Chicken Taco Soup

This Chicken Taco Soup recipe is a delicious blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish features a creamy tomato broth with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• Flavorful: The combination of Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and spices creates a rich and satisfying broth.
• Versatile: Customize your soup with various toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips to suit your taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or potlucks; everyone will love this hearty dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Taco Soup effectively, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot ensures all ingredients mix well without spilling over while cooking.
• Chopping knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, enhancing your prep time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for balanced flavors in your soup.

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
• 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)

Protein & Vegetables

• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)

Spices & Creaminess

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Final Touches

• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Toppings (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.

How to Make Chicken Taco Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Add the olive oil and chopped onion to a large soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to high until the soup reaches a boil. Then reduce the heat so it’s simmering gently uncovered for about 5 minutes. While it’s cooking, you can prepare your toppings.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces. Add it to the soup mixture. Allow it to melt fully while stirring until incorporated into the broth.

Step 5: Add Chicken

Stir in the shredded chicken. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or avocado as desired.

How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup

This Chicken Taco Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Enhance your meal by adding delicious toppings and sides that complement its flavors.

Toppings

• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A sprinkle of this cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Avocado: Slices or chunks of avocado provide creaminess and a fresh taste.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and a burst of flavor to every spoonful.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips offer a delightful contrast to the soup’s creamy base.

Bread Options

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the soup.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the savory flavors of the soup.

Salad Pairing

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Taco Soup

To make your Chicken Taco Soup truly outstanding, consider these tips for enhancing its flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika according to your spice preference.
• Add Fresh Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together more thoroughly.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taco Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Taco Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet and fluffy bread complements the savory soup perfectly.
2. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips adds an extra layer of flavor.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad brings freshness and crunch to your meal.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can balance out the richness of the soup while adding bulk.
5. Grilled Veggies: Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add color and healthiness to your plate.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are great for dipping into the soup and make for a filling side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken taco soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Many people skip sautéing the onions. This step enhances the flavor base of your soup, so take the time to do it.

• Not Using Enough Seasoning: Some may under-season the soup. Ensure you use enough chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to bring out the flavors.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream cheese directly can cause clumping. Soften it at room temperature beforehand for a smooth texture.

• Overcooking the Chicken: It’s easy to overcook shredded chicken in the soup. Add it at the end just to warm it through rather than cooking it too long.

• Ignoring Toppings: Failing to use toppings can make your soup less exciting. Consider adding avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for extra flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken taco soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Taco Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months; label with date for tracking.

Reheating Chicken Taco Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding chicken taco soup:

What is Chicken Taco Soup?

Chicken taco soup is a hearty dish made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and spices simmered in a creamy tomato broth. It’s quick to prepare and delicious!

Can I make Chicken Taco Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat when ready to serve.

How do I customize my Chicken Taco Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Is Chicken Taco Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans. You can also lighten it by using low-fat cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

This chicken taco soup is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization, you can tailor it to your taste. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or ingredients; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Taco Soup

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

This Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken with black beans, corn, and a rich creamy broth, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. With its zesty flavors and customizable toppings, this soup not only warms the heart but also satisfies the taste buds. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick meal solution that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 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)
• Toppings (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
3. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
4. Add cream cheese in small pieces; stir until melted and incorporated.
5. Mix in shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg