Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Taco Soup is the kind of recipe that always wins hearts at the dinner table—a bold, flavorful comfort meal packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, and zesty tomatoes, all simmered together in a savory broth. This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a hero for busy weeknights, cozy weekend lunches, or whenever you crave the vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired cooking without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Easy Chicken Taco Soup is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation!

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets to the success of this Easy Chicken Taco Soup is its smart line-up of simple pantry staples—every ingredient is crucial, each contributing distinct flavor, color, or texture, and together they create a bowl that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each item belongs in your pot.

  • Olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéeing, bringing depth and helping flavors bloom right from the start.
  • Onion (1 small, diced): Gives gentle sweetness and body to the soup, blending beautifully into the broth.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a punchy, aromatic note that enhances every other flavor.
  • Cooked shredded chicken (1 pound): Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly poached chicken works—all add hearty protein and satisfying texture.
  • Black beans (1 15 oz can, rinsed and drained): Bring fiber, earthy taste, and creaminess to the soup.
  • Corn (1 15 oz can, drained): Offers natural sweetness and a pop of color that brightens every spoonful.
  • Diced tomatoes (1 14.5 oz can): Lend juiciness and a gentle, tangy acidity to the broth.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 10 oz can): Add a gentle kick and nuanced flavor without overwhelming heat.
  • Taco seasoning (1 oz packet): The flavor powerhouse—a pre-blended mix of spices for effortless boldness.
  • Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Deepens the taco flavor, offering warm and earthy undertones.
  • Chicken broth (3 cups): Forms the savory, sippable base that ties everything together.
  • Salt and pepper (to taste): These finishing touches ensure the seasoning is just right for you.
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips let you customize every bowl and boost both taste and texture.

How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and goes slightly translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Let those delicious aromas fill your kitchen—the onions and garlic are the flavor foundation of your Easy Chicken Taco Soup.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Pour in your shredded cooked chicken, black beans, corn, both types of tomatoes (regular and with green chilies), taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Give it all a hearty stir to make sure the seasonings coat everything evenly. The beans, tomatoes, and corn guarantee every bite is packed with color and interest, while the taco seasoning and cumin begin to work their magic.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth to your pot and stir well, making sure all those scrumptious ingredients are happily mingling. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld into that irresistible, well-rounded taste that makes Easy Chicken Taco Soup so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, ladle it into bowls and get creative with your favorite toppings. Serve hot and watch smiles appear around your table.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a classic blank canvas for every topping you love—think creamy dollops of sour cream, handfuls of shredded cheese that melt just right, slices of creamy avocado, bright pops of chopped cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips. Prep a little garnish bar and let everyone personalize their bowl to match their cravings.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but rounding out the meal can be so much fun! Pair your bowl with warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a crisp green salad with tangy lime vinaigrette. For a more festive spread, add Mexican rice or a platter of roasted veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve Easy Chicken Taco Soup in small mugs or mini martini glasses as an appetizer. You can also turn leftovers into a rustic casserole by layering soup with crushed tortilla chips and cheese, then broiling until bubbly. Or, for a fun twist, set up a soup bar with bowls and toppings for everyone to build their own creative masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Chicken Taco Soup holds up beautifully in the fridge. Spoon cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together.

Freezing

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream! Let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat from frozen on the stove—perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or last-minute dinner.

Reheating

Rewarm your Easy Chicken Taco Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until piping hot. It can also be reheated in the microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between for even heat. If the soup thickens too much in storage, simply stir in a splash of additional broth or water to restore that perfect soupy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken instead?

If you only have raw chicken, you can add raw boneless chicken breasts or thighs in step 2 and let them simmer in the soup for about 20 minutes, then shred right in the pot—just check they’re fully cooked before shredding.

Is Easy Chicken Taco Soup spicy?

The soup has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning, but it’s generally family-friendly. For more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce; for less, use mild diced tomatoes and a mild taco seasoning.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Easy Chicken Taco Soup is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free taco seasoning blend and check labels on canned ingredients for hidden gluten. Always verify your package labeling if gluten is a concern for your household.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the onion and garlic as usual, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1–2 hours. It’s a great hands-off way to enjoy the same great flavors.

What protein alternatives work for this soup?

If you don’t have chicken, try using leftover turkey, ground beef, or vegetarian meat substitutes for a twist. The soup is flexible and will taste delicious with whatever protein you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, quick, and totally satisfying meal, Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a true winner. It’s nourishing, full of bold flavors, and always invites creativity at the table. Grab your favorite toppings, gather your loved ones, and give this recipe a try—I promise, it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A hearty and flavorful Easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This one-pot soup is filled with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices. Top it off with your favorite toppings for a delicious and comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, cumin, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

  • This soup is great for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
  • It freezes well for meal prep and future meals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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