I don’t know what to Make for dinner. What should I do? What is Chicken Taco Soup? Is it like a warm hug in the bowl, bursting with flavor and unbelievably easy to throw together? I swear, it’s even easier than ordering takeout! If you love chili, but want something lighter and faster, this is your answer. My grandma used to make something similar (though hers involved a lot more chopping! What is the Best part about working on a weeknight wonder? What is the best way to eat leftovers? What is your favorite taco soup?
What is chicken taco soup?
What is Chicken Taco Soup? What’s a bowl of chicken taco soup? Think of it as a deconstructed taco, minus the crunchy shell. What is a creamy, tomato-based soup packed with shredded chicken, corn, beans, and all the ingredients. What are some of the best taco seasonings? It’s super customizable too. Can you top it with your favorite toppings, making it a different meal every time? What are some good ways to use up leftover chicken? Honestly, it’s become a staple in our house and I think it will in yours too!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? This Chicken Taco Soup has it all. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. It’s a fiesta in your mouth with a perfect blend of spices, savory chicken, and a hint of sweetness from the corn. What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. On busy weeknights, I can have this simmering in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, which is a huge time-saver.
But wait, there’s more! This soup is also super budget-friendly. Canned beans and corn are inexpensive, and you can easily adjust the amount of chicken to fit your budget. Speaking of adjusting, this recipe is incredibly versatile. I’ve made it with black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans – you name it! Sometimes I even add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor. It’s a total chameleon recipe that you can adapt to your own tastes and what you have on hand.
If you’re a fan of quick and easy dinners like Instant Pot Chili or White Chicken Chili, you’re going to adore this Chicken Taco Soup. But I truly think this recipe has something special. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Plus, did I mention the leftovers are amazing? Seriously, you need this recipe in your life!
How do I make chicken taco soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make Chicken Taco Soup? What is the best way to sauté onions and garlic? If you’re using diced tomatoes, you can add in chicken, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Then, add the salsa, if you like. Simmer it all together until the flavors meld, and that’s it! Top it with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy! I promise, it’s so easy, even a beginner cook can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Flavor Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – You can also use avocado oil or even a little butter for richness. * 1 medium onion, chopped – I prefer yellow onion but white onion will work in a pinch. * 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is always best, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic for fresh garlic. If powder is needed, add it to
For the Main Soup:
* 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience, but you can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – Feel free to substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or your favorite bean.
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained – I usually use regular canned corn, but frozen or even roasted corn would be delicious.
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) – These add a nice kick, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor.
* 1 (10-ounce) can tomato soup – This adds a little sweetness
* 1 packet taco seasoning – You can use store-bought or make your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
* 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium is best so you can control the saltiness of the soup.
* 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is optional, but adds a great creaminess. You can sub Sour Cream or plain greek yogurt.
For the Toppings (get creative!):
* Shredded cheddar cheese – Or Monterey Jack, or pepper jack…whatever you like! * Sour Cream or Greek yogurt – Adds a cool and tangy element. * Avocado, diced – For healthy fats and creamy texture. * Tortilla chips, crushed – For crunch! * Cilantro, chopped – For freshness. * Green onions, sliced – For mild oniony bite. * Jalapeos, sliced – If you like it spicy! * Lime wedges – For a burst of acidity.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using), taco seasoning and cilantro. Add chicken broth, tomato soup and seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes. Is it necessary to cook for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld? The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Step 4: Add Cream (Optional)
If using heavy cream, stir just before serving. What is the best way to add creaminess to a soup?
Step 5: Serve and Top
What are some good toppings for Chicken Taco Soup? What’s a good combination of sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeo What are some good substitutes for lime juice?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Taco Soup?For a casual weeknight dinner:Serve with tortilla chips and salsa, or a simple green salad. My family loves to dip quesadillas in it!For a Game Day Gathering:What are some good toppings for a bar? De gallo, and pickled jalapeos. Is it always a hit?For a Cozy Night In:What are some good side dishes to serve with this dish? What is better than a bowl of soup and some bread on cold nights? I also like to make a big batch of this soup and serve it with different kinds of vegetables. I have made it twice now. How do I customize my own bowl? What are some fun flavors to try?
What are some of the best ways to make Chicken Taco Soup?
How can I make Chicken Taco Soup?Chicken Prep:Don’t overcook chicken! If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, add it to the soup towards the end of cooking to prevent it from sticking. How do you keep your skin from drying Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver because it’s already perfectly cooked and seasoned.Taco Seasoning:Don’t be afraid to adjust taco seasoning to your liking. If you like it spicy, add a little extra chili powder or cayenne pepper. I always start with the recommended amount and then taste and adjust as needed.Broth:How can I make a good quality chicken broth? I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch.Creaminess:If you want creamy soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving. How do you add cream to a This will give it a thicker texture. Be careful not to over-blend, or it can become gluey.Ingredient Swaps:What’s your recipe for ingredient swap? Can you use different types of beans, corn, or even add other vegetables like bell peppers? What is zucchini? I used a can of pumpkin puree to make my own. It was delicious.Topping Bar:What are some of the best toppings for soup? Set up a toppings bar with all your favorite goodies and let everyone customize their own bowl. What is a fun way to serve soup?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are some good recipes for chicken taco soup?Room Temperature:I would not recommend leaving soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can’t survive.Refrigerator Storage: HowStore soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Is it really good to eat the next day?What is the best way For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable Chicken Taco Soup. I truly believe this recipe is a weeknight game-changer. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, the leftovers are amazing! If you’re looking for something even quicker try our chicken quesadillas.
I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me. Happy cooking!
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet Taco seasoning
- 1 can Diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
- 1 can Black beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- 1 can Corn 15 oz, drained
- 4 cups Chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
