Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

This Mexican Chicken Soup is packed with spicy Mexican flavors. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends for a football-watching crowd or when you simply want to enjoy your time without spending hours in the kitchen.

This isn't your average gluten-free dish. It is packed with nutritious ingredients like black beans, sweet potatoes, and boneless chicken thighs, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, the addition of mild diced green chilis and red pepper flakes gives a unique twist that sets it apart from other soups.

What's more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spice to suit your taste, making it a great option for families with varying taste preferences. 

And let's not forget about toppings - cheese, avocado, green onions, sour cream, jalapenos, lime wedges, and tortilla chips all add an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes this soup truly special.

So why not give it a try? With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this is one recipe you'll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken Soup 

• Convenient: This Mexican chicken soup recipe is perfect for those busy weekdays. All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning and let it do its magic. No need to brown the chicken first. It is a hassle-free, time-saving dish!
• Gluten-Free: This spicy, hearty soup is completely gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The gluten-free chicken broth adds a robust flavor without adding any gluten to the dish.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. From black beans and sweet potatoes to boneless chicken thighs, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful.
• Family-Friendly: The Mexican chicken soup is a hit with both kids and adults. The toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream make it extra appealing to the little ones. Serve it with tortilla chips for an added crunch that kids love.
• Versatile: This soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spiciness according to your preference, and the toppings can be customized to suit everyone's taste.
• Perfect for Beginner Cooks: With its easy preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who are new to cooking. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a great recipe for beginner cooks to try.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This Mexican chicken soup is a definite crowd-pleaser. It is perfect for a weekend gathering, a football watching crowd, or a cozy family dinner. Its hearty, warming flavors are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

This Mexican chicken soup is a hearty blend of simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store. The recipe is not only delicious but also gluten-free and packed with nutrients, perfect for a family dinner!

• Black Beans: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They add a hearty texture to the soup and are a staple in Mexican cuisine.
• Onion: The diced onion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the soup. It is also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
• Green Chilis: The mild diced green chilis give the soup a subtle kick without being overly spicy. They are also packed with Vitamin C.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a robust flavor to the soup and is known for its health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Broth: This forms the flavorful liquid basis of the soup. It's gluten-free, so it is safe for those with dietary restrictions to enjoy.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are a fantastic addition to the soup, adding a touch of sweetness and a whole lot of nutrients. Plus, their vibrant color makes the soup visually appealing as well!
• Cumin, Chili Powder, and Red Pepper Flakes: These spices give the soup its characteristic Mexican flavor. They add depth and warmth to the dish, and you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste for heat.
• Chicken Thighs: The boneless, skinless chicken thighs add protein to the soup and become incredibly tender and flavorful as they cook. No need to brown them first – just toss them in the slow cooker!
• Salt and Pepper: These are essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Toppings: You can add whatever you like since this soup is incredibly versatile. Some great options include cheese, avocado, green onions, sour cream, jalapenos, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.

How to Make Mexican Chicken Soup 

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal? Here's how to make Mexican chicken soup that's not only gluten-free, but also healthy and family-friendly! For more detailed instructions and nutrition facts, see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Step 1.

Combine Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and place them into a slow cooker set on low. This will allow the flavors to meld together over a longer period of time, resulting in a richer, more flavorful soup.

Step 2.

Slow Cook: Allow the soup to cook for about six to eight hours on a low setting. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and allow the flavors to fully develop.

Step 3.

Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, place the chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4.

Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt and pepper if necessary, or even a bit more broth if the soup is too thick. Remember, the key to a great soup is balancing the flavors to your liking.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this Mexican Chicken Soup, simply skip the chicken thighs. You can add more black beans or even tofu for protein. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, and you'll have a hearty, plant-based meal.
• Spice It Up: If you're a fan of spicy food, consider adding a diced jalapeno or two to the slow cooker. This will infuse the soup with a fiery kick that's perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.
• Seafood Version: Swap out the chicken thighs for some shrimp or fish for a seafood variation of this soup. Just make sure to add the seafood during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from overcooking.
• Extra Vegetables: Add more nutrition to this Mexican chicken soup by throwing in more vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn would work well. Remember to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.
• Hearty Grains: For an even heartier soup, add a cup of quinoa or rice into the slow cooker. These grains will absorb the flavorful broth and give the soup a comforting, stew-like texture.
• Make It Creamy For a creamy variation, add a cup of coconut milk or cream towards the end of the cooking time. This will make the soup rich and creamy, adding a delicious twist to the traditional recipe.

