This Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring a creamy Rotel tomato base, black beans, corn, and tender chicken. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals, taking only 35 minutes to prepare. The creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Taco Soup can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: With the combination of spices and creamy ingredients, each bowl is packed with rich flavor.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with various toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips to suit your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this soup is wholesome and satisfying.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one pot!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chicken Taco Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A good soup pot allows for even cooking and ample space for all ingredients.
- Chopping board: Essential for safely preparing your vegetables without damaging your countertops.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quicker and easier, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Ingredients
This chicken taco soup recipe has a flavorful Rotel tomato cream cheese broth, black beans, corn, and plenty of tender chicken. It’s fast and easy to make in just 35 minutes!
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Canned Goods
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Creamy Element
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Protein Source
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded)
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add all remaining soup ingredients to the pot except for the cream cheese, chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Increase heat to high until the soup comes to a boil. Then reduce heat to a gentle simmer (uncovered) for about 5 minutes. While it simmers, prepare your toppings.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces. Add it to the soup and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
Serving Chicken Taco Soup is an opportunity to get creative with toppings and sides. This dish can be customized to cater to various tastes, making it a fun meal for everyone.
Toppings
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheeses adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Avocado: Fresh avocado slices bring creaminess and a hint of freshness.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal flavor that brightens the soup.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide texture and an extra layer of flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice enhances the overall taste with a zesty kick.
Bread Options
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spicy flavors of the soup nicely.
How to Perfect Chicken Taco Soup
To elevate your Chicken Taco Soup, consider these simple yet effective tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for shredded rotisserie chicken for added convenience and depth of flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed for balance.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Incorporating fresh vegetables like diced tomatoes or jalapeños can add texture and brightness.
- Experiment with Broths: Try different types of chicken broth (low-sodium or homemade) for varied flavors.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors further.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taco Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Taco Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: This sweet, fluffy bread pairs wonderfully with the spicy soup.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice provides a filling complement to the broth-based dish.
- Guacamole: A creamy side that contrasts nicely with the soup’s textures.
- Fresh Salad: A light garden salad helps balance out the richness of the soup.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with zesty salsa add an enjoyable crunch and flavor contrast.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for a satisfying side that kids love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chicken taco soup can be a breeze, but a few common errors might affect the final result.
- Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong types of beans or vegetables can change the flavor profile. Stick to black beans and corn for authenticity.
- Bold Not Prepping Ingredients: Forgetting to chop your vegetables ahead of time can slow you down. Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
- Bold Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking for too long can make chicken tough. Follow the recommended times closely for tender chicken.
- Bold Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving may lead to bland flavors. Adjust seasoning after cooking to enhance taste.
- Bold Overlooking Toppings: Skipping toppings takes away from the dish’s full potential. Consider using shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Chicken Taco Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Consume within 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Chicken Taco Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warm, usually about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding chicken taco soup that you might find helpful.
What is Chicken Taco Soup?
Chicken taco soup is a hearty dish made with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a flavorful tomato cream broth.
How do you make Chicken Taco Soup creamy?
To achieve creaminess in chicken taco soup, add softened cream cheese during cooking and stir until fully incorporated.
Can I customize my Chicken Taco Soup?
Absolutely! You can add extra veggies like zucchini or jalapeños, or adjust spices based on your heat preference.
How long does Chicken Taco Soup last in the fridge?
Chicken taco soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This chicken taco soup is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights and delicious enough to impress guests!
Chicken Taco Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Chicken Taco Soup, a vibrant and creamy dish brimming with flavor. With a rich tomato base infused with spices, tender chicken, black beans, and corn, this soup is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Ready in just 35 minutes, it offers a delightful blend of textures that will satisfy everyone at the table. Customize your bowl with fresh toppings like avocado and cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or entertaining guests, this Chicken Taco Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla strips (optional)
Instructions
- In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Cut cream cheese into small pieces and add to the pot. Stir until melted.
- Incorporate shredded chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg