If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make, Chicken Taco Soup might just be the answer. This dish is everything you crave in comfort food – hearty, packed with flavor, and customizable to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping a weeknight dinner for yourself, this recipe is designed to bring the spicy, tangy goodness of tacos into a warming, bowlful form.
But what makes Chicken Taco Soup stand out from other soups? It’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients and bold flavors. You’ll get a rich broth that mingles with tender chicken, corn, beans, and the unmistakable kick of taco seasoning, topped off with all your favorite taco garnishes like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
So, let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser of a recipe and explore exactly what you need to make it and how to get it just right.
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The "7 Can" title comes from the fact that you only need seven canned ingredients to make a rich, flavorful soup. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in a fraction of the time. Here’s a quick rundown of the recipe that makes this soup a staple in many households:
Ingredients
- 1 can of chicken (or 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken)
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can of corn kernels (drained)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies for a kick)
- 1 can of chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
With these ingredients, you’ll have the base for your soup ready to go in no time. You don’t even need to worry about chopping or prepping most of the ingredients – just open the cans, pour them in, and you’re already halfway to a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a deeper dive into what each ingredient brings to the table. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor and texture in the soup:
- Canned Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded, canned chicken saves you time and gives the soup its main protein. You can substitute this with leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even cooked turkey if you prefer.
- Black Beans: These add a hearty texture to the soup. They also bring in some healthy fiber and protein, making the soup filling. If you’re not a fan of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can also work.
- Corn: Sweet corn balances out the spice with its natural sweetness. The kernels add a nice pop in each bite, contributing to the soup’s comforting texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: The foundation of any good soup base, diced tomatoes provide tang and juiciness. They’ll give your soup a slightly chunky texture, making each spoonful satisfying.
- Rotel Tomatoes: This can of diced tomatoes with green chilies introduces a subtle heat that elevates the flavor profile of the soup. It’s a great way to add that Tex-Mex flavor without being overpowering.
- Chicken Broth: The broth adds volume to the soup, turning it into a soupy consistency rather than a thick stew. If you want more flavor, use a low-sodium chicken broth, or substitute with homemade broth for a richer taste.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned ingredient gives the soup its creamy richness and smooth texture. It also adds a mild flavor that makes the soup more comforting and satisfying.
Cooking Instructions
Making Chicken Taco Soup couldn’t be easier with this straightforward method. Here’s how to get it done:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Open all your canned ingredients and drain the beans and corn.
- If you’re using canned chicken, drain it as well. You can shred it with a fork if it’s in large pieces.
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Combine In A Pot
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
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Simmer And Heat
- Place the pot on medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to heat through.
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Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more spice, add a pinch of chili powder or some extra Rotel tomatoes. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.
Ingredient Insights
You might be wondering about the choices made with these ingredients, so let’s break down why each one is essential for the flavor profile of this soup:
- Canned Ingredients: Canned goods are often overlooked in home cooking, but they’re an absolute game-changer when it comes to creating a quick, easy meal. They’re packed with flavor and convenience, and in the case of this soup, they provide the core ingredients without all the prep time.
- Chicken Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, giving it moisture and a savory backdrop that makes the other ingredients stand out. A homemade broth will give it extra depth, but if you’re in a rush, store-bought works just fine.
- Rotel Tomatoes: This ingredient is crucial for adding just the right level of spice and zest. It’s not overwhelming, but it provides that signature Tex-Mex flavor. Plus, you get a mix of diced tomatoes and chiles in one can, making it incredibly convenient.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy element in the soup balances out the tangy tomatoes and spicy Rotel. It also ensures a smooth, velvety texture that is a comforting classic in many soups.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Soup: You want the soup to heat up and for the flavors to meld, but you don’t need to simmer it for hours. Overcooking can make the beans and corn lose their texture, which is a big part of what makes this soup so enjoyable.
- Add Toppings: The toppings really elevate the soup. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime are essentials, but don’t be afraid to throw in some sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, or a handful of tortilla chips for crunch.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, go easy on the Rotel tomatoes or use the mild version. On the other hand, if you like things spicy, consider adding hot sauce or more diced green chilies.
- Cook on the Stove or Slow Cooker: While this recipe is designed for the stove, it can also be made in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The flavors will really develop over time.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Taco Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) for a plant-based version. You can also toss in some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: If you’re a heat lover, use hot Rotel tomatoes or add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili flakes for extra kick.
- Taco Soup with Rice: Add cooked rice to the soup for a heartier meal. Brown rice works best because of its nutty flavor, but white rice can work too.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cream of chicken soup and replace it with a dairy-free cream alternative (such as coconut cream) to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Final Words
Chicken Taco Soup is an absolute winner when it comes to a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal. It checks all the boxes – it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers and can be easily frozen for future meals.
The blend of canned ingredients makes it perfect for busy days when you need something hearty and tasty without much effort. It’s a great dish for families, a potluck, or a game-day gathering. Whether you’re looking for something spicy, creamy, or both, Chicken Taco Soup has got you covered.