This Chicken Taco Soup recipe is a delightful combination of creamy Rotel tomato broth, tender chicken, and wholesome ingredients like black beans and corn. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup is not only rich in flavor but also quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Its creamy texture and zesty taste make it a family favorite that can be customized with your choice of toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy broth combined with spices delivers a satisfying taste that warms you up.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings, making it fun for everyone.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one pot.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Chicken Taco Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all the ingredients together without overcrowding.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping, ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Stirring spoon: A sturdy spoon helps mix the ingredients thoroughly as they cook.
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!
Main 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)
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 the remaining soup ingredients to the pot except for the cream cheese, chicken, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so it simmers gently uncovered for about 5 minutes. While this cooks, prep your desired toppings.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the soup. Stir continuously until it melts completely into the broth.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings!
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
Serving Chicken Taco Soup can be a fun and creative experience. Whether you prefer a casual dinner or a festive gathering, the right toppings and sides can enhance this delicious dish.
Toppings
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully on top of the warm soup, adding richness.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds a fresh contrast to the flavors and makes each bite delightful.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro offers a burst of freshness that complements the spices in the soup.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide texture and a satisfying crunch with every spoonful.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Soft cornbread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the flavorful broth while adding sweetness.
- Salad: A light side salad with lime vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, making for a refreshing complement.
- Rice: Serve with fluffy rice for those who enjoy hearty meals; it’s perfect for soaking up the soup.
How to Perfect Chicken Taco Soup
To ensure your Chicken Taco Soup is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and infuses flavor into your soup without much effort.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; you might want to add more salt or spice based on your preferences.
- Melt Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Make sure the cream cheese is well incorporated for that creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to customize! Try different cheeses or fresh herbs to find your favorite combination.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taco Soup
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Taco Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich flavor that works perfectly alongside the spices in the soup.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy chips with zesty salsa are always a hit; they serve as both an appetizer and a side!
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This tangy salad complements the soup’s flavors while introducing new textures.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans provide a nutritious side that pairs well with the soup.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are easy to make and offer a satisfying crunch when dipped into the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrients, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Taco Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a delicious soup every time.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the onion can lead to a less flavorful base. Always take the time to cook it until it’s soft and fragrant.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you add raw chicken directly into the soup for too long, it may become tough. Instead, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for tender results.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste your broth and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices as needed throughout cooking.
- Ignoring Texture Balance: Adding too many soft ingredients like beans will make your soup mushy. Ensure a mix of textures by adding vegetables like bell peppers that hold their shape.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese straight from the fridge can cause clumps. Soften it first for smooth incorporation into your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Taco Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Taco Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes until hot throughout.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Taco Soup that may help you make the best version possible.
What is Chicken Taco Soup?
Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty dish made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and taco seasonings in a creamy broth. It’s perfect for a quick meal.
How can I customize my Chicken Taco Soup?
You can customize your soup by adding different vegetables like zucchini or carrots, changing up the seasonings, or using different types of beans based on your preference.
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken works well; just brown it first before adding other ingredients to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What toppings work best with Chicken Taco Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, and sour cream if desired.
Is this Chicken Taco Soup recipe easy to make?
Absolutely! This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Taco Soup is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients and toppings based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Give it a try today and enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness!
Chicken Taco Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chicken Taco Soup, a delightful blend of creamy tomato broth, tender chicken, and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy get-togethers, this quick recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The rich and zesty taste not only satisfies your cravings but also allows for customization with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for the whole family. Enjoy a nutritious meal that combines protein-rich chicken with fiber-packed black beans and corn—all in one delicious bowl!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes & green chilies
- 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 shredded chicken
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chopped red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
- Cut cream cheese into smaller pieces and add to the pot. Stir continuously until melted and well incorporated.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot with your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg