The Best Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes effortless with this incredible chicken taco soup that promises comfort in every warm, satisfying spoonful.

Quick preparation meets delicious results through a simple blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Hearty flavors burst from tender chicken, robust beans, and zesty spices that dance across your palate.

Mexican-inspired elements combine seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Nutritious components ensure you stay full and energized without spending hours in the kitchen.

Colorful toppings like crisp cilantro, tangy sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips add delightful texture and personality.

Cozy meals like this transform ordinary evenings into memorable dining experiences you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why Easy Chicken Taco Soup Is a Family Favorite

• Customize Your Bowl: Packed with versatile toppings like creamy avocado, zesty cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, this soup lets everyone personalize their dining experience and satisfy individual taste preferences.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Loaded with protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed beans, and vibrant vegetables, this one-pot wonder delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and nourished without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Featuring a bold blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this soup brings southwestern-inspired tastes that will excite taste buds and impress family and friends.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Taco Soup

• Chicken: Shredded meat that provides the hearty base for the soup and adds protein.

• Black Beans, Corn, Ro-tel Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that contribute texture and vibrant flavor to the soup.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy consistency and smooth flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Spices and aromatics that build deep, complex taco-inspired flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid foundation and enhances the overall savory taste of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and create a flavorful base.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• Shredded Cheese, Avocado, Cilantro, Tortilla Strips: Fresh garnishes that add extra texture and personal touch to the soup.

How to Cook Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onion and cook until the onions become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet, fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Ro-tel tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn
• Red bell pepper

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika

Stir everything together to create a rich, vibrant base.

Step 3: Incorporate Creamy Element

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Drop in softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a smooth and velvety texture throughout the soup.

Step 4: Add Protein and Finalize

Introduce shredded chicken to the pot.

Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Crispy tortilla strips

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful chicken taco soup!

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Taco Soup

• Replace chicken with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency in the soup.
• Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños for extra heat or reduce for milder flavor profile.
• Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving.
• Omit chicken and add extra beans or quinoa for protein-packed vegetarian version.

Variations on Chicken Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Delight: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap corn and beans with cauliflower rice and add extra cream cheese for higher fat content, maintaining soup's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a more intense heat and smoky undertone.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, ensuring same creamy texture while accommodating lactose-sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Taco Soup

• Flavor Explosion Topping Bar: Create a DIY station with crispy tortilla strips, tangy sour cream, zesty lime wedges, and fresh chopped cilantro for guests to customize their soup.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with warm, buttery cornbread or crisp green salad to transform this soup into a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
• Leftover Magic Remix: Transform extra soup into a delicious enchilada filling or use as a savory sauce over rice for a quick next-day meal transformation.
• Spice Level Adventure: Offer hot sauce options like jalapeño, chipotle, or habanero on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the heat to their personal preference.

How to Store Chicken Taco Soup Safely

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a pot and reheat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add extra broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the soup.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has mild spice from chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these spices to suit your preference.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except cream cheese in the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients like Ro-tel tomatoes and seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken taco soup brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices

Spices and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Tortilla strips

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate chicken broth, Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chopped red bell pepper into the pot. Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
3. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, then introduce softened cream cheese, whisking continuously until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
4. Fold in shredded chicken and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated and flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
5. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with an array of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Adjust heat levels by using mild or spicy Ro-tel tomatoes to customize the soup’s intensity for different taste preferences.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier version that reduces overall fat content.
• Easily make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free and using corn tortilla strips instead of wheat-based options.
• Prep shredded chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie chicken or batch-cooking chicken breasts on the weekend to streamline weeknight meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 237 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg