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Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taco Soup

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 718

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts pat dry before adding to slow cooker
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles do not drain; the liquid is part of the soup base
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can diced green chiles mild or medium, per your heat preference
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix check label for added sugar; I use a brand with no added sugar
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese shred from a block for better melting; avoid pre-shredded bags
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese for color and flavor depth
  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat for best texture

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix evenly over them, and pour in the chicken broth.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, rinsed black beans, and diced green chiles, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, let it cool for 5 minutes, then shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses until melted and combined.
  6. Stir in the sour cream and green chiles, then serve hot with tortilla chips and fresh cilantro on the side.

Notes

Pull the shredded chicken from the slow cooker and let it cool for 5 minutes before stirring in the cheese—this prevents clumping and ensures it melts into a smooth, creamy layer on top. Use a sturdy wooden spoon to stir in the cheese gently; a metal spoon can knock the cheese into uneven lumps.