This easy Mexican chicken soup is packed with flavor! Made with shredded chicken, corn, peppers, tomatoes, and more, it’s perfect for when you’re craving comforting homemade soup with a kick of heat!

A white bowl filled with heart Mexican chicken soup garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado chunks. The bowl sits on a brightly colored tablecloth.

Tired of the same ol’ chicken soup recipe? Well, Cousins, you’re in luck! Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite recipes for chicken soup – a homemade, spicy Mexican chicken soup recipe!

Unlike a lot of chicken soup recipes, this Mexican soup doesn’t have any noodles or rice. But don’t worry – it’s still PACKED with flavor, healthy vegetables, and even a kick of heat. I make my Mexican chicken soup with fresh flavors of corn, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans. This soup is a lot of things – hearty, spicy, comforting, and NOT lacking in flavor. If you’re feeling under the weather and need a pick-me-up, this homemade Mexican chicken soup is exactly what you need!

What is Mexican Chicken Soup?

This Mexican soup is one of the most popular Mexican dishes, right alongside pozole. It’s a hearty, slow-cooked soup with zesty flavors; it’s packed with veggies and spices that are like a wake-up call for your senses. The authentic Mexican recipe is also called caldo de pollo and is traditionally served over flavorful Mexican rice. While my version doesn’t include any rice, it’s certainly something you can add to the soup or serve with it on the side.

I make this Tex-Mex chicken soup in the slow cooker so all the flavors have time to stew together. It’s basically a dump-and-go dinner, making it such an easy recipe that you can have any time (especially if you’re feeling sick because it requires basically no effort).

What Goes in Mexican Chicken Soup? Ingredients + Shopping List

So, what exactly goes into a tasty, healthy Mexican chicken soup recipe? Well, fam, a whole lot of simple ingredients, that’s what! Here’s an ingredient list of everything you need to make this flavorful homemade Mexican chicken soup. For the ingredient measurements, scroll on down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Chicken: I use a whole store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this recipe extra simple. Feel free to use leftover shredded chicken if you have it on hand!
Vegetables: you’ll need yellow onion, jalapeno peppers, corn, and minced garlic to add flavor and heat.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: two cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes act as the base for this zesty soup and give the broth so much flavor.
Black Beans: I prefer to use black beans, but pinto beans are an acceptable substitute if you have them.
Chicken Broth: use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt in this recipe.
Spices: this is where a ton of flavor comes from, so don’t skimp out on the spices! I use chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Lime Juice: adds a nice, citrusy tang to the Mexican soup.
Optional Garnishes: fresh cilantro and avocado are the perfect finishing touches. I actually cook the cilantro in the soup to infuse the flavor, but I know it’s a hit or miss with people. If you’re not a cilantro lover, use it as a garnish or leave it out completely!

A white bowl filled to the brim with chunks of tender chicken and beans, bright veggies, and avocado chunks in a savory broth garnished with fresh cilantro.

What extra veggies can I add to this Tex-Mex chicken soup?

If you want to pack even more healthy veggies into this soup, you definitely can – there are plenty of options that vibe with the zesty Mexican flavors in this recipe. You can add bell peppers (I’d go with green or red bell peppers), green onions, green chiles, or chipotle peppers. Carrots and potatoes would also be a great way to bulk up the soup.

Can I make Mexican chicken soup with raw chicken instead of rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is slow-cooked on high for 4 hours, which is plenty of time to cook chicken in the flavorful broth. I’d recommend using boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast. To make sure the chicken cooks through, cut thicker chicken breasts into smaller pieces. Just toss your chicken into the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and shred it up after it’s fully cooked.

A warm bowl of Mexican chicken soup served in a white bowl set on a vibrant tablecloth.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup

When I tell y’all that this recipe could not be easier, I mean it! The hardest part is dicing up all the veggies as prep. The rest is simply dump, set, and go! Here’s how to make this tasty Tex-Mex chicken soup recipe:

Dice up the onion, jalapenos (remove the seeds for less spice), and fresh garlic. Dump the veggies into your slow cooker.
Drain the canned corn and black beans, then add them to your slow cooker. Next, add the diced tomatoes and their juice.
Add the chicken broth, spices, lime juice, and cilantro (if using).
Finally, add the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours.
Dish up, garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Tex Mex Chicken Soup Garnishes

The toppings are the best part! Garnishes add to the flavor and presentation of this tasty Tex-Mex soup. Here are some of my favorite topping options:

Crushed-up tortilla chips or crunchy tortilla strips
A dollop of sour cream
Crumbled cotija cheese
Warm corn tortillas for dipping
Your favorite hot sauce
Diced avocado
Fresh lime wedges

Tex-Mex Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe Tips

Now for some tried-and-true Cousin Rosie tips and tricks to help you perfect this Mexican soup recipe! If you have any questions I didn’t cover or want to know more, leave me a comment below!

You can serve this Tex-Mex chicken soup over Mexican rice for a more authentic flavor.
For a heartier broth, add a small can of tomato sauce to the soup. This will thicken the broth and make it more tomato-forward.
If you’re not a big fan of jalapeno peppers, use a more mild pepper like poblanos. You can also remove the seeds.
Instead of fire-roasted tomatoes, swap them out for a can of Rotel tomatoes and chiles.

How can I make Mexican chicken soup on the stovetop?

If you’re short on time (or don’t have a slow cooker), you don’t have to miss out on this tasty soup! It can easily be adjusted to a stovetop recipe. Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté all the chopped veggies for about 5 minutes until tender. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 25-30 minutes.

How to Store Leftover Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

This is the perfect recipe for leftovers because it stores easily and tastes even better the next day!

Fridge: this Mexican chicken soup is good for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freezer: allow the soup to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for 4-6 months.
Reheating: you can reheat Mexican chicken soup in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature on the countertop.
Make Ahead: you absolutely can make this recipe ahead of time! The flavors really marry together and taste even better the next day. It’s the perfect recipe for easy lunches or a leftovers-for-dinner night.

A bowlful of Tex Mex style Mexican Chicken Soup served alongside a halved avocado and lime, a whole jalapeño and a bunch of fresh cilantro.

More Mexican Dishes from I Heart Recipes

Well, there you have it, Cousins! A crazy simple recipe for zesty, comforting Tex-Mex style Mexican chicken soup! Whether you make this Mexican soup on the stovetop or in a crock pot, it’s an easy recipe that will satisfy the whole family. What’s not to love?

Want more flavorful Mexican recipes? Try some of these Tex-Mex-inspired favorites!

Give this Tex Mex Chicken Soup a try and tell me what you think. Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soul Food, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.