Helpful Tips

Who doesn't love a warm, comforting bowl of Mexican chicken soup? Especially when it is gluten-free and packed with nutritious ingredients! Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of this recipe:

• Utilize the slow cooker: The best part about this soup is how simple it is to make. Just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Remember, slow cooking helps to develop deeper flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
• Don't skip the sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes not only add a hint of sweetness to balance the spicy flavors, but also pack a nutritional punch. They're a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Adjust the heat: This recipe calls for a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can't take it out once it is in there!
• Shred the chicken properly: After slow cooking, remove the chicken thighs and shred them using two forks. This not only makes the soup easier to eat, but also allows the chicken to absorb more of the delicious broth.
• Customize with toppings: The toppings are what make this soup really fun and customizable. Cheese, avocado, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, lime wedges, and tortilla chips all add different textures and flavors. Plus, they make the soup more kid-friendly!
• Taste and adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might find it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or broth if it is too thick.
• Enjoy it fresh or as leftovers: This Mexican chicken soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend crowd. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Dietary Substitutions

This Mexican chicken soup recipe is already gluten-free, thanks to the use of gluten-free chicken broth. However, there are a few adaptations we can make to guarantee that it fits other dietary restrictions.

• To Make This Recipe Vegan and Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe vegan and dairy-free, you can replace the chicken thighs with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Also, make sure to use a vegan-friendly broth instead of chicken broth. For the toppings, skip the cheese and sour cream, or use vegan alternatives.
• To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Compatible: This recipe is already Paleo and Whole30 friendly as it is grain-free, legume-free, dairy-free, and free from any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Just make sure the canned goods you use, like the green chilis and black beans, do not contain any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
• To Make This Recipe Keto-Friendly: To make this recipe keto-friendly, you'll need to make a few more adjustments. First, omit the black beans and sweet potatoes as they are high in carbs. You can replace them with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Also, make sure the chicken broth you use is low in carbs and free from any added sugars.

Storage Instructions

• To Refrigerate: Once you've enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers of this delicious Mexican chicken soup in an airtight container. It will keep well for about three to four days in the refrigerator.
• To Freeze: Unfortunately, due to the presence of sweet potatoes in this soup, freezing isn't recommended as they can become grainy and lose their texture. However, if you make a version without sweet potatoes, feel free to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
• To Reheat: If you've stored the soup in the fridge, reheating is a breeze. Either use the defrost setting on your microwave, or gently warm it up in a large pot on the stovetop. Make sure to stir occasionally to guarantee even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican chicken soup pairs well with just about everything! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve this hearty, gluten-free dish that will you will absolutely love:

• Salads: Pair this Mexican chicken soup with a refreshing avocado and corn salad or a tangy citrus and jicama salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Mains: This soup can be a great starter for main dishes like other crockpot meals, casserole dishes, or even baked teriyaki salmon, or chicken drumsticks.
• Taco Night: This slow cooker Mexican chicken soup can be a comforting side dish for taco nights! Pair it with soft corn tortillas filled with grilled steak or instant pot pork.
• Appetizer: Serve this soup as an appetizer during your dinner parties. It goes well with gluten-free bean nachos or a plate of quinoa stuffed peppers with broccoli.
• Pair With Other Sides: Why not serve this soup with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a bowl of black beans? You can even use it as a filling for gluten-free burritos!

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

This Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup is packed with spicy Mexican flavors. It's super easy to prepare on a weeknight or on the weekend for a football watching crowd. {gluten free}

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 539kcal

Ingredients

• 2 15 oz cans black beans rinsed
• 1 onion diced
• 1 5 oz can mild diced green chilis drained
• 3 garlic cloves chopped
• 4 cups gluten free chicken broth 1 32 oz box
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 ½ tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• one sprinkle of red pepper flakes optional
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• salt and pepper to taste
• toppings: cheese avocado, green onions, sour cream, jalapenos, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Instructions

• Put all ingredients into a slow cooker set on low.
• Cook for 6-8 hours on low.
• Remove chicken thighs and place on a cutting board. Shred chicken with two forks and place back into Crock Pot.
• Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste. Add more salt and pepper if necessary or a bit more broth if too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 1782mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6735IU | Vitamin C: 16.5mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 6.4mg

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Adapted from Cooking Light.