Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe: A Deliciously Spicy Comfort Food

Introduction: A Flavorful and Easy Slow Cooker Soup

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty soup with just the right amount of spice, then this Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup is the perfect recipe for you. The smoky heat from chipotle peppers blends beautifully with the creaminess of the broth and the tender chicken, creating a soup that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make.

Thanks to the slow cooker, this dish practically makes itself—simply add the ingredients, set it, and let your Crockpot work its magic. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Let’s get started on how to make this delicious, creamy chipotle chicken soup that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (7 oz) green chilies (or 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for more spice)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for richness and creaminess)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional
• Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and green chilies (or chipotle peppers) into the Crockpot.
2. Add the Spices
   Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the spices over the ingredients.
3. Add the Broth
   Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is fully covered with liquid. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
4. Cook the Soup
   Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, making it easy to shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken
   Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir it in, and then add the heavy cream. Stir again until the soup is creamy and well-combined.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. The soup is rich, comforting, and packed with smoky, spicy flavor.

Recipe Notes:

• Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or use only the green chilies. For more heat, add additional chipotle peppers or a splash of hot sauce.
• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful soup. If using thighs, make sure to adjust cooking times slightly as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, add more heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and substitute with tofu or extra beans, such as pinto beans or kidney beans, for protein.

Time and Serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high)
• Serving Size: 4-6 servings

How to Serve Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup:

1. Toppings: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips. The creamy addition balances the heat beautifully.
2. Serve with Bread: Pair this soup with some fresh crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a satisfying meal.
3. Side Salad: A light side salad with a citrus vinaigrette will complement the smoky flavors of the soup.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): Essential for making this easy, hands-off soup.
• Forks: To shred the cooked chicken.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and other veggies.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure out your spices and liquids.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the cream if you’re planning to freeze it, as cream can separate when reheated. Add the cream after reheating the soup.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

[cal_calc]

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

• Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken breasts will give the best texture. If you use frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
• Add Lime Juice: Adding fresh lime juice before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing to the soup.
• Make it Spicy: Want more spice? Add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to give the soup an extra kick.

Health Benefits of Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup:

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Protein: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
• Fiber: Beans and corn add fiber to this soup, which supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Antioxidants: Chipotle peppers contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support overall health.

FAQs About Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup:

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors. With its hands-off cooking process, it’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to adjust to suit your taste. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Give it a try, and I think you’ll find it quickly becoming one of your go-to recipes!