Are you craving something full of flavor? This Chicken Taco Soup is comforting and can be even spicier if you’d like! There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and a bit of spice. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a chilly weekend, chicken taco soup might just be your new go-to.
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can whip it up with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Imagine coming home after a long day, and the smell of hearty chicken taco soup wafts through your kitchen. Sounds inviting, right? Let’s dive into why this soup should make its way to your dinner table.
Craving a delicious, hearty meal? Look no further than chicken taco soup! This comforting dish is full of classic Mexican flavors like chili powder and cumin, combined with juicy chicken and black beans. It’s so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner entree or just something quick and tasty, this recipe has you covered.
Why do people love taco soup?
Taco soup is a delicious dish that has something for everyone. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that can be easily tailored to individual tastes. The combination of crunched-up tortilla chips, spicy peppers, and savory chicken makes for an unforgettable meal. It’s so easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients! In other words: taco soup is a hit.
Ingredients Needed
- Vegetable oil – Vegetable oil serves as a base for taco soup, providing flavor and helping to sauté all your delicious ingredients.
- Onion – Chopped onions add a flavorful depth to any taco soup. Their sweetness is the perfect balance to all the other fresh flavors.
- Garlic – Finely chopped garlic adds an intense, savory flavor that enhances the intensity of this classic dish.
- Jalapeño – Jalapeños bring a spicy kick to your taco soup, use as much or as little, depending on how much heat you like!
- Boneless chicken breasts – Chicken is a great protein option for taco soup. Make sure it’s skinless and boneless for easy eating.
- Chili powder – Chili powder gives your taco soup an enjoyable kick of spicy heat, perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their dishes.
- Ground cumin – Ground cumin has a nutty, earthy character that pairs perfectly with chili powder in this recipe.
- Oregano – Oregano brings an herbal depth to the taco soup that nicely rounds out all the other flavors.
- Black beans drain and rinse – Black beans add plenty of nutritional value to your taco soup, make sure to rinse them before adding them to the pot!
- Fresh or frozen corn – Corn gives the dish some sweetness and a welcome crunchy texture. It can be fresh or frozen. Either one works just fine!
- Diced tomatoes – Diced tomatoes provide a great fresh pop of flavor when added to the mix. Make sure you remove any unwanted seeds!
- Salsa – Salsa adds even more zing and flavor depth to every bowl of taco soup!
- Chicken broth/stock – Chicken stock/broth helps bring all these flavors together in one delicious dish with just enough liquid so it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
- Salt & pepper – Salt and pepper are essential in any cooking recipe, don’t forget these two staples when making your tasty taco soup!
What can I garnish the taco soup with?
- Crushed tortilla chips – These crunchy chips provide a delicious and satisfying texture to your taco soup.
- Grated cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, smoky flavor, sprinkle as much or as little on top of each bowl.
- Lime (cut in quarters) – Lime is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired dish. Press the juice into each bowl for an extra burst of tartness to each bite.
- Chopped cilantro – Chopped cilantro adds a nice herbal note that pairs beautifully with all the other flavors in your taco soup.
How to Store Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
To keep the leftover soup, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
This soup freezes really well. To freeze, place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
Why Chicken Taco Soup?
First off, it’s quick! In less than 30 minutes, you can have a bubbling pot of soup ready to serve. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Additionally, chicken taco soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time and effort on future meals.
Common Questions for Taco Soup with Chicken
Can you make this soup in a slow cooker?
This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for six hours or on high for three hours.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can easily be made in advance. I would also recommend adding the garnishes before serving the soup so they don’t get wilted or soggy.
How can I make this soup even spicier?
To make your taco soup even spicier, add more jalapeño peppers to the mix, or add other chili peppers, such as serrano or habanero. You could also add a splash of hot sauce or Tabasco to kick up the heat. If you’re feeling daring, try adding a teaspoon of chili powder to your recipe!
Flavor Galore
One of the best parts about chicken taco soup is its bold flavors. Think zesty taco seasoning, tender chicken, and a medley of veggies like bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes. You can customize it to your liking too! If you prefer a spicier kick, toss in some jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you’re looking to keep it mild, you can skip the heat and let the seasoning do its thing.
Toppings Make It Fun!
Everyone knows the best part of any soup is the toppings. Chicken taco soup is no exception! Grab some tortilla chips for crunch, diced avocado for creaminess, shredded cheese for richness, and a dollop of sour cream for that extra comfort factor. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice adds a nice touch too. The fun part? You can let everyone customize their own bowl, so it becomes a family-friendly meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a stay-at-home cook just starting out, chicken taco soup is a versatile, comforting dish that can brighten any day. It provides warmth, flavor, and comfort in each spoonful. So the next time you’re itching for something easy to make, whip up a batch of chicken taco soup and enjoy a cozy meal that’s as delightful as sitting by a crackling fire. Happy cooking! 🌮🍲
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Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno diced seeds removed
- 2 whole skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 15 oz can of black beans drain and rinse
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
- 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup salsa
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips The tortilla chips will add a little bit of crunch to the soup
- ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 lime cut in quarters
- ¼ cup chopped Cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil; once hot add the onion, garlic, and jalapenos, and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion has softened.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the pot, followed by the rest of the ingredients. Stir
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Remove chicken breasts from the pot, and with two forks, shred the chicken.
- Add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
- Serve hot in bowls garnished with crushed Tortilla chips, cheese, a quarter of a lime, and fresh cilantro.
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