Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

This Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup is smoky and hearty, which includes chicken breasts and two types of beans. It’s a flavorful slow cooker recipe, ready in about 6 hours and 45 minutes.

Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup Ingredients

  • 14 ounces canned small white beans (navy or great northern), drained and rinsed
  • 14 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup lite beer (like Corona) or extra chicken stock
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
  • 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces

Toppings (optional): chopped cilantro, diced green onions, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream

How To Make Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

  1. Combine ingredients: Add onion, garlic, cilantro, bell peppers, jalapeños, white beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, beer, chicken stock, and all seasonings (paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke if using) to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
  2. Add chicken: Lay chicken breasts on top, pressing them down slightly to cover with liquid.
  3. Cook the soup: Cover and cook on LOW for 6½ hours or HIGH for 3½ hours.
  4. Shred chicken: Remove chicken breasts, shred, and set aside.
  5. Add cream cheese: Stir cream cheese into the soup until melted and blended.
  6. Finish and serve: Return shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir. Let sit for 10 minutes. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup
Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

Recipe Tips

  • Can I skip the beer?
    Yes, replace with extra chicken stock for a non-alcoholic version.
  • How do I make it spicier?
    Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
  • Can I use rotisserie chicken?
    Yes, stir shredded rotisserie chicken into the soup during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  • What if I don’t have liquid smoke?
    It’s optional, but it adds depth; a pinch of smoked paprika is a good substitute.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

This soup pairs well with:

  • Warm cornbread or cheesy biscuits
  • Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa
  • Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
  • A fresh garden salad with lime vinaigrette

How To Store Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooled soup for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 343kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 952mg
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I add corn to this recipe?
Yes, canned or frozen corn can be added along with the beans and tomatoes.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer covered for about 45-60 minutes until chicken is tender, then shred and add cream cheese.

Try More Recipes:

Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Soup

Recipe by Robert Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

343

kcal

A smoky chicken soup with beans, peppers, and Southwest spices, slow cooked until tender and creamy.

Ingredients

  • 14 oz white beans, rinsed and drained

  • 14 oz black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 14 oz diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups chicken stock

  • 1 cup lite beer (or chicken stock)

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 sweet bell peppers, chopped

  • 3 jalapeños, diced

  • 5 garlic cloves, minced

  • ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp cumin

  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 2 tsp oregano

  • 1 tsp coriander

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp pepper

  • 3 lbs chicken breasts

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

Directions

  • Add beans, tomatoes, stock, beer, onion, peppers, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and spices to crock pot; stir.
  • Place chicken breasts on top and cover. Cook on LOW 6½ hours or HIGH 3½ hours.
  • Remove chicken, shred, and set aside.
  • Stir cream cheese into soup until melted and smooth.
  • Return chicken to crock pot, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes. Serve hot with toppings.