Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that is both delicious and versatile, Chicken Taco Soup is a standout. It’s one of those dishes that can be prepared in a variety of ways, yet still retains its heartwarming appeal no matter the variation. If you’re someone who loves flavorful, hearty meals that are easy to whip up, this recipe should definitely be on your radar.

Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and just the right amount of creamy, thanks to the tender chicken, beans, corn, and all the delightful taco seasonings. It can be served on a cold evening as a cozy dinner, or you can bring it to a party and watch it disappear as guests scoop it up with tortilla chips or dive into it with a spoon.

Not only does this soup bring comfort, but it also comes with endless customization possibilities. Whether you prefer it spicier, creamier, or more vegetable-packed, the choice is yours! So, let’s break down this awesome dish in full detail.

Chicken Taco Soup is a one-pot wonder that doesn’t just taste amazing but is super simple to make. This dish features tender, shredded chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. The seasoning profile is inspired by classic taco flavors-think chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika-mixed with a blend of savory ingredients that work in perfect harmony.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can go for a basic, quick version or make it as complex as you want with extra toppings and flavor twists. Whether you’re preparing it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, the end result is always a hearty, satisfying soup that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for a classic Chicken Taco Soup. This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, and a few fresh ones to bring everything together.

Chicken: You’ll need about 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These will be the heart of your soup.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning or create your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Canned Beans: A combination of black beans and pinto beans adds protein, fiber, and a nice texture to the soup. You’ll need about two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed.
Corn: Frozen or canned corn adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soup’s richness. Aim for 1-2 cups.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes (about 15 ounces) adds a slightly acidic, juicy element that balances the heavier ingredients.
Chicken Broth: This is the base of your soup. You’ll need about 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to create the right soup consistency.
Green Chiles: A can of green chilies (about 4 ounces) adds a mild heat and some depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient for a creamy, slightly tangy texture that makes this soup incredibly satisfying. About 4 ounces will do the trick.
Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, and crushed tortilla chips-these optional toppings elevate the dish and add a little extra flair.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, let’s talk about how to make this hearty soup. There are three main ways to cook Chicken Taco Soup: on the stove, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot. I’ll break down each method to give you the flexibility to choose whatever works best for your kitchen.

Stovetop Method (Quick And Simple)

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add your chicken breasts and enough water to cover them (about 4 cups). Season with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, sauté a small diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, followed by the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir in your taco seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Creamy Touch: Cube the cream cheese and stir it into the soup until it melts completely, giving the soup a creamy texture.
Final Touches: Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Slow Cooker Method (Set It And Forget It)

Combine Ingredients: Place your chicken breasts, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth into your slow cooker.
Cook: Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook through and become tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the soup.
Creamy Touch: Stir in the cream cheese until it’s completely incorporated.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with toppings and enjoy!

Instant Pot Method (Fast And Convenient)

Sauté: Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
Add the Ingredients: Add the chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time, perform a quick release and carefully open the lid. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
Creamy Touch: Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt, then stir everything together.
Serve: Taste for seasoning and serve with your choice of toppings.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: Whether you use breasts or thighs, chicken adds lean protein and a mild flavor. Thighs tend to have more fat, which contributes to a richer broth.
Taco Seasoning: This blend is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. Using a pre-made seasoning mix is a quick solution, but creating your own gives you full control over the spice level and flavor balance.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese may seem unusual in a soup, but it provides a creamy, luxurious texture that balances the taco seasoning’s spice and the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s a game-changer!
Beans and Corn: These ingredients not only add heartiness but also pack in fiber and nutrients, making the soup filling and satisfying.

Expert Tips

Customize the Heat: If you like a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or extra chili powder. You can also increase the amount of green chilies or add a dash of hot sauce.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s a great shortcut that still delivers amazing flavor.
Make It a Meal: To make the soup even heartier, add some cooked rice or quinoa directly into the soup for a grain-based twist.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: Toppings are a crucial part of Chicken Taco Soup! The crunch of tortilla chips, the freshness of cilantro, and the tanginess of sour cream bring everything together.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a double batch, and once it’s cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Taco Soup is so versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also load up the soup with more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, stir in shredded cheese during the final stages of cooking for a melty, cheesy twist.
Spicy: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra layer of smoky heat.
Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the beans and corn, and load up on extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or mushrooms.

Final Words

Chicken Taco Soup is a fantastic recipe that adapts to your tastes and dietary preferences. With its rich, flavorful broth and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this soup always hits the mark.

Chicken Taco Soup Recipe