Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty soup made with chicken, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. The dish is inspired by the flavors of tacos but in a warm, comforting soup form. It’s easy to make and offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and savory spices. Many people love adding extra toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or even tortilla chips to enhance the flavor.
This dish is a favorite because it combines simple ingredients into a delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit at gatherings. The taco seasoning adds a nice level of flavor, and the combination of beans and chicken makes it satisfying. Plus, it’s adaptable – you can adjust the spices to your liking. The best part is how customizable it is, making it ideal for different tastes and preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Soup
- Quick and Easy to Make: This Chicken Taco Soup comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in no time.
- Full of Flavor: Packed with spices and savory chicken, this soup delivers bold flavors with every bite. It’s the perfect blend of taco seasonings and hearty chicken, making it irresistible.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado to make this dish even more delicious.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Low in calories but full of nutrients, this soup is a great option for a light yet filling meal. With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Taco Soup
- Chicken breast or thighs: Either chicken breast or thighs can be used for a juicy, flavorful soup base. Thighs will give a richer taste, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a smooth, mild flavor to the soup.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Bell pepper: A colorful addition, bell peppers bring crunch and a hint of sweetness to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for enhancing the overall flavor with its bold, aromatic taste.
- Black beans: Black beans offer a hearty texture and complement the chicken perfectly, while adding fiber and protein.
- Kidney beans: These beans provide a slightly sweet flavor and a tender bite, balancing the soup’s texture.
- Corn kernels: Sweet corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: Tomatoes provide acidity and a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Taco seasoning: This spice mix is crucial for giving the soup that signature taco flavor, combining spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth is the liquid base that adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Water: Water is used to adjust the soup’s consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, balancing the spiciness.
- Shredded cheese: Topping the soup with shredded cheese creates a melty, comforting layer, adding extra richness to every bite.
Chicken Taco Soup Variation
Chicken Taco Soup is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own version. Here are some ideas:
- Add extra veggies: You can include additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you like more heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the soup. You can also increase the taco seasoning for a bolder taste.
- Creamy option: To make the soup creamy, stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Swap proteins: If you don’t want to use chicken, ground beef, turkey, or even pork can be used as a substitute for the chicken in this soup.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is delicious on its own but also pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
- Toppings: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crumbled tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor.
- Side dishes: Serve the soup with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Make it a meal: For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of Mexican rice or grilled vegetables.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers or want to make this soup in advance, here are the best ways to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep the soup longer, it freezes well. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheat: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs About Chicken Taco Soup
Can I make Chicken Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Taco Soup in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients and letting it cook on low for about 6 hours. This method makes the soup easy to prepare and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Is Chicken Taco Soup spicy?
Chicken Taco Soup can be as spicy or mild as you like, depending on the ingredients you use. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding less chili if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I freeze Chicken Taco Soup?
Yes, Chicken Taco Soup freezes very well. After cooking, let it cool and store it in an airtight container for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick meal later.
What should I serve with Chicken Taco Soup?
Chicken Taco Soup is delicious on its own or paired with sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. Topping it with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro can also enhance the flavor for a complete meal.
Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Can Opener
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander or Strainer
- Bowl for Shredding Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If you're using raw chicken, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Mix everything together.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend). Stir to coat the vegetables and beans evenly with the spices.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add the Chicken: Once the soup is ready, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to warm the chicken through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for added crunch.
