Description
Hearty chicken taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in one delicious bowl. Zesty spices, tender chicken, and rich broth create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Introduce chicken pieces to the pot, browning evenly on all surfaces to develop rich, caramelized exterior.
- Generously coat chicken with taco seasoning, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, chicken broth, and salsa into the pot. Elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
- Extract chicken from the liquid, utilizing two forks to meticulously shred into tender, bite-sized pieces. Reintroduce shredded meat back into the simmering soup, stirring to integrate thoroughly.
- Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a vibrant canvas for optional garnishes like shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro sprigs, and crispy tortilla chips to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken for quicker cooking and easier shredding.
- Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using a mild salsa for sensitive palates.
- Meal prep friendly: store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, flavors intensify overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg