Chicken Taco Soup – Combining the best of Tex-Mex flavors, this hearty soup is a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, beans, and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. It uses pantry staples like canned beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, paired with fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this soup is customizable, easy to scale, and always satisfying.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Taco Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred and add it to the soup for an effortless protein boost.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a fresher and more customizable flavor, make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- Enhance with Fresh Ingredients: While canned items are convenient, adding fresh ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, or fresh cilantro can elevate the flavors.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, and add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like extra heat.
- Simmer for Flavor: While this soup comes together quickly, letting it simmer for an extra 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations to Suit Your Preferences
Chicken Taco Soup is endlessly versatile. Here are some creative ways to switch it up:
- Protein Swaps: Replace chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Beans Galore: Try black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas to mix up the texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: Skip the cheese and sour cream, and replace chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Creamy Option: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
This soup is deliciously hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and toppings can take it to the next level:
- Toppings: Serve with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips or chips.
- Sides: Pair with warm cornbread, a side salad, or cheesy quesadillas for a complete meal.
- Drinks: A cold margarita or a crisp lime soda makes a refreshing accompaniment to this zesty dish.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taco Soup
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Chicken Taco Soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens during storage.
Recipe FAQs
What are the best toppings for Chicken Taco Soup?
The most popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra heat or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Add cooked or shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes to prevent it from overcooking.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, mash a portion of the beans before adding them, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used if you’re making the soup in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Just ensure it cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is Chicken Taco Soup gluten-free?
Most recipes are naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your taco seasoning and any other prepackaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup - Combining the best of Tex-Mex flavors, this hearty soup is a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, beans, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese (I used Philly) softened, see note
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and spices (chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika). Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5 minutes while you prep the toppings.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into chunks and add it to the pot. Stir continuously until fully melted and combined into the soup.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 494Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 144mgSodium 938mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 7gSugar 10gProtein 27g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Taco Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting bowl of warmth that brings people together. Whether you’re customizing it to your dietary preferences, freezing portions for a busy day, or serving it with all your favorite toppings, this soup is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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