If you're looking for a cozy meal that brings everyone together, this Hearty Chicken Taco Soup is just what you need. I remember one chilly evening, my son Jake asked for something warm and comforting, and this soup quickly became a family favorite. It’s a Chicken Taco Soup that’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
Pure Comfort
This Chicken Taco Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The warm spices and tender chicken create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can use thighs for a richer flavor.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – A sweet onion works well too.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
- 1 1 red bell pepper, diced – Feel free to use any color bell pepper.
- 1 can 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – Pinto beans can be a nice substitute.
- 1 can 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – Frozen corn works just as well.
- 1 can 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies – You can use plain diced tomatoes if preferred.
- 1 packet 1 packet taco seasoning – Homemade taco seasoning is a great option.
- 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth keeps it healthier.
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Try Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- 1 1 avocado, diced – Adds creaminess and freshness.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup sour cream – Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative.
- to taste Fresh cilantro, for garnish – Optional, but adds a nice touch.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it can be made ahead and stored.
Steps to Make It
- Start by dicing the onion and bell pepper. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll want to stir it around until it’s golden and aromatic, which should take about 1 minute. This step really brings out the flavors.
- Now, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- After the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup and give it a good stir. The soup should be hearty and colorful at this point.
- Finally, serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. It’s best enjoyed with some tortilla chips on the side for that extra crunch!
Make It Perfect
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
- If you want to make it in a Crock Pot, just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Mix It Up
- Try adding some diced zucchini or spinach for extra veggies.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Tortilla chips or crispy tacos make great sides.
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FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze Chicken Taco Soup?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use shredded beef or make it vegetarian with beans.
Is this soup spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less taco seasoning.
Conclusion
This Chicken Taco Soup is sure to become a staple in your home, just like it has in ours. With its comforting flavors and easy prep, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Enjoy your cozy evenings with a warm bowl of this delicious soup!
Hearty Chicken Taco Soup for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the onion and bell pepper.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until golden and aromatic.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pot; simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
- Serve soup hot topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch.