ULTIMATE CHICKEN TACO SOUP

I can still remember the first time my mom made taco soup. It was a cold winter evening, and the aroma filled the entire house with a comforting, spicy warmth. We piled our bowls high with tortilla chips and sour cream, and every spoonful was a burst of flavor. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Chicken Taco Soup you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why this soup is about to become your new weeknight staple. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen. This Easy Chicken Taco Soup is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking a dump-and-go situation that’s perfect for busy families, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It’s seriously the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it to your heart’s content with your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and even make it in the slow cooker for an even easier weeknight meal. Trust me, this soup is a total crowd-pleaser, and everyone will be begging you for the recipe.

What Makes This Chicken Taco Soup “Easy”?

The secret to this recipe’s ease lies in a few key factors:

• Simple Ingredients: We’re using pantry staples and readily available ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Minimal Prep: No complicated chopping or sautéing required. Just open a few cans, shred some chicken, and you’re good to go!
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash. Hallelujah!
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

The Star Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry; it’s all stuff you can easily find at your local grocery store!

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the star of the show. You can use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. I often use leftover chicken from making Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
• Canned Beans: Black beans and kidney beans provide protein and fiber, making this soup hearty and satisfying.
• Canned Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes form the base of the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Helps to thicken the soup and add richness.
• Green Chiles: Adds a touch of heat and flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: The secret weapon for that classic taco flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup.
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions – the sky’s the limit!

Easy Chicken Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s the easy peasy step-by-step recipe:

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, green chiles, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
3. Stir Well: Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Bring to a Simmer: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be!
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Option

Want to make this soup even easier? Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ is another great crockpot option!

Success Tips for the BEST Chicken Taco Soup EVER!

Here are my top tips for ensuring your Chicken Taco Soup is a total triumph every single time!

• Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious soup. The longer it simmers, the better!
• Use High-Quality Taco Seasoning: The taco seasoning is what gives this soup its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on quality. You can use store-bought or make your own using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less taco seasoning and add more to taste. You can also use mild green chiles or omit them altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. Speaking of heat, have you ever tried Crockpot White Chicken Chili? It’s got a nice kick!
• Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative with Toppings: The toppings are what really make this soup special, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Some of my favorites include sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Make it Ahead of Time: This soup is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Easy Chicken Taco Soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

• Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier soup. You can also try adding a can of cream of chicken soup for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• White Chicken Taco Soup: Use white beans instead of black beans and kidney beans, and add a can of great northern beans. This is a great way to change things up! For another white chicken chili option, check out Creamy White Chicken Chili.
• Cornbread Topping: Serve the soup with a slice of warm cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Soup Experience

While this soup is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve with Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch and salty flavor.
• Top with Sour Cream and Shredded Cheese: These classic toppings add richness and tanginess.
• Add a Dollop of Guacamole: Guacamole adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Garnish with Cilantro and Green Onions: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with a Side of Cornbread: Cornbread is the perfect complement to this hearty soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

This soup freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To thaw, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.

Reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop or in the microwave as described above.

Recipe

Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
• 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 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, green onions

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, taco seasoning, and chicken broth to the pot.
3. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of bean?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of bean you like, such as pinto beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

A: Yes, you can definitely use ground beef instead of chicken. Just brown the ground beef in the pot before adding the other ingredients.

Q: Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this soup in a pressure cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the pressure cooker, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this soup?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Q: How do I make my own taco seasoning?

A: To make your own taco seasoning, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Soup Recipe

And there you have it – the easiest, most flavorful Chicken Taco Soup recipe you’ll ever make! I truly hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a warm and comforting meal. So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness. Happy cooking!