Authentic Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: 1 Easy Dish

Name: Authentic Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: 1 Easy Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips

by Jannet Lisa

7 de October de 2025

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Easy chicken taco soup has become my go-to for those busy weeknights when I need something comforting and delicious without a fuss. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of simmering spices filled my kitchen, promising a hearty meal. That first bite was pure bliss – savory chicken, tender beans, and a hint of spice that just warmed me from the inside out. It’s so satisfying to know exactly how to make chicken taco soup and have a fantastic chicken tortilla soup recipe ready in under an hour. It’s truly a lifesaver for busy families! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly versatile and flavorful soup. It’s the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?”

Incredible Flavor: A rich, savory broth packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and sweet corn creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Super Fast Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this truly is a quick chicken taco soup that gets dinner on the table in no time.
Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein and fiber from beans and veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, inexpensive pantry staples, making it an economical choice for feeding the whole family.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting soup, especially with all the fun toppings.
The Best Chicken Taco Soup: It consistently earns rave reviews for its perfect balance of spices and textures.
Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Chicken Taco Soup

Gathering these simple chicken taco soup ingredients is the first step to making this delicious meal. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – the protein star of our soup.
1 medium onion, chopped – adds a sweet, savory base.
2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that deep flavor.
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained – brings a touch of heat and acidity.
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – for hearty texture and fiber.
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained – another layer of texture and earthiness.
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness and bright color, making it a wonderful chicken taco soup with corn.
4 cups chicken broth – the flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
1 tablespoon chili powder – for that classic taco soup warmth.
1 teaspoon cumin – adds an earthy, smoky depth.
1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a subtle kick.

How to Make Chicken Taco Soup

Whipping up this delicious easy chicken taco soup is simpler than you think! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal ready in no time. This recipe is designed to be quick and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week.

Step 1: Preheat your stovetop to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base.
Step 2: Toss in the 1 medium onion, chopped. Sauté the onion with the chicken until it begins to soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful savory aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the 2 cloves garlic, minced to the pot. Stir and cook for just about 1 minute more until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to add the liquids and the rest of our hearty ingredients. Pour in the 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained, the rinsed and drained 1 (15 ounce) can black beans and 1 (15 ounce) kidney beans, and the drained 1 (15 ounce) can corn. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 5: Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. For the best flavor, let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, allowing all those wonderful spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully. If you have a little extra time, simmering for 30 minutes makes this quick chicken taco soup even more delicious.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoying this simple easy chicken taco soup is the perfect way to end a busy day!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Soup

Making this soup is already a breeze, but a few little tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. These tips ensure you get the most flavor and the perfect texture every single time.

Don’t skip browning the chicken! It adds so much depth of flavor to the broth.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You might want a little more salt or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering.
If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Taco Soup?

The real secret to the best chicken taco soup is building layers of flavor. Browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding liquids creates a rich base that canned ingredients alone can’t replicate. Simmering for at least 20 minutes also allows these flavors to meld beautifully. For more information on building flavor profiles in cooking, check out this guide on flavor building.

Can I make Chicken Taco Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For even easier make-ahead options, consider adapting it for a slow cooker chicken taco soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow. You can find more slow cooker recipes here.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Taco Soup?

A common pitfall is not browning the chicken enough, which leads to a bland flavor. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken once it’s in the soup, or it can become tough. If you’re making a version of chicken taco soup without beans, ensure you have enough other hearty ingredients like corn and chicken to keep it satisfying.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Taco Soup

This hearty soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delightful ways, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s all about those finishing touches that truly make this chicken taco soup sing!

The most popular way to serve it is with a generous array of chicken taco soup toppings. Think shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For a satisfying crunch, crushed tortilla chips or strips are a must-have!

If you’re looking for complementary sides, a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette or some warm cornbread muffins are fantastic. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside small quesadillas or even some seasoned rice. It’s a complete and comforting meal, no matter how you choose to serve it!

Authentic Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: 1 Easy Dish - Chicken Taco Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Taco Soup

This hearty and flavorful chicken taco soup is a satisfying meal that’s also surprisingly light. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 1.5 cups):

Calories: 350
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 950mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taco Soup

Don’t let any of this delicious soup go to waste! Properly storing and reheating your chicken taco soup ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. This recipe is fantastic for make ahead chicken taco soup meal prep.

First, allow the soup to cool completely on the counter for about an hour. This is crucial for food safety. Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it for longer, ensure your containers are freezer-safe. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions. Be patient; slow and steady wins the race for the best flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Taco Soup

What is chicken taco soup?

Chicken taco soup is a hearty, flavorful soup inspired by the classic flavors of tacos. It typically features chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a blend of Southwestern spices, all simmered in a savory broth. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a favorite for many.

Why is chicken taco soup popular?

Its popularity stems from its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and comforting nature. It’s a fantastic way to get a delicious, satisfying meal on the table quickly, especially on busy weeknights. Plus, the customizable toppings make it fun for everyone to enjoy!

Is chicken taco soup healthy?

Yes, this chicken taco soup can be a very healthy chicken taco soup option! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn. By focusing on lean chicken, lots of vegetables, and controlling sodium content, it’s a nutritious and filling meal. For more information on healthy eating, you can explore resources on nutrition and healthy eating.

Can I make chicken taco soup without chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily adapt it. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You could also add more beans or even some plant-based protein crumbles to make it heartier.

Variations of Chicken Taco Soup You Can Try

This foundational chicken taco soup recipe is just the beginning! It’s so adaptable, you can tweak it to suit any craving or dietary need. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your culinary adventure.

Spicy Kick: To create a truly spicy chicken taco soup, simply add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Creamy Dream: For a luxuriously creamy chicken taco soup, swirl in a few tablespoons of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a block of cream cheese during the last few minutes of simmering. It adds a wonderful richness.
Bean Variations: While this recipe includes both black and kidney beans, feel free to experiment! You can opt for a chicken taco soup with beans like pinto or cannellini, or if you prefer a lighter dish, make a delicious chicken taco soup without beans by simply omitting them and perhaps adding extra corn or diced potatoes.
Vegetarian Alternative: For a meat-free option, try a hearty vegetarian chicken taco soup. Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans, lentils, or even some crumbled tofu for protein.