Amazing Chicken Taco Soup in 30 Minutes

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken taco soup has become my go-to comfort food, especially on those chilly evenings when I need something warm and satisfying. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of spices filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. This easy chicken taco soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights because it’s so straightforward to prepare. Learning how to make chicken taco soup was a game-changer for my meal prep. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just plain good! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly satisfying. Here’s why this easy chicken taco soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

Amazing Flavor: It’s packed with rich taco seasonings and tender chicken, creating a truly delicious experience.
Quick Prep Time: You can have this hearty dish on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with beans and lean chicken, it’s a nutritious meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a great meal for any budget.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the comforting flavors and customizable toppings.
Versatile: This easy chicken taco soup is adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Simple to Make: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up this fantastic soup.

Chicken Taco Soup Ingredients

Gathering these chicken taco soup ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly convenient. The combination of tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful tomatoes creates the perfect base for our soup.

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the lean protein base
1 large onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory aroma
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – provides liquid and tangy flavor
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – for fiber and a satisfying texture
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained – adds another layer of heartiness
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained – for a mild kick and smoky flavor
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies – boosts the chili flavor without much heat
4 cups chicken broth – the liquid foundation for our soup
1 tablespoon chili powder – key to that classic taco taste
1 teaspoon cumin – adds warmth and earthiness
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – for an herbaceous note
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for a touch of heat
Salt and black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors

How to Make Chicken Taco Soup

Whipping up this hearty chicken taco soup is a breeze, and it’s so rewarding to see it come together. This recipe makes it incredibly easy to create a flavorful meal in no time.

Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear them until they’re nicely browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices, ensuring tender chicken. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Now, add the 1 large onion, chopped, to the same pot. Sauté it until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. The sweet aroma of the onions will start to fill your kitchen. Next, stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Return the browned chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, the 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, and the 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained. Add the 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained, and the 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies. Finally, pour in the 4 cups chicken broth.
Step 4: Stir in all the seasonings: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. This quick chicken taco soup is really coming together!
Step 5: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and become wonderfully tender. You’ll notice the flavors starting to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to get that classic shredded chicken taco soup texture. Return the shredded chicken back into the simmering soup.
Step 7: Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes. This short simmer allows the shredded chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve this quick chicken taco soup piping hot, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Soup

Elevating this already delicious soup is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you achieve the absolute best chicken taco soup every time.

Don’t skip browning the chicken! It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise.
For an even richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. The flavors really meld as it simmers.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.

What’s the secret to perfect chicken taco soup?

The secret to the best chicken taco soup lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics first creates a richer base. Using a good quality chicken broth also makes a big difference! For more culinary insights, you might find it helpful to explore our collection of recipes.

Can I make chicken taco soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash more broth if needed, as it may thicken. For more information on food preparation and safety, you can check out resources like the FDA’s food safety guidelines.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chicken taco soup?

A common pitfall is not browning the chicken, which impacts flavor. Also, be sure to rinse and drain your beans to avoid excess sodium and a cloudy broth. Finally, don’t overcook the chicken after shredding, or it can become dry. Learning these techniques can significantly improve your cooking, much like understanding culinary techniques.

What to Serve with Chicken Taco Soup

Wondering what to serve with chicken taco soup? This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides really take it to the next level. When I’m deciding what to serve with chicken taco soup, I often think about adding a bit of crunch or a cool, creamy element to balance the warm spices.

Tortilla Chips or Strips: For that classic chicken tortilla soup experience, a generous handful of crunchy tortilla chips or crispy baked tortilla strips is a must. They add a fantastic texture contrast.
Avocado or Guacamole: A dollop of creamy avocado slices or a scoop of fresh guacamole provides a cooling, rich counterpoint to the savory soup.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A swirl of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a touch of creaminess and tang that perfectly complements the taco flavors.
Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet, fluffy cornbread muffins are a wonderful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover broth.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Taco Soup

This hearty chicken taco soup is a satisfying and relatively healthy meal option. Per serving, it offers a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more details on healthy eating, you can visit our privacy policy page which touches on data related to user preferences.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taco Soup

Once this delicious chicken taco soup has cooled completely, it’s best to store it in airtight containers. For refrigeration, aim for containers that are well-sealed to maintain freshness; it should keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. You can find more information about food storage on our contact page which may have related resources.

When you’re ready to enjoy this flavorful chicken taco soup again, reheating is simple. On the stovetop, gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If you made a large batch and are thinking about your chicken taco soup slow cooker or Instant Pot meals, you can reheat it slowly in either appliance on low heat. For general kitchen tips, consider our homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Taco Soup

Is this chicken taco soup healthy?

Yes, this recipe is a fantastic option for a healthy chicken taco soup! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans, and plenty of vegetables. By focusing on whole ingredients and managing sodium, it’s a nutritious meal that supports a balanced diet. If you’re interested in our approach to content, you can learn more on our about page.

How can I make this chicken taco soup creamy?

To achieve a creamy chicken taco soup, you can stir in a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of simmering. Some people also blend a portion of the soup (including some beans and broth) and stir it back in for a thicker, creamier consistency.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! If you prefer ground chicken taco soup, simply brown the ground chicken in the pot first, breaking it up with a spoon, before adding the onions and garlic. You’ll skip the shredding step, making it even quicker!

What toppings are best for this chicken taco soup?

The toppings are where you can really customize your bowl! I love adding shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Crushed tortilla chips also add a wonderful crunch! For more recipe ideas, check out our sample page.

Variations of Chicken Taco Soup You Can Try

This foundational chicken taco soup recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for something spicier, a different cooking method, or a dietary tweak, there’s a variation for you!

Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: For those who love a kick, amp up the heat by adding a minced jalapeño along with the onions, increasing the cayenne pepper, or even stirring in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce at the end. This spicy chicken taco soup is incredibly satisfying.
Ground Chicken Taco Soup: If you’re short on time or prefer a different texture, swap the chicken breasts for 1 pound of ground chicken. Brown the ground chicken in the pot before adding the onions and garlic, and you can skip the shredding step entirely, making it an even quicker chicken taco soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup: For a hands-off approach, combine all ingredients (except for shredding the chicken) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker before serving.
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: To achieve a richer, creamier texture, stir in half a cup of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a splash of heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.