PERFECT CHICKEN TACO SOUP

Craving a bowl of pure comfort, bursting with the vibrant flavors of a taco night, but in soup form? Imagine tender chicken, savory spices, and all your favorite taco toppings mingling in a warm, hearty broth. This Chicken Taco Soup recipe delivers exactly that, promising a delicious and satisfying meal you’ll make again and again!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

The Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

The Flavor Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

The Soup Staples

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth

The Taco Seasoning

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings (Get Creative!)

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Avocado, diced
• Tortilla chips, crushed
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Searing the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
3. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; they’ll finish cooking in the soup. This step adds a TON of flavor, so I highly recommend it! If you’re really short on time, you can skip this, but trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
4. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

1. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where all the flavor is!
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Combining the Soup Ingredients

1. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and tomato sauce.
2. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Shredding the Chicken

1. Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks.
2. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
3. Stir to combine and heat through.

Step 6: Serving and Topping

1. Ladle Chicken Taco Soup into bowls.
2. Top with your favorite toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges are all great choices. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup: A Hands-Off Approach

Want to make this Chicken Taco Soup even easier? This Taco Soup Recipe works perfectly in a crockpot! Simply follow these adjustments:

Crockpot Instructions

1. Skip searing the chicken (optional, but reduces total cooking time).
2. Place all ingredients (except toppings) in a crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot.
5. Stir to combine and serve with your favorite toppings.

Using the crockpot is perfect for busy weeknights. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup after a long day!

Tips & Variations for the Best Taco Soup Ever!

This Chicken Taco Soup is super versatile! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Diced zucchini, carrots, or celery would be delicious additions.
• Use different beans: Pinto beans or great northern beans would work well in place of black or kidney beans.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You could also add crumbled tofu for protein.
• Creamy Taco Soup: For a Creamy Taco Soup, stir in a block of cream cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking, until melted and smooth. This adds a richness that’s absolutely divine!
• Leftover Chicken: Already have cooked chicken on hand? Perfect! Shred or dice about 2 cups of cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through. This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This hearty Chicken Taco Soup is a meal in itself, but here are some delicious sides to complete your meal:

• Cornbread: A classic pairing!
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Quesadillas: A cheesy quesadilla is always a welcome addition.
• Mexican rice: Add a scoop of Mexican rice to the bowl for an even heartier meal.

Homemade Soup Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze Chicken Taco Soup?

Absolutely! This Chicken Taco Soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How long does Chicken Taco Soup last in the refrigerator?

Leftover Chicken Taco Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors of this Chicken Taco Soup deepen and meld together even more when it sits for a day or two. Make it a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.

What if my soup is too thick?

If your Chicken Taco Soup is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

What if my soup is too thin?

If your Chicken Taco Soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the soup to help thicken it.

Other Delicious Soup Recipes to Try

If you’re a soup lover like me, here are a few other homemade soup recipes you might enjoy:

• Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup
• White Chicken Rice Soup

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Taco Soup is truly a winner. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re using the stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot, you’re guaranteed a delicious and satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of this amazing soup!