Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup with Quinoa
A hearty one-pot soup combining tender rotisserie chicken, protein-rich quinoa, and vibrant vegetables in a well-spiced broth. Great northern beans and corn add substance while diced green chilies provide gentle heat. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal ready when you get home. The quinoa makes this version more filling than traditional tortilla soups, while the slow cooker method develops rich, melded flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chickencooked chicken breast1:14Full guide →
- 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsedbrown rice1:14Full guide →
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 15 ½ ounces can great northern beansblack beans1:15Full guide →
- 15 ¼ ounces can corn nuggets, drained
- 14 ½ ounces can diced tomatoes, not drained
- 4 ½ ounces can diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 32 ounces chicken stockvegetable broth1:14Full guide →
- 2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
Instructions
- 1
Add chicken, quinoa, spinach, onion, great northern beans, corn nuggets, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and chicken stock to slow cooker
- 2
Cook on high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours
- 3
Serve topped with tortilla chips and desired taco toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, onion, and black olives
Tips
Rinse quinoa before adding to prevent any bitter taste and ensure clean cooking liquid.
Shred rotisserie chicken before adding for better distribution throughout the soup.
Crush tortilla chips just before serving to maintain crunch as a topping.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container
Can assemble ingredients in slow cooker insert night before, refrigerate, then cook next day
Serve hot with tortilla chips and Mexican-inspired toppings
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rinsing quinoa to avoid bitter taste
Don't overcook on high heat to prevent mushy texture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, add 2-3 pounds frozen chicken breasts and increase cooking time by 1-2 hours. Shred chicken in the pot when tender.
What if I don't have quinoa?
Substitute with brown rice, wild rice, or barley using the same amount. Cooking times remain the same for these grains.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Quinoa may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.