Chicken Taco Soup has become my go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when I crave something both comforting and incredibly easy. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of spices filled my kitchen, promising a hearty meal. It’s the perfect answer for delicious chicken taco soup for dinner, and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up. This isn’t just soup; it’s a bowl of pure happiness that’s ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Soup
- The taste is absolutely amazing, packed with savory spices and tender chicken.
- It’s a truly quick chicken taco soup, getting dinner on the table fast.
- You get a good dose of nutrients, making it a wonderfully healthy option.
- This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
- You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish.
- This quick chicken taco soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients for Chicken Taco Soup
Gathering these simple chicken taco soup ingredients is the first step to this amazing meal. I love how accessible everything is, making it a weeknight dream. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates such a deep flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – this is our base for sautéing aromatics
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – you can also use thighs for extra richness
- 1 medium onion, chopped – provides a sweet and savory foundation
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic depth
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained – these bring a mild heat and tomatoey goodness
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – for texture and protein
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness and pop
- 4 cups chicken broth – the liquid base that ties everything together
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – for that classic taco flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – adds an earthy, warm note
- Salt and pepper to taste – to perfectly balance all the flavors
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro – to customize your bowl
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup
This recipe makes how to make chicken taco soup incredibly straightforward, even for beginners. The process is designed to build flavor layer by layer, ensuring a rich and satisfying result every time.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sear them until nicely browned on both sides. This step is crucial for locking in juices. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
- Step 2: Lower the heat to medium and add 1 medium onion, chopped to the same pot. Sauté the onion until it begins to soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell its wonderful fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Now it’s time to bring the soup together! Stir in 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained, and 4 cups chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Return the browned chicken breasts to the pot. Once the soup is simmering again, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely and become wonderfully tender. You’ll notice the aromas intensifying during this time, making how to make chicken taco soup a truly delightful experience.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot. Place them on a cutting board and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the simmering soup.
- Step 6: Finally, season your Chicken Taco Soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another minute or two.
- Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite optional toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy this easy and flavorful meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Soup
I’ve made this soup countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. They ensure you get the most flavor and the best texture every single time you whip up this comforting dish.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds so much depth of flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your cumin and chili powder briefly before adding them to the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end – a little extra salt or chili powder can make a big difference.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for a truly quick chicken taco soup.
What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Taco Soup?
The real secret is building layers of flavor. Browning the chicken first, sautéing the aromatics properly, and toasting the spices before simmering all contribute to a truly flavorful chicken taco soup that tastes like it simmered for hours. For more tips on building flavor in your cooking, check out this guide on baking bread, which also emphasizes foundational techniques.
Can I make Chicken Taco Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prep all your ingredients, cook the soup, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Taco Soup?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Finally, always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end, as different brands of broth and canned goods can vary in saltiness. Understanding ingredient variations is key, much like when preparing homemade hash browns.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
This hearty soup is fantastic on its own, but I love dressing it up with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, pair it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. I often find myself reaching for a bowl of this soup, especially when I want something satisfying that includes chicken taco soup with black beans and corn.
Another favorite way to serve it is with a side of fluffy rice, or even better, some focaccia bread. You can also create a fun “taco bar” experience right at your table, letting everyone customize their bowls. Imagine loading up your soup with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado – it’s almost like a deconstructed taco itself, and so good with the corn and beans!
Nutrition Facts for Chicken Taco Soup
This recipe provides a wonderfully balanced and healthy meal. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taco Soup
This delicious soup is perfect for making ahead, and knowing how to properly store and reheat it means you can enjoy this meal prep chicken taco soup throughout the week. Once the soup has cooled down a bit – I usually wait about 30 minutes to an hour – divide it into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure the containers are freezer-safe and leave a little headspace for expansion.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Both methods bring back that wonderful flavor just like the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Taco Soup
Is this the same as chicken tortilla soup?
While very similar and often used interchangeably, there are slight differences that make our Chicken Taco Soup unique. Traditional chicken tortilla soup often features crispy tortilla strips as a primary garnish and may have a brothier base. Our recipe focuses on a heartier, soupier consistency with beans and corn, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Think of it as a delicious cousin to chicken tortilla soup, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Can I make this a healthy chicken taco soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is already quite healthy, packed with lean protein and fiber. For an even healthier version, you can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and canned goods. Opting for leaner chicken breasts and loading up on extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini will also boost the nutritional content. Skipping some of the richer toppings like cheese and sour cream helps keep it light, making it a fantastic healthy chicken taco soup option.
What makes this recipe so flavorful?
The key to the incredible flavor in this soup lies in a few simple steps. We start by browning the chicken, which adds a depth of savory goodness. Sautéing the onion and garlic builds an aromatic foundation, and the blend of chili powder and cumin provides that essential taco seasoning. Using undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies also adds a subtle heat and tomatoey base that ties everything together beautifully. It’s this combination that makes it taste like a restaurant-quality meal. For more insights into flavor development, consider exploring lemon chicken orzo with pesto, which highlights how different ingredients create unique flavor profiles.
Variations of Chicken Taco Soup You Can Try
This base recipe for Chicken Taco Soup is fantastic, but it’s also incredibly versatile! I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting. If you’re looking for a kick, making a spicy chicken taco soup is as simple as adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the onions. For those who prefer a richer, heartier bowl, you can easily create a creamy chicken taco soup by stirring in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right at the end of cooking.
Another popular variation is a crockpot chicken taco soup, where you simply toss all the ingredients (except for toppings) into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. If you’re short on time, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut. For a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the chicken for extra beans and corn, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also enjoy trying out grilled chili-lime chicken for another flavorful chicken dish.
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Amazing Chicken Taco Soup: A Quick Dinner Hit
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy chicken taco soup recipe perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a boil.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier chicken taco soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version of this chicken taco soup.
- This healthy chicken taco soup is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg