Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to share my absolute go-to recipe for those nights. When you want something comforting, flavorful, and, let’s be honest, requires minimal effort. What is your favorite chicken Taco Soup Recipe? What is the recipe for taco soup? Is it like the weeknight cousin of those elaborate chili recipes, but it’s faster, uses ingredients, and is more flavorful? You probably already have, and somehow manages to be even more satisfying. My grandmother used to make a simple version of this, and I’ve tinkered with it over the years until now. It reached peak deliciousness. What’s up with your weeknight dinner game? What is your favorite food to eat in your house? One in yours, too!
What is chicken taco soup?
Think of Chicken Taco Soup as a deconstructed taco bowl but somehow even better. What are some of the best things about tacos? What is your signature taco? It’s not just a soup, it’e s warm, comforting hug in bowl. The name pretty much sums it up! What’s not to love? What is an excellent meal to make? What is a good soup to make?
Why do you like this recipe?
Okay, where do I even start? There are SO many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Chicken Taco Soup Recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the savory chicken, smoky spices, and the sweetness of the corn creates a symphony of taste that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s a dump-and-go kind of recipe that requires minimal chopping and effort. It’s an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights. And let’s talk about cost-efficiency. This recipe uses mostly pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Finally, its versatility shines. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different toppings, swapping out beans, or even using leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. It is a great alternative to my white chicken chili, and is much faster to put together when you want a quick dinner.
How do I make chicken taco soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make Chicken Taco Soup? What is a good soup without onions and garlic? What’s the recipe for taco seasoning, beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth? Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, shred it, and then let all those flavors meld. The beauty of this method is that it’s mostly hands-off, giving you time to do other things while you’re working on it. How does soup work? Is the aroma alone worth the wait?
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil: This gets the base going! * 2 medium onions, chopped: I like yellow for a mild flavor, but white works too. * 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! * 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts: 12 lb. I like to use thighs for a richer flavor. * 1 packet taco seasoning: 2 teaspoons. I usually use mild, but feel free to kick it up a notch with hot. * 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds great texture and protein. * 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Another layer of flavor and heartiness. * 1 (15-ounce) can of corn, drained: Adds sweetness and a pop of color. 5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The juice adds extra flavor to the broth. * 4 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
For Toppings (optional, but highly recommended):
* Shredded cheddar cheese * Sour Cream or Greek yogurt * Diced avocado * Tortilla chips, crushed * Fresh cilantro, chopped * Lime wedges *Peppermint nut
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavorful base, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasoning
Add the Chicken Breasts to the pot and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Does it need to be cooked through at this point?
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the black beans, kidney beans and corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook Chicken
What is the best way to make soup? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. When the chicken is cooked through and tender, cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. How do you shred chicken? Use two forks.
Step 6: Simmer Again
Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow for the flavors to come together. How do flavors meld together? This step is important for developing that rich, cohesive flavor we’re after.
Step 7: Serve and Top
Chicken Taco Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Have fun with it!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is Chicken Taco Soup? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: steamed rice, grilled chicken, etc.?
For Game Night: What are some goodWhat is a good bowl of soup for watching your favorite sports team? Add a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for the ultimate game-day spread.
For a casual dinner party:What are some good toppings for a bar? Let your guests customize their own bowls for a fun and interactive experience.
As a hearty lunch:What is a good soup for lunch? What is the best way to beat a midday slump?
For Cozy Nights In:Can you curl up on the couch with a bowl of this soup and some good books? What is the perfect comfort food for a relaxing evening at home? What are some good ways to serve this with a salad? My mom always made a green salad. It was delicious.
What are some of the best soups to make? Is it a crowd pleaser?
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Taco Soup
What are some tips for making Chicken Taco Soup?
After making this Chicken Taco Soup countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take it from you. From good to absolutely amazing. What’s your expert advice?
Chicken Prep:If you’re short on time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. How do you shred a potato and add it to the soup in Step 3?
Spice Level:The packet of taco seasoning adds a good amount of spice, but you can adjust it to your liking. For a milder soup, use low-sodium taco seasoning. For a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
What are some of theFeel free to experiment with different types of beans. What are some good substitutes for pinto beans in this soup?
Vegetable AdditionHow can I add more veggies to my diet? What are some good substitutes for sweet potatoes in this soup? Just add them along with the onions and garlic in Step 1.
What is the creaminessFor a creamier soup, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end. How do you make Cream of chicken soup?
Broth Quality: Using high-quality chicken broth can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the soup. I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
The biggest lesson I learned was to not add too much salt. I like to wait and see how the taco seasoning mixes in before adding more. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Taco Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Here’s How to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down to room temp, so it doesn’t ruin the food!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date.
Reheating Methods: To reheat, you can either microwave the soup for a few minutes until heated through, or heat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful to not burn it in the pot.
Topping Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the soup, it’s best to add the toppings fresh when you’re ready to serve it. This will prevent them from getting soggy.
I always make a big batch of this soup so I can have leftovers for lunch or dinner. It’s such a convenient and delicious way to have a homemade meal on hand!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Chicken Taco Soup Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your house. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying bowl of soup. I really hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Chicken Taco Soup turns out. I can’t wait to hear your own variations and topping combinations!
Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast boneless, skinless
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning low sodium
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 can Black Beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- 1 can Corn 15 oz, drained
- 4 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken breast in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Return chicken to the pot.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
