Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Zesty Comfort

Crafting a delightful chicken taco soup brings comfort and zest to your weeknight dinner routine.

Aromatic spices dance through a hearty broth, promising a meal that hugs your taste buds.

Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly with tender chicken and colorful vegetables.

Beans and corn add robust texture to each satisfying spoonful.

Quick preparation means you can have a steaming bowl ready in minutes.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.

Savor every bite of this warming, soul-nourishing soup that turns an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Reasons to Try Chicken Taco Soup

  • Speedy Meal Solution: Dive into a quick and satisfying dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, this soup brings everyone to the table with its delicious taco-inspired taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Flexible Customization: Top your bowl with favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro to create a personalized dining experience that matches your mood.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one pot means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying a warm, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen mess.

Ingredients List for Chicken Taco Soup

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds substance and heartiness to the soup.
Vegetables and Beans:
  • Onion: Provides a savory base flavor and aromatic foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a deep, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Black Beans: Offers a creamy texture and additional protein to the soup.
  • Corn: Brings a sweet and crisp element to balance the other ingredients.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Contributes a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the soup.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds depth to the overall flavor.
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides a classic Mexican-inspired spice blend that defines the soup's taste.
  • Salt and Pepper: Helps to enhance and balance the final seasoning of the dish.

How to Make Chicken Taco Soup

Step 1: Prep the Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Profile

Combine these ingredients in the pot:
  • Tender shredded chicken
  • Hearty black beans
  • Sweet corn kernels
  • Zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Robust taco seasoning
  • Rich chicken broth

Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Bring to a Rolling Boil

Increase the heat and stir the soup until it reaches a vigorous boil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated and heated through.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to gently simmer. Let it bubble softly for 15-20 minutes, which will help meld the flavors and create a more complex taste profile.

Step 5: Season and Perfect

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This final touch will enhance the overall flavor and make the soup truly delicious.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and encourage diners to customize with their favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips.

Expert Tips for Chicken Taco Soup

  • Choose rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavor-packed shortcut that saves time and adds rich taste.
  • Swap black beans with kidney or pinto beans if preferred, keeping the protein-packed base consistent.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy weeks.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a tangy flavor boost.
  • Adjust spice levels by using mild or hot taco seasoning, catering to different heat preferences.

Various Takes on Chicken Taco Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, lentils, or tofu for a plant-based protein option.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños or use hot salsa instead of regular diced tomatoes to increase heat level.
  • Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium chicken broth, homemade taco seasoning, and no-salt-added canned beans to reduce sodium content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free and serve with corn tortilla strips instead of flour-based toppings.

Ideal Pairings with Chicken Taco Soup

  • Fiesta in a Bowl: Top this hearty soup with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-style presentation that brings Mexican flavors to life.
  • Loaded Taco Soup Feast: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice on top to create a colorful and zesty meal that transforms the soup into a complete dinner experience.
  • Comfort Meal Upgrade: Serve alongside warm cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious broth, making this soup a satisfying and filling meal that'll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Game Day Winner: Pour the soup into individual bread bowls or serve with tortilla chips for a fun, casual gathering that'll score big with friends and family during sports events or movie nights.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup for a quick and delicious meal.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild taco seasoning or reducing the green chilies.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like additional beans, top with shredded cheese, or serve with tortilla chips or rice to make the soup more substantial and satisfying.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

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Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Tex-Mex chicken taco soup blends zesty spices with tender shredded chicken for a comforting meal. Packed with beans, corn, and robust flavors, this soup delivers a satisfying southwestern-style dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) cooked chicken (shredded)
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 can corn (drained)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium flame and sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Mince fresh garlic and add to the pot, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the pot.
  4. Pour in black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring to combine all ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture, thoroughly blending to coat all components.
  6. Gradually add chicken broth, creating a cohesive liquid base for the soup.
  7. Increase heat and bring the soup to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
  8. Reduce temperature to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, which helps meld the flavors.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sour cream.

Notes

  • Select rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saver and extra flavor boost.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and make the recipe more diet-friendly.
  • Customize heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning based on personal preference.
  • Add a protein twist by substituting chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options.
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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