If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss, look no further than this Easy Chicken Taco Soup. It’s everything you love about chicken tacos transformed into a cozy, comforting bowl—a true one-pot wonder! With tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, wholesome black beans, and the perfect blend of spices, every spoonful brims with bold, Tex-Mex flair. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings, all while keeping cleanup blissfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Chicken Taco Soup comes from everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Each one brings something special—whether it’s richness, color, or a punch of heat—making this dish as vibrant to taste as it is to look at.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and a silky texture to your soup’s base.
- Onion (diced): Sautéing onion sets a sweet, savory foundation for the soup.
- Garlic (minced): Brightens everything up with that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftovers keep things speedy without sacrificing tenderness.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): A boost of plant-based protein and a velvety texture.
- Corn (drained): Adds pops of sweetness and beautiful golden color.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings juicy freshness and a hint of acidity.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel): Infuses the broth with mild heat and southwestern flair.
- Diced green chiles: More warmth for those classic taco soup vibes.
- Taco seasoning