Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food. Specifically, lets talk of comfort foods.Chicken Taco Soup: What isI know there are a million soup recipes out there, but trust me on this one. What is a flavor explosion? It’s like hugging on a cold day, only instead of arms, it’ll have perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy and sour. What are some of the best beans in the world? Think of it as a chili’s slightly less demanding, much quicker, and arguably tastier cousin. What is a quick and easy recipe to make when you are short on time? I’ve been a staple in my family for years, and I can’t wait to share the magic with you!
What is chicken taco soup?
What exactly is this?Chicken Taco Soup: What areWhat are you raving about? What are some of the most delicious ingredients in a chicken taco? What’s a What are some of the best taco seasonings? Chicken, black beans, tomatoes, and your favorite toppings. Is it good to swim in a rich, slightly spicy broth? Is it incredibly versatile – you can make it in a Slow Cooker, on the stovetop, or even in an Instant Pot? Pot (my personal go-to for weeknights! What is the beauty of this app? It’s infinitely customizable based on what you have on hand and your own personal style. Personal preferences. What’s your favorite taco topping? What are the possibilities for cheese, cilantro, etc.?
Why do you like this recipe?
What is this recipe for a healthy breakfast?Chicken Taco Soup: What areWhat are some of the best chicken soup recipes? What is the perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and comforting? The combination of beans, corn, and tomatoes creates a symphony of flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy. What are some textures that’s just… *chef’ kiss*? Is it easy to make? We’re talking throw everything in a pot and If you could open a can of beans, you can make this soup. What I love about this is how forgiving it is! Don’t have a can of diced tomatoes? Use fresh! Forgot the corn? No problem! It’s a recipe that thrives on adaptation. Third, it’re budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have them on hand. Is it incredibly versatile? Serve it as a light lunch, if you have leftovers. Is it also freezer-friendly? If you love a good white chicken chili, you will adore this. Trust me, this is the best.Chicken Taco Soup: What is will become a regular in your rotation.
How do I make chicken taco soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Taco Soup: What isIs honestly a breeze. What are some good ways to sauté onion and garlic for extra flavor? What are some good ways to cook chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, broth, and taco seasoning in a pot? Cook until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove from heat. What are some good toppings for chicken? What is a good sprinkle of cilantro Is there a way to do that? What’s a dump-and-go recipe for those nights when you just can’t be bothered to spend time with friends? How many hours do you spend in the kitchen? What happens when all the flavors meld into something?
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a hurry)
* 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (I often use frozen, it works just fine!)
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (don’t skip the rinsing – it helps with digestion!)
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (frozen corn also works great – no need to thaw!)
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see my note below!)
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin (adds a little extra warmth)
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (Get Creative!):
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Avocado, diced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Tortilla chips, crushed
* Lime wedges
* Hot sauce (for those who like a kick!)
Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional, but worth it!):
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat!) * 1 Tbsp. Cay
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional, But Recommended)
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! This step really builds a depth of flavor in the soup, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just add the garlic powder directly to the pot later.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Add the Chicken Breasts to the pot. If you’re using frozen chicken, that’s totally fine – just be sure to cook it until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Don’t worry about searing it; it will cook through while simmering.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and cumin. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, so feel free to let it go for longer if you have the time! I’ve left it simmering for a few hours before and it was just divine!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the Chicken Breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. This is where the magic happens! All that chicken goodness mingling with the soup is just heavenly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the taco seasoning already contains salt, so start with a little and add more as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. I always do a big dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some fresh cilantro. Crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch, and a squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up. Hot sauce is a must for those who like a little heat!
What to Serve It With
This Chicken Taco Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty accompaniments.
For a Casual Lunch: Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the soup nicely.
For a Hearty Dinner: Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadillas for a truly satisfying meal. Cornbread is also a classic pairing that never disappoints.
For a Party: Set up a toppings bar with all the fixings – shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, hot sauce, lime wedges, the works! This allows everyone to customize their soup to their own liking.
My family loves to have this with a side of Mexican rice. It just completes the meal and makes everyone feel warm and cozy. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of refried beans to the soup for extra creaminess – don’t knock it ’til you try it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Taco Soup
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Chicken Taco Soup even better. Here are my top tips:
Don’t skip the sautéing step (if you have time!): Sautéing the onion and garlic really builds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Use high-quality taco seasoning: The taco seasoning is the key to the flavor of this soup, so don’t skimp! If you’re feeling ambitious, make your own. It’s surprisingly easy and tastes so much better than store-bought.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: The toppings are what really make this soup special, so get creative! Try different combinations and see what you like best. I’ve even added crumbled bacon before and it was amazing!
Simmer, simmer, simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have the time, let it simmer for a few hours. It will be worth it!
Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper or use a mild taco seasoning.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts yourself. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot with the other ingredients.
I once accidentally used cream of chicken soup instead of chicken broth, and it actually made the soup incredibly creamy and delicious! So don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Taco Soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating: To reheat, simply heat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splattering. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after reheating.
I’ve found that the flavors actually intensify after being stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so it’s often even better the next day! Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the easiest and most delicious Chicken Taco Soup you’ll ever make! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, this soup is sure to please. The simplicity and incredible flavor are what truly make it stand out. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup and chili recipes for more cozy and satisfying meals! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your soup turns out, so be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to spice things up!
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- 1 cup Chopped onion
- 1 can Diced tomatoes
- 1 can Black beans
- 1 can Corn
- 0.5 cup Taco seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground chicken in a large pot over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
