When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm and hearty soup. The Easy Chicken Taco Soup is perfect for any day of the week, offering delicious flavors in a simple recipe. Packed with chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this soup is sure to warm you up and keep you satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is great for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why Make This Recipe

There are several reasons to make this Easy Chicken Taco Soup. First, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you. This is especially nice when you want to enjoy your meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Secondly, it is loaded with protein and fiber. The chicken and beans provide a good amount of protein, while the beans and corn add fiber to keep you feeling full longer.

This soup is also very versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to your taste. It’s a wonderful way to get creative in the kitchen while still keeping things simple. Furthermore, it is relatively inexpensive to make, which is a big plus for anyone trying to stick to a budget. Finally, making soup at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you know exactly what you are eating.

How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Making Easy Chicken Taco Soup is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You will find that following the steps below makes cooking this delightful dish simple and fun.

Ingredients :

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
4 cups chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, Sour cream, Chopped fresh cilantro, Sliced green onions, Tortilla strips

Directions :

Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is important as it helps cook the chicken evenly and adds flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften. This will allow the vegetables to release their flavors into the soup.
Add Garlic: After the onion and bell pepper have softened, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 seconds. This quick cooking time is all you need for the garlic to release its delicious aroma without burning it.
Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Now it’s time to add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Season and Serve: Finally, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the warm soup in bowls and offer optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or tortilla strips for an extra touch.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Taco Soup

When serving Easy Chicken Taco Soup, you can present it in individual bowls so everyone can add their favorite toppings. Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro not only add flavor but also a nice contrast in texture. You may also want to serve with warm tortilla chips on the side for some crunch. This can help enhance the experience and provide a satisfying crunch to each bite.

You can also customize the serving method based on your occasion. For example, if you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving it in a large pot at the center of the table. Guests can help themselves and top their soup as they wish. This interactive serving style encourages sharing and complements a fun meal atmosphere.

How to Store Easy Chicken Taco Soup

If you have leftovers or want to make this soup in advance, storing it is quite simple. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it. Place the soup in airtight containers, and you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

Tips to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup. Chopped carrots, zucchini, or even spinach can enhance the nutritional value and add flavor.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you are short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the pot after sautéing the vegetables.
Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add jalapeños or increase the amount of taco seasoning. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, use diced tomatoes without green chilies.
Serving Size: This recipe is easily adjustable. You can cut the ingredient amounts in half if you’re cooking for fewer people, or double the amounts for a larger gathering.
Add Avocado: Diced avocado on top provides creaminess and enhances the overall flavor.

Variation

While the Easy Chicken Taco Soup is already delicious, you can make several variations to keep things interesting. For a southwestern twist, consider adding corn tortillas directly into the soup. They’ll soften and add a fun texture. Alternatively, you could swap the chicken for ground turkey or beef if you prefer.

For a vegetarian version, remove the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add more beans or vegetables to maintain the hearty texture. This way, everyone can enjoy their own version of the recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, then place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

What types of beans can I use?

While black beans and pinto beans are the typical choices, feel free to experiment with kidney beans, chickpeas, or any other beans you like. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for easy use.

With this Easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal any time. It’s simple, delicious, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Happy cooking!