Craving a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort? Our Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Soup is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. This vibrant, satisfying soup is brimming with succulent shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and the tangy, zesty kick of authentic salsa verde. The best part? It’s a true “dump and go” recipe – simply toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the hard work for you. No tedious chopping or pre-cooking required, making it perfect for even your most hectic days!

Not a slow cooker user, or simply short on time? No problem! We also provide clear, concise directions for preparing this incredible soup in your pressure cooker (Instant Pot), ensuring you can get a delicious homemade meal on your table even faster, often in under an hour of active cooking time. It’s a versatile recipe designed to fit your schedule and preferred kitchen appliances.

Easy & Flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken Soup: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Imagine a meal so simple to prepare, yet so rich in complex, savory flavors that it quickly becomes a family obsession. This chicken soup, highlighted by its signature green salsa, is precisely that. It’s a comforting, hearty dish designed for ultimate convenience without compromising on taste. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen chopping vegetables or browning meat; with this “set it and forget it” recipe, you just open a few cans, grab a jar of your favorite salsa verde, and combine everything in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious homemade dinner when time is of the essence.

The undeniable beauty of Salsa Verde Chicken Soup lies not only in its remarkable ease but also in its universal appeal and adaptability. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that allows everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous palates, to customize their bowl exactly how they like it. This makes it a fantastic option for gatherings, potlucks, or simply catering to diverse preferences within your own family. Transform your dinner into a fun, interactive experience by serving this vibrant soup buffet-style with an array of tempting toppings laid out. In my household, we love to load our bowls up with generous portions of spicy pepper-jack cheese, a cooling dollop of sour cream, creamy diced avocado, and plenty of crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a meal that truly satisfies every palate and brings everyone together at the table!

The Heart of the Flavor: All About Salsa Verde

The true star of this vibrant and zesty soup is, without a doubt, the salsa verde itself. This tangy, bright green sauce is single-handedly responsible for delivering the majority of the incredible flavor, aromatic depth, and the perfect touch of spice that makes this soup so exceptionally irresistible. Choosing the right salsa verde is not just a preference; it’s a critical step to achieving your desired taste profile, as it dictates the overall character and heat level of your finished dish.

• Select a Salsa Verde You Truly Enjoy: The key to a fantastic salsa verde chicken soup begins with a salsa verde you genuinely love. Whether you prefer a milder, more tangy taste or crave a fiery, robust kick, the specific brand or homemade recipe you choose will significantly determine the soup’s spice level and overall flavor. It’s always best to use one you’ve tried and enjoyed previously, or to taste-test it before adding it to the pot.
• While I have a soft spot for homemade salsa verde, which allows for ultimate control over ingredients and flavor, high-quality store-bought options are perfectly acceptable and make this recipe even quicker and more accessible. Many reputable brands offer excellent flavor profiles that work wonderfully in this soup. Look for options with fresh, bright ingredients for the best results.
• Customizing Spice Levels for Everyone:
  • For a beautifully mild and family-friendly chicken soup that even the youngest members will adore, opt for a mild salsa verde sauce. A personal recommendation is Herdez® Mild Salsa Verde. While it does possess a subtle warmth and distinct flavor, when paired with creamy, cool toppings like sour cream and avocado, the heat is perfectly balanced and enjoyable for all ages.
  • If you’re seeking a more adventurous and spicier salsa verde soup, you have several options to elevate the heat. Begin by using a medium or hot salsa verde. For an extra punch of heat and fresh flavor, consider stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced fresh jalapeños (seeded and deveined for less heat, or left intact for maximum fire). A pinch of cayenne pepper can also be added for an extra layer of warmth.

Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Salsa Verde Chicken Soup

To ensure your Salsa Verde Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every single time, achieving that ideal balance of flavor and texture, keep these helpful notes and potential variations in mind. These small adjustments can significantly enhance your cooking experience and the final dish:

• Choosing Your Chicken Wisely: For the most tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-shred chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are undeniably the superior choice. Their inherently higher fat content keeps them wonderfully moist and adds a desirable richness to the soup, even after extended cooking times in the slow cooker. While boneless, skinless chicken breasts can certainly be used, be aware they may dry out more easily if overcooked. If you opt for breasts, cut them into 3-4 smaller pieces to ensure more even cooking and to help maintain their tenderness.
• The Critical Importance of Quality Stock: Never underestimate the profound impact of a good chicken stock. Using a high-quality, flavorful chicken stock – such as Swanson® Chicken Stock – can significantly elevate the overall taste of your soup. A robust stock acts as the foundational layer of flavor, adding depth and complexity that reduces the need for excessive additional seasonings. It truly makes a noticeable difference in the final richness and vibrancy of the dish.
• Fresh Herbs & Citrus Are Non-Negotiable: Fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice are not just garnishes in this recipe; they are absolutely essential flavor enhancers. These ingredients are intentionally added at the very end of cooking to preserve their bright, fresh essence. They provide crucial acidity, a burst of citrusy zing, and a vibrant herbal note that beautifully balances the richness and tang of the soup. Do not, under any circumstances, skip these vital fresh components!
• Indulgent Creamy Option: For those who adore a richer, more luxurious and creamy soup experience, this recipe is easily adaptable. After you have removed the cooked chicken to shred, simply stir in 4 ounces of very soft (full-fat) cream cheese into the hot soup base. Allow it to melt completely, then whisk vigorously until the soup is thoroughly smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Once smooth, return the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and cilantro to the pot, stirring well to combine. This variation adds a wonderful velvety texture and mild tang.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Making this flavorful soup fit a keto or low-carb lifestyle is remarkably simple. To adapt the recipe, significantly reduce the quantity of black beans (or omit them entirely if strictly low-carb), completely leave out the corn, and skip the crunchy tortilla strips when serving. The core flavors of chicken, salsa verde, and spices remain, offering a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal option.

Elevate Your Bowl: Favorite Salsa Verde Soup Toppings

One of the most enjoyable and interactive aspects of this incredibly customizable Salsa Verde Chicken Soup is the opportunity for personal expression through a variety of delightful toppings. Setting up a dedicated “topping bar” allows everyone to personalize their meal exactly to their liking, transforming dinner into a fun and engaging experience for the whole family or any dinner guests. Here are some of our top recommendations to take your already delicious soup from great to absolutely unforgettable:

• Cheese, Please! A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese is almost a prerequisite for this hearty soup. While pepper-jack is my absolute favorite for its creamy texture and pleasant, mild kick, a classic Mexican blend or sharp Cheddar cheese also melts beautifully and adds a fantastic, savory depth of flavor. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
• Creamy Avocado Goodness: Diced fresh avocado provides a luxurious, buttery creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the zesty, tangy profile of the soup. For an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, a scoop of homemade or high-quality store-bought guacamole is equally delicious and adds a burst of fresh flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro & Zesty Lime: While these essential ingredients are already incorporated into the soup during the final steps, don’t hesitate to add an extra sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro and another refreshing squeeze of fresh lime juice to your individual bowl. These vibrant fresh elements really brighten up each serving and amplify the overall Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Crunchy Tortilla Strips: For that authentic, satisfying chicken tortilla soup experience, a handful of crispy tortilla strips is absolutely essential. You can opt for convenient pre-packaged ones, or for an even fresher and more flavorful crunch, easily make your own (see our quick tip below!). The added texture provides a wonderful contrast to the tender soup.
• Cooling Sour Cream or Crema: A dollop of cool sour cream (or its slightly tangier and thinner Mexican counterpart, crema) provides a wonderful cooling contrast to the soup’s inherent warmth and tangy profile. It mellows the flavors and adds a pleasant creaminess. Feel free to use low-fat, fat-free, or full-fat varieties according to your personal preference.

Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Soup Recipe

By: Chelsea Lords

Summary: Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Soup is packed with incredible flavor—tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa verde. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and you’re set for an easy, delicious meal!

Overall Rating: 4.88 out of 5 stars (based on 8 votes)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Slow Cooker Cook Time: 5-7 hours on Low OR 3-5 hours on High
• Instant Pot Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus 7 minutes natural pressure release)
• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours 10 minutes (Slow Cooker Low setting)
• Servings: 6 generous servings

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Equipment Needed

• 6-quart Slow Cooker (or any 5-6 quart slow cooker) OR an Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

• For the Soup Base:
• Cooking spray
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (see Recipe Note 1 for best results)
• 3 cups chicken stock or high-quality broth (see Recipe Note 2)
• 1 cup salsa verde (choose your preferred spice level, see Recipe Note 3)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can southwestern corn or fire-roasted corn, undrained (for maximum flavor)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (suggested starting point: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional, but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
• To Add After Cooking:
• Juice from 1 to 2 fresh limes (adjust to your preference)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Desired toppings (see Recipe Note 4 for delicious ideas)

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Lightly spray the inside of your 5 to 6-quart slow cooker insert or Instant Pot liner with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Slow Cooker Method: If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut each breast into 3–4 smaller, more manageable pieces to ensure faster and more even cooking. Place the prepared chicken into the slow cooker. Add the chicken stock, salsa verde, drained and rinsed black beans, undrained southwestern or fire-roasted corn, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and minced garlic (if using). Season generously to taste with salt and pepper (a good starting point is 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper). Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine them well. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3–5 hours or on LOW for 5–7 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked through, incredibly tender, and shreds easily with a fork.
3. Instant Pot Method: Prepare the chicken as described for the slow cooker method (trim fat from thighs, cut breasts into pieces). Add all ingredients from the “For the Soup Base” list into the Instant Pot liner. Season with salt and pepper as directed. Stir all contents well to combine. Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on Manual (or Pressure Cook) HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the venting knob to “Venting” (use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from steam).
4. Shred Chicken & Finish Soup: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the soup base and transfer it to a separate, shallow bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces. Return the shredded chicken immediately back into the soup in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and the finely chopped fresh cilantro. Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed; you might find it beneficial to add more salt, pepper, cumin, or chili powder depending on the inherent spice and flavor intensity of the salsa verde you used.
5. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the warm, aromatic soup into individual serving bowls. Encourage everyone to top their soup with their favorite additions—popular choices include freshly grated pepper-jack or sharp Cheddar cheese (feel free to be generous!), a cooling dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, extra fresh lime wedges, more vibrant cilantro, creamy diced avocado, and/or wonderfully crispy tortilla strips. Enjoy your customizable, incredibly delicious, and effortlessly prepared meal!

Recipe Notes for Success

• Note 1: Chicken Choice: For the most tender, moist, and flavorful results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended. They are naturally more forgiving and less prone to drying out compared to chicken breasts, especially during longer cooking times, and they shred beautifully. If you choose to use chicken breasts, remember to cut them into smaller, uniform pieces (about 3-4 pieces per breast) to ensure they cook evenly and remain as tender as possible. (Please note: The Instant Pot method for this recipe has only been rigorously tested with chicken thighs.)
• Note 2: Stock vs. Broth for Flavor: While both chicken stock and chicken broth can be used interchangeably in terms of liquid volume, chicken stock typically offers a richer, deeper, and more complex flavor profile due to its longer simmering time with bones and vegetables. Using a high-quality chicken stock, like Swanson’s, will significantly enhance the overall taste and body of your soup, creating a more robust foundation of flavor.
• Note 3: Salsa Verde Selection is Key: The type of salsa verde you choose will be the defining characteristic of your soup’s overall flavor and heat level. Whether you prefer to use a homemade salsa verde (which allows for ultimate control over ingredients) or a convenient store-bought option, ensure it’s a brand and flavor profile you genuinely enjoy. For a wonderfully mild and family-friendly soup, Herdez Mild Salsa Verde is an excellent starting point. For those who crave more heat, readily available medium or hot salsa verde varieties are perfect, or you can boost the spice with diced jalapeños.
• Note 4: Creative Topping Ideas: Embrace the fun of customizing your soup! Popular and highly recommended topping choices include a dollop of cooling sour cream or Mexican crema, additional fresh lime wedges or a squeeze of lime juice, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creamy diced fresh avocado or a scoop of guacamole, shredded pepper-jack or sharp Cheddar cheese, and delightfully crispy tortilla strips. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
• Storage: Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken Soup (without any of the fresh toppings) stores exceptionally well. Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop. You’ll likely observe that the soup has thickened considerably after being chilled; this is completely normal. To restore it to its desired consistency, simply add an additional splash of chicken stock or water while reheating, stirring frequently until it reaches your preferred thickness.

Approximate Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 328 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33.6 g
• Protein: 32.3 g
• Fat: 7.8 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg
• Sodium: 1353 mg
• Fiber: 7.8 g
• Sugar: 8.2 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on the ingredients listed and should be used as an approximation only. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and preparation methods.

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