Did you know Americans eat about 100 billion tacos a year? Chicken taco soup is a favorite way to enjoy taco flavors in a warm dish. This Easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe is quick to make. It’s ready in just 10 minutes and cooks in about 25 minutes.
This soup has tender chicken, savory beans, sweet corn, and zesty Mexican spices. It’s comforting and nutritious. With only 427 calories per serving, it’s great for the whole family. Let’s explore this tasty soup that will be a favorite in your kitchen.
What is Easy Chicken Taco Soup?
Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a tasty mix of taco flavors in a soup. It has a rich broth from Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. This makes a great base.
It includes shredded chicken, beans, and sweet corn for a filling meal. Cream cheese adds a creamy touch. This makes the soup even better.
This soup is great for busy days or when you’re with friends. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Then, it cooks for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high.
You can add your favorite toppings to make it your own. It’s perfect for everyone, whether you like it mild or spicy. It quickly becomes a favorite in any family.
Ingredients Needed for Easy Chicken Taco Soup
Easy chicken taco soup is a flavorful dish with vibrant ingredients. The right ingredients make cooking fun. Let’s look at pantry items and fresh ingredients that make it taste great.
Essential pantry ingredients
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the onion, providing a rich flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Acts as the base for this delightful soup, either full salt or reduced-sodium based on preference.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes: This adds fantastic flavor and spice to the mix; you can substitute with petite diced tomatoes and green chilies if desired.
- Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber, making your soup healthy and hearty.
Fresh ingredients for added flavor
- Onion: Sautéing onion lends depth to the dish.
- Corn: Frozen corn adds sweetness and texture without the hassle of fresh.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brightens the soup with freshness and color.
- Cream Cheese: This creates a luxuriously creamy broth that enhances delicious soup flavors.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient for quick preparation, use leftovers or store-bought chicken.
How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup
Making Easy Chicken Taco Soup is easy and great for a quick meal. This step-by-step guide will help you make a warm, tasty dish. It’s perfect for any time.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
- Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they’re soft, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in 2½ cups of chicken broth, 2 cans (10 oz each) of Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, 1 bag (12 oz) of frozen corn, and spices: 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Simmer: Let the mix boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
- Creaminess: Cut 8 ounces of cream cheese into cubes. Stir it into the pot until it’s all melted.
- Finish: Add 3 cups of shredded chicken, season with salt and pepper, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Tips for perfecting your soup
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it. This makes it blend better.
- Simmering: Keep a good simmer, cover the pot to keep moisture in. This makes the soup richer.
- Taste Adjustments: Make your soup your own by changing spices. Adding a bit of fresh lime juice before serving can really boost the flavor.
Follow these tips to make a delicious chicken taco soup. It’s sure to be a hit! The tips help make sure each bowl is full of flavor and comfort.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Instant Pot, and Crockpot
Chicken taco soup is great because you can make it in many ways. You can make stovetop chicken taco soup in under 30 minutes. First, sauté onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
Then, let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This way, all the flavors mix well, making a warm and tasty soup.
The Instant Pot is perfect for when you’re in a hurry. It makes the meal in about 15 minutes with the SOUP setting. It takes 10 minutes to get to pressure, then 10 minutes to release naturally.
This makes the chicken tender and the flavors rich. It’s a hit with the family.
The Crockpot is great for meal prep. Put all your ingredients in, except for the cream cheese. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
If you’re in a rush, use a higher setting for 3 hours. Adding cream cheese before serving makes it creamy and delicious.
Perfect Toppings for Your Chicken Taco Soup
Toppings make your chicken taco soup special. They turn a simple meal into a fun feast. I like trying different toppings to make everyone happy.
Family-friendly topping options
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess.
- Avocado: Provides a nutritious and creamy texture.
- Sour cream: Balances any spices with its coolness.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh flavor that brightens the dish.
- Tortilla strips: Contribute a nice crunch that contrasts with the soup’s texture.
Customizing with your favorite ingredients
For a kick, add jalapeños. Fresh or pickled, they add spice. Hot sauce lets you control the heat. Lime wedges add a fresh taste.
The best part is, you can make it your own. Everyone can choose their favorite toppings.
Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Taco Soup
Homemade chicken taco soup is more than a tasty dish. It’s packed with health benefits. It has lots of protein from chicken and beans. Each bowl gives you about 18 grams of protein.
This soup is full of veggies like corn, onions, and peppers. These add to its health benefits. Making it at home lets you control the ingredients. You can make it healthier by choosing the right stuff.
This soup is not just good for you. It’s also very comforting. Every warm bowl makes you feel good. It’s a filling meal you can have any day.
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20.3 g |
| Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.5 mg |
| Sodium | 640.3 mg |
| Potassium | 196 mg |
| Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 6.1 g |
| Vitamin A | 620 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6.3 mg |
| Calcium | 23 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
Serving Suggestions for Easy Chicken Taco Soup
Serving chicken taco soup is fun because you can make it your own. Try it with honey cornbread muffins for a great taste mix. It’s perfect for cozy nights and fills you up.
Set up a topping bar for a fun twist. Let everyone add their favorite toppings like cilantro, cheese, avocado, or jalapeños. It makes dinner more exciting and fun.
Also, serve the soup with a light salad for a full meal. It’s healthy and easy to make. These ideas make your chicken taco soup a hit at dinner.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Enjoying leftover Easy Chicken Taco Soup is easy. Just store it right. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to four days.
Want to save it for later? Freeze it in a safe container for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you heat it up. This keeps it tasty and fresh.
Ready to eat? You can microwave it for 2-3 minutes. Or, heat it in a saucepan with some broth if it’s thick. Follow these steps for a delicious meal every time!
