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo, along with a finely minced chipotle pepper (or two, if you like it spicy!). This adds a deep, complex smokiness that’s truly delicious.
Green Chile Chicken Taco Soup: For a brighter, tangier flavor, use a can of mild green chiles instead of the diced tomatoes with green chiles, and consider adding a can of salsa verde. This shifts the flavor profile slightly but keeps the taco essence.

More Tex-Mex Crockpot Recipes to Enjoy

If you love the ease and flavor of this slow cooker chicken taco soup, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our favorite Tex-Mex crockpot creations. These recipes offer similar convenience and the bold, comforting flavors you crave:

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:
10 minutes

Cook:
4 hours

Total:
4 hours 10 minutes

This dump-and-go slow cooker chicken taco soup is loaded with bold flavors, tender chicken, and your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Servings:
6

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Equipment

6 quart slow cooker or larger

Ingredients

▢ 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
▢ 20 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles
▢ 15 ounces southwest style corn (Mexicorn)
▢ 15 ounces chili beans
▢ 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
▢ 8 ounces tomato sauce
▢ ½ onion chopped
▢ 1 envelope taco seasoning (1 ounce)

Instructions

Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
Top with remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker or in a separate bowl. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Serve topped with your shredded cheese, sour cream, and/or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Only drain the black beans. Do not drain chili beans as they are in a sauce.

This is a thick and hearty soup, almost like a chili. To make the soup more brothy you can add up to a can of chicken broth or chicken stock.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To cut down on the sodium look for reduced sodium chili beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. The nutrition information below is automatically calculated and assumes you are not using any low-sodium / no salt added products.

Nutrition

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