Chicken Taco Soup is a flavorful and hearty soup made with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasonings. It has a rich, savory broth with a bit of heat, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The soup offers the familiar taste of tacos in a comforting, easy-to-eat bowl.
Preparing Chicken Taco Soup is quick and simple. On the stovetop, it typically takes around 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours on low, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
This Chicken Taco Soup has become a favorite for weeknight dinners. The blend of spices and tender chicken makes it a comforting meal everyone looks forward to. Topping it with sour cream and cheese gives it an extra creamy texture, adding to the satisfying experience. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the spice level, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Soup
- Quick and Easy to Make: This chicken taco soup is perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll have a tasty, satisfying meal without the hassle.
- Packed with Flavor: Each spoonful of chicken taco soup bursts with bold, zesty flavors. The combination of chicken, spices, and hearty vegetables creates a savory dish that everyone will love. It’s comfort food with a kick!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this soup is ideal for any gathering. You can easily adjust the toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips to make it your own.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Taco Soup
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth texture and rich flavor when sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
- Chicken breast or thighs: These proteins add the base flavor of the soup. Breast is leaner, while thighs bring a juicier, richer taste.
- Onion: Provides a savory depth and sweetness to balance the spices in the soup.
- Bell pepper: Adds crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the spices.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its earthy and aromatic taste, giving a rich base to the soup.
- Tomatoes: Offer a burst of juiciness and tangy flavor, helping to balance out the spice from the seasoning.
- Black beans: These add heartiness and fiber, making the soup more filling.
- Corn kernels: Give the soup a touch of sweetness and texture, adding a nice contrast to the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing depth and a savory foundation for all the ingredients to blend together.
- Taco seasoning: Brings the signature taco flavor to the soup, with a blend of spices like paprika and garlic powder.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the overall depth of the soup’s spice profile.
- Chili powder: Provides mild heat and a smoky flavor, making the soup feel cozy and comforting.
- Cayenne pepper: Gives a little extra kick, enhancing the heat level of the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors, ensuring the soup is not bland.
Chicken Taco Soup Variation
While the classic Chicken Taco Soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: Add extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: Stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Chicken Taco Soup: Skip the chicken and add extra beans and vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Slow Cooker Version: To make this dish even easier, add all the ingredients (uncooked chicken breasts, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasoning) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken and stir before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Toppings: Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a side of warm tortillas, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Make it a Meal: For a more filling option, add some cooked rice or quinoa directly into the soup before serving.
Storage Options
Chicken Taco Soup stores well and can be enjoyed for several days. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Leftovers: When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs About Chicken Taco Soup
How do you make Chicken Taco Soup?
To make Chicken Taco Soup, you simply cook chicken and combine it with ingredients like beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a large pot. Let everything simmer together until the flavors blend, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Can I make Chicken Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Taco Soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours. This method helps the flavors meld and makes the soup even more delicious.
Is Chicken Taco Soup healthy?
Chicken Taco Soup can be a healthy meal depending on how it’s made. Using lean chicken, plenty of veggies, and light seasonings can keep it low in calories while still being full of flavor.
Can I freeze Chicken Taco Soup?
Yes, Chicken Taco Soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool before transferring to an airtight container, and reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breast or thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Canned Ingredients: To the pot, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and the shredded chicken. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
