If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, then Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect choice! This soup takes all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken taco and turns them into a warm, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s an ideal dish for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this chicken taco soup is bound to impress.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – it’s made with basic ingredients like shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, and a delicious blend of taco seasonings. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the zesty taco seasoning, and it comes together quickly, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable! Add in extra toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro to make it even more delicious.
Not only is this soup a perfect weeknight dinner, but it also works great for meal prep, leftovers, and even freezing for later. So, whether you’re looking to whip up something quick or prepare a dish that’ll last for several meals, Chicken Taco Soup is the answer.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love making Chicken Taco Soup, and here are just a few of them:
- Packed with Flavor
This soup is bursting with delicious Mexican flavors! From the savory chicken to the rich tomato base and the perfectly balanced taco seasoning, every spoonful is a delight. It has the ideal blend of spices, with just enough heat to satisfy your taste buds without overwhelming them. - Easy and Quick to Make
One of the best things about Chicken Taco Soup is how easy it is to prepare. Most of the ingredients come from your pantry, and once you combine them in a pot, you can let it simmer while you relax or prep other things. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot, flavorful soup ready to serve. - Hearty and Filling
Despite being simple to make, this soup is incredibly hearty. The shredded chicken, beans, and vegetables provide a substantial amount of protein, fiber, and nutrients. It’s a well-rounded, satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized. - Customizable
You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your personal preferences. Add more beans or vegetables for extra texture, or use ground turkey or beef in place of the chicken. The soup is versatile enough to fit a variety of dietary needs and tastes. - Perfect for Meal Prep
Chicken Taco Soup keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping. It also freezes wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it on busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips
Equipment Used
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven : A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup. It provides enough space for all the ingredients and ensures even heat distribution.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife : A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are necessary for chopping onions, garlic, and other vegetables. These tools will make prep work much easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : These are vital for accurately measuring the ingredients like broth, beans, and spices. Proper measurements ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon : A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup without damaging your cookware. It’s great for mixing the ingredients and preventing them from sticking.
- Can Opener : A can opener is required to open the cans of beans, tomatoes, chilies, and corn. It’s important to have one that works smoothly to prevent accidents.
- Shredder or Forks : If you’re using fresh chicken, you’ll need a pair of forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, a meat shredder works great for this.
- Ladle : A ladle is perfect for serving the soup into bowls without spilling. It helps you portion out servings and serve the soup neatly.
- Soup Bowls : You’ll need deep, sturdy soup bowls to serve the Chicken Taco Soup. Choose bowls that are large enough to hold a generous portion.
- Grater (Optional for Garnishing ) : If you’re planning to top your soup with cheese, a fine grater will allow you to sprinkle a light amount of shredded cheese on top.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the chicken and taco seasoning, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 6-7 minutes). If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken), simply shred it and skip the cooking step. - Add the Ingredients:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. - Simmer and Flavor:
Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Shred the Chicken:
If you haven’t used shredded chicken, once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir it in and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully incorporated. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
The Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty, filling dish that provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This soup is high in protein and fiber, thanks to the chicken, beans, and corn. It’s also relatively low in fat, especially if you use lean chicken breast and avoid heavy cream or cheese toppings. For a lighter version, you can skip the sour cream and cheese, or use low-fat versions to reduce the overall calorie count.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or tofu for a plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Version: If you like it hot, add more diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
- Slow Cooker: For an easy slow-cooker version, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Chicken Taco Soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply cook it through and shred it as you would with fresh chicken. You may need to cook it for a bit longer if it’s frozen.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you prefer spicier soup, add more diced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with a dash of hot sauce.
4. Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will cook faster than whole chicken breasts or thighs. Just brown it in the pot and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! It adds flavor and saves you from having to cook and shred the chicken yourself.
- Customize the Toppings: The toppings can really elevate this dish. Try using a variety of cheeses (cheddar, Monterey Jack), crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of guacamole for extra flavor and texture.
- Add a Dash of Lime: A squeeze of lime juice at the end adds a refreshing burst of citrus that complements the taco seasoning perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Taco Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, you can also add quesadillas or soft flour tortillas for dipping. Don’t forget the lime wedges and cilantro for garnish to add a fresh, vibrant finish to your soup!