Description

A budget-friendly, 5-ingredient family dinner that is easy to make in a slow cooker. This warm, tangy, and comforting soup is kid-approved and perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (frozen or fresh)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen)
1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (for lime crema)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for lime crema)
Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour chicken broth over them.
Add the drained black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks or tongs. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
Stir chicken back in and let cook for another 10-15 minutes on Low to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder if needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and lime juice to make the lime crema.
Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of lime crema, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Frozen chicken can be used directly without thawing. For a vegetarian version, skip chicken and add extra beans or potatoes. The soup freezes well without the crema. Use low-sodium broth and salsa to control sodium levels. Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce or adding jalapeños.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 6
Protein: 28

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken tortilla soup, family dinner, budget meal, meal prep, easy soup, 5-ingredient recipe, kid-friendly