Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup

Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, bold spices, and a rich broth—all slow-cooked to perfection. This hearty soup combines the warmth of chili, the kick of spicy peppers, and the richness of chicken to create a deliciously satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is ideal for busy days or cozy nights in. The spiciness level is adjustable, making it perfect for those who love a bit of heat or prefer a milder version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of heat, savory flavors, and rich broth. The slow-cooked chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the spices infuse the soup with a deep, complex flavor that’s not too overwhelming. The best part? It’s effortless to make—just dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers, this soup is sure to be a hit. It’s comforting, filling, and bursting with flavor!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine the ingredients and ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup and shred it with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir in the lime juice for a burst of freshness.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne for extra heat.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a heartier soup.
• Different beans: Swap out the black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
• Use a rotisserie chicken: For even quicker prep, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken and skip the cooking step. Just add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy or mild: Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper or adding jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in individual servings. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up when reheating.

Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup also freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, be sure to cook it for the full amount of time (6-7 hours on low) to ensure it’s fully cooked and shreds easily.

2. How can I adjust the spice level?

You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, using mild or spicy diced green chilies, or adding fresh jalapeños. For a milder version, skip the cayenne pepper entirely.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this soup! They add extra richness and flavor, and they’re just as easy to shred after slow cooking.

4. What can I serve this soup with?

This soup pairs wonderfully with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

5. Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup in the Instant Pot! Simply use the “sauté” function to cook the onion and garlic, then add all the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes, then shred the chicken and serve.

6. Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! Pinto beans or kidney beans are great substitutes for black beans in this recipe. You can also experiment with chickpeas for a different texture.

7. How do I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup just before serving. Stir it in to give the soup a rich, velvety consistency.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 3 days in advance, and the flavors will only improve as it sits in the fridge.

9. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients like the broth or canned goods to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Spicy Chicken Soup is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights at home. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you love a little heat or prefer a milder version, this soup can be customized to your taste. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy!

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