This Chicken Taco Soup is a delicious blend of flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or preparing a quick meal for a busy weeknight, this soup delivers with its creamy tomato base and tender chicken. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of comfort that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for added flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with black beans and corn, this soup offers great nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare your Chicken Taco Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot: A sturdy pot is vital for even cooking and simmering your soup to perfection.
- Cutting board: Ensures safe chopping of ingredients without damaging your countertop.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for quick and efficient cutting of vegetables and chicken.
Ingredients
This Chicken Taco Soup features a delightful mix of ingredients that come together in a creamy broth.
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Key Flavor Components
- 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)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Creamy Addition
- 8 ounces cream cheese (I used Philly) (softened)
Protein Source
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded)
Seasoning to Taste
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Add the oil and onion to a soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until the onion is 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: Simmer the Soup
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Prepare your toppings while it simmers.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces. Add it to the soup, stirring until it melts completely into the broth.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with desired toppings like shredded cheese or avocado.
Enjoy your Chicken Taco Soup as a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and simple!
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
Serving Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful experience that allows for creativity and personalization. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in many ways, adding a special touch with toppings and sides.
Toppings
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheeses adds creaminess and flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado brings a creamy texture that balances the spice.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch on top.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory soup.
- Tortillas: Warm tortillas are great for dipping or wrapping.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream softens the heat and adds richness.
Beverages
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Margaritas: For an adult twist, serve margaritas to enhance the Mexican theme.
How to Perfect Chicken Taco Soup
Perfecting Chicken Taco Soup comes down to choosing quality ingredients and adjusting flavors to your liking.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the chili powder or cumin based on your heat preference.
- Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables can elevate the taste and nutrition of your soup.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the depth of flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Experiment with Beans: Black beans are great, but feel free to mix in pinto or kidney beans for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taco Soup
Pairing side dishes with Chicken Taco Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some suggestions that complement its flavors well.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast to the spicy soup.
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice can soak up the broth while adding substance to your meal.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa brightens up the dish with vibrant flavors and textures.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make for a perfect snack alongside the soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies bring a delicious charred flavor that pairs nicely with the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad can balance out the richness of Chicken Taco Soup without overwhelming it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chicken taco soup can be easy, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the flavor and texture.
- Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality ingredients can lead to bland soup. Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken – If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become tough. Add it towards the end of cooking just until warmed through.
- Not measuring spices properly – Too much or too little spice can throw off the balance. Always measure your seasonings to achieve the perfect taste.
- Skipping toppings – Toppings add texture and flavor, making your soup more enjoyable. Don’t skip them; consider options like avocado or cheese.
- Failing to taste as you go – Not tasting your soup while cooking can lead to missed seasoning opportunities. Regularly check flavors and adjust as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Chicken Taco Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Chicken Taco Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries related to chicken taco soup along with their answers.
What is Chicken Taco Soup made of?
Chicken taco soup typically includes shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and various spices.
How do I make Chicken Taco Soup more spicy?
To add heat to chicken taco soup, incorporate additional chili powder or diced jalapeños into the recipe.
Can I use frozen chicken in Chicken Taco Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, ensure it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
What toppings work best with Chicken Taco Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado slices, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This chicken taco soup is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try for a comforting meal that will satisfy everyone at your table!
Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of taco night into a delicious bowl of soup. In just 35 minutes, you can prepare this creamy, zesty concoction that features tender chicken, black beans, and a hint of spice from Ro-tel tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, and it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips. Whether served as a main dish or paired with sides like cornbread or tortillas, Chicken Taco Soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat; sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add chicken broth and all remaining ingredients except cream cheese and chicken; stir well.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Add cream cheese in pieces and stir until melted.
- Stir in shredded chicken; cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
