Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that shines even more with the right sides. Cornbread is a perfect match, adding buttery sweetness and texture to balance the soup’s savory notes.
Tortilla chips with zesty salsa offer a crunchy, exciting appetizer that keeps the meal lively. A fresh avocado salad with lime, cilantro, and cherry tomatoes adds a creamy, refreshing contrast.
For extra heartiness, serve the soup over rice or quinoa to soak up every bit of the delicious broth. These sides make the meal both satisfying and memorable.
Let’s get real about busy weeknights. We all know the drill—after a full day of work, the last thing you want is to slave away in the kitchen. That’s where the magic of Easy Chicken Taco Soup comes in.
This dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it also delivers on flavor and nutrition. I didn’t stumble upon this recipe accidentally; it’s been molded and adapted over countless dinners. Allow me to share my love affair with this soup!
Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty dish brimming with all your favorite taco flavors—think spices, chicken, beans, and a splash of lime. It's a delightful concoction that merges the richness of a comforting soup with the zest of Mexican cuisine.
The beauty lies in its simplicity, making it a go-to recipe in countless households, particularly on those chilly nights when you crave something cozy.
Why This Recipe Works?
The genius behind this recipe is its uncomplicated approach to soup-making. With readily available ingredients, you can pull this off with minimal effort. The flavors meld together effortlessly, creating a rich, savory broth that's full of personality.
Plus, the presence of cream cheese introduces a creamy consistency that makes every spoonful heavenly.
What You'll Need to Make This Dish?
Here’s a simple grocery list to get you started:
2 cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including liquid)
1 can sweet corn kernels, drained
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin spice
8 ounces softened cream cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon chili seasoning blend
1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
2 cups shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lime juice
How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup?
Creating this soup is straightforward. The entire process requires minimal prep and is virtually foolproof.
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Olive Oil
Start by drizzling the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This process releases natural sugars and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Step 2: Mix in Seasonings
Once the onions are ready, sprinkle in the onion powder, cumin, granulated garlic, and chili seasoning.
Stir to coat the onions with the spices. Let this mixture cook for about a minute or until the spices become aromatic.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, toss in the shredded chicken with the sautéed onion mixture. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock. This creates a deeply flavorful broth that will be the soup’s foundation.
Step 4: Incorporate the Veggies
Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, corn, and black beans to the pot. Giving the soup a good stir ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Finish with Cream Cheese and Season
Now, it’s time for that silky creaminess! Drop in the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly.
Allow it to melt into the soup, giving it a smooth texture. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting all those flavors blend beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything has melded together, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes, such as chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or shredded cheese, and dive into this delightful dish!
Tips for the Best Soup
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Convenience is key. Rotisserie chicken shaves off preparation time.
Choose Low-Sodium Stock: This allows you to control the salt level better and keeps the dish healthier.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other ingredient favorites like bell peppers or zucchini.
Let it Rest: After cooking, letting the soup sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to deepen.
Garnish Creatively: Play with garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, and tortilla strips for extra flair.
How to Store Leftovers?
Easy Chicken Taco Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Just make sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition Information
Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Would I Recommend Serving Easy Chicken Taco Soup?
Serving this dish can be as creative as you are! Here are a few ideas:
1. Accompany It with Tortilla Chips: The crunch of a chip complements the smoothness of the soup. They’re a great way to scoop up every mouthful.
2. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream adds a creamy tang that contrasts the soup’s spices beautifully.
3. Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top. They add brightness and freshness.
4. Serve with a Lime Wedge: A squeeze of lime just before eating can enhance the flavors in every bite, making it bright and refreshing.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Sometimes, you might find yourself lacking a ingredient or two. Here are some viable substitutes:
Canned Tomatoes: If you don't have Ro-tel, any canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch. Add some chili powder for extra spice.
Cream Cheese: If cream cheese isn’t available, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream are excellent replacements. They’ll enrich the soup with creaminess.
Cooked Chicken: In a pinch, use ground turkey or beef. Just cook it thoroughly before adding into the broth mixture.
Onion: If you’re out of yellow onion, shallots provide a sweeter, milder taste, maintaining the aromatic base of the soup.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Taco Soup is the answer to any hectic weeknight dinner. Its ease, flavor, and adaptable nature make it a champion in the kitchen. Now that you know how to make it, gather those ingredients and whip up a batch.
You won’t just satisfy your hunger; you’ll have a meal that warms the soul and brings smiles around the table. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy each comforting bite!
Let’s get real about busy weeknights. We all know the drill—after a full day of work, the last thing you want is to slave away in the kitchen. That’s where the magic of Easy Chicken Taco Soup comes in.
This dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it also delivers on flavor and nutrition. I didn’t stumble upon this recipe accidentally; it’s been molded and adapted over countless dinners. Allow me to share my love affair with this soup!
Ingredients
2cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chilies (including liquid)
1can sweet corn kernels, drained
1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2teaspoon onion powder
1teaspoon ground cumin spice
8ounces softened cream cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1can black beans, rinsed and drained
3cups low-sodium chicken stock
1teaspoon granulated garlic
1tablespoon chili seasoning blend
1teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
2cups shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
1/2medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
1
Creating this soup is straightforward. The entire process requires minimal prep and is virtually foolproof.
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Olive Oil
2
Start by drizzling the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This process releases natural sugars and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Step 2: Mix in Seasonings
3
Once the onions are ready, sprinkle in the onion powder, cumin, granulated garlic, and chili seasoning.
4
Stir to coat the onions with the spices. Let this mixture cook for about a minute or until the spices become aromatic.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
5
Next, toss in the shredded chicken with the sautéed onion mixture. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock. This creates a deeply flavorful broth that will be the soup’s foundation.
Step 4: Incorporate the Veggies
6
Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, corn, and black beans to the pot. Giving the soup a good stir ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Finish with Cream Cheese and Season
7
Now, it’s time for that silky creaminess! Drop in the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly.
8
Allow it to melt into the soup, giving it a smooth texture. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting all those flavors blend beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
9
Once everything has melded together, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes, such as chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or shredded cheese, and dive into this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories350kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat20.3g32%
Saturated Fat8.7g44%
Cholesterol86mg29%
Sodium610mg26%
Total Carbohydrate14g5%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars4g
Protein29g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Convenience is key. Rotisserie chicken shaves off preparation time.
Choose Low-Sodium Stock: This allows you to control the salt level better and keeps the dish healthier.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other ingredient favorites like bell peppers or zucchini.
Let it Rest: After cooking, letting the soup sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to deepen.
Garnish Creatively: Play with garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, and tortilla strips for extra flair.
Keywords:
Best Chimichurri
Martha Adams
Registered Dietitian & Food Enthusiasts
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.