Easy Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Soup

There’s something so comforting about having a big pot of soup simmering away in the slow cooker, especially when it takes just a few minutes to put together.

This Easy Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Soup is one of those recipes I love having in my collection. It’s light, flavorful without being overly spicy, and filled with tender chicken, tomatoes, corn, peppers and warm Southwestern seasonings.

Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Soup has long been one of my secrets to successful WeightWatchers maintenance. It’s satisfying, economical, easy to make ahead and a wonderful way to enjoy more vegetables.

I like having soup on hand for lunch, a light dinner or those times when I’m hungry but don’t feel like cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Easy preparation. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and turn it on.
• Everyday ingredients. Chicken, canned tomatoes, frozen corn, broth and simple seasonings.
• Light but satisfying. A broth-based soup with lean chicken and plenty of vegetables.
• Mild Southwestern flavor. The tomatoes with green chiles and cumin add flavor without making the soup overly spicy.
• Great for leftovers. Make a batch and enjoy it for several meals.
• Freezer-friendly. Perfect for keeping a few portions ready for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this easy slow cooker chicken soup.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: A lean protein that makes the soup satisfying without being heavy. Boneless chicken thighs work, too.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful base of the soup. I often use Better Than Bouillon mixed with water.
• Frozen corn: Adds sweetness, color and texture without any chopping. Drained canned corn also works.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Give the soup its Southwestern flavor and a little gentle heat. Use plain diced tomatoes for a milder soup.
• Onion: Adds flavor as it slowly cooks in the broth.
• Bell peppers: Add color, sweetness and extra vegetables. Any color will work.
• Ground cumin: Gives the soup its warm, earthy Southwestern flavor.
• Garlic powder: An easy way to add garlic flavor without extra prep.

That’s it! Nothing fancy or difficult to find.

How to Make Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Soup

This is about as easy as homemade soup gets.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken in the slow cooker.

Add the chicken broth, corn, tomatoes with green chiles, onion, bell peppers, cumin and garlic powder.

Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Cooking times vary by slow cooker. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If your slow cooker tends to cook quickly, begin checking earlier to avoid overcooking the chicken breast.

Step 4: Serve

Give the soup a stir, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy as is, or add your favorite toppings.

I especially like the idea of a little fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

One of the things I love about soup is how easy it is to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

Add beans. Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans for extra fiber and a heartier soup.

Make it vegetarian. Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth (affiliate link) and add beans for protein.

Add more vegetables. Zucchini, carrots, celery, cauliflower, sweet potatoes or butternut squash would all be delicious.

Make it spicier. Add chili powder, cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño.

Try chicken thighs. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay moist during longer cooking.

Use leftover cooked chicken. Make the soup with the vegetables and broth, then stir in cooked shredded chicken toward the end, heating until hot.

Give it a little citrus. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors.

What to Serve with Southwest Chicken Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own, but it’s also delicious with a simple side.

Some of my favorites include:

• Warm corn tortillas or a small piece of cornbread
• A simple green salad
• A few baked tortilla chips for crunch
• Sliced avocado
• A sprinkle of shredded cheese
• A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

For an easy lunch, I usually don’t need much more than a bowl of soup and perhaps a piece of toast or a few crackers.

How Many Calories & WW Points?

According to my calculations each serving has:

• Calories: 143 calories
• WW Points: To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 4 PointsPlus

How to Store and Freeze Leftovers

This soup is wonderful for making ahead.

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link) until hot throughout.

I especially like freezing soup in individual portions. It’s such a nice feeling to know there’s something homemade and nourishing ready whenever I need it.

Why Soup Works So Well for Me

I’ve been a WeightWatchers Lifetime member for many years, and soup has been one of my most reliable habits for maintaining my weight.

It’s not complicated.

A bowl of broth-based soup can be a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables, protein and satisfying flavors without a lot of effort.

And because I genuinely enjoy soup, it never feels like something I’m eating just because it’s good for me.

That’s an important distinction.

The habits that have served me best over the years are usually the simple ones I actually enjoy.

This easy Southwest Chicken Soup fits right in.

If you like this low fat Southwestern Chicken Soup, be sure to check out my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly recipes including: Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soup, Quick Chicken White Bean Salsa Soup, WW Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Spicy Red Lentil Soup and Easy Slow Cooker Spicy Cajun Soup

If you’ve made this crock pot chicken soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home Best of Comfort Food Diet Cookbook (affiliate link)

More Easy WW-Friendly Chicken Soups

If you enjoy this Southwest Chicken Soup, here are a few more easy, comforting recipes to try:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Soup – A simple, satisfying chicken soup with plenty of vegetables.
• Quick Chicken White Bean Salsa Soup – Another easy Southwestern-inspired soup.
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup – Light, fresh and ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Tuscan Bowtie Chicken Soup – Chicken, vegetables and pasta in a comforting broth.
• Easy Green Chile Chicken Soup – A flavorful one-pot soup with green chiles.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup – Delicious with cilantro and fresh lime.
• Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup – A satisfying meal-in-a-bowl soup.

More Simple Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love the convenience of slow cooking, you might also enjoy my Slow Cook Yourself Slim Ultimate eBook Bundle, filled with easy, WW-friendly slow cooker recipes.

There’s nothing quite like knowing dinner is already cooking while you go about your day.

If you make this Easy Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Soup, I’d love to hear how you liked it. Did you enjoy it as written or add a few ingredients of your own?