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Smoky Chipotle Chicken Crockpot Soup - Cozy, Bold, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo: 1–3 peppers, plus 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • Onion: 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, with juices
  • Black beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1.5 cups frozen corn or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained
  • Chicken broth: 4 cups (low-sodium preferred)
  • Spices: 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Lime: 1–2 limes, for juice
  • Optional enrichers: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces cream cheese, or 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa, 1 diced bell pepper, or 1 cup chopped kale
  • Toppings: Fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, tortilla strips, sliced jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, corn, and spices (cumin, smoked paprika, oregano) to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth.
  2. Add the heat: Chop 1–3 chipotle peppers and stir them in, along with 1–2 tablespoons of adobo sauce. Start with less if you’re unsure, and adjust at the end.
  3. Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts or thighs into the liquid. Season the top lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Return it to the crockpot and stir.
  6. Finish the flavor: Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime. Taste and add more lime, salt, or pepper as needed. For a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, or coconut milk until smooth.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, or jalapeños.