If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful soup that’s both easy to make and packed with bold, savory ingredients, Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect recipe. Combining the rich flavors of seasoned chicken, hearty beans, and the zesty taste of taco seasoning, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make Chicken Taco Soup, share tips for making it even more delicious, and explore some variations that can customize it to your tastes.
Why Chicken Taco Soup is a Must-Try
Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, with a satisfying texture from the beans and chicken. Here’s why it’s such a popular dish:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up a big pot of Chicken Taco Soup in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. It’s a go-to meal for busy nights when you need something hearty and filling.
- Versatile: The flavors of Chicken Taco Soup are highly customizable. You can adjust the spice level, switch up the veggies, or even add extra toppings to make it your own.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also perfect for meal prepping since it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Chicken Taco Soup is a hit with everyone. Top it with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro, and watch it disappear.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Taco Soup
This easy recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (shredded after cooking)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh if preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or queso fresco)
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup
Making Chicken Taco Soup is simple and doesn’t require much effort. Here’s the step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious meal:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, add the chicken breasts or thighs along with the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes or until it’s fully cooked and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a little oil and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and taco seasoning, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, followed by the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Top
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of citrus.
- For extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips on top.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Taco Soup
- For extra creaminess: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup while it simmers, making it even richer and smoother.
- Spice it up: If you like a spicier soup, add a chopped jalapeño or increase the amount of chili powder and cumin.
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Just shred it and add it directly into the soup.
- Make it in the slow cooker: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients (except for the toppings) to your slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, and shred the chicken before serving.
Variations of Chicken Taco Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use additional beans (like pinto beans or chickpeas) for protein. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: For a fiery version, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the soup. Top with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese just before serving. This adds richness and makes the soup feel indulgent.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy days and chilly evenings. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with all the taco-inspired flavors you crave, while still being quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can make it your own with different toppings, seasonings, and even veggies!
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl of delicious chicken taco goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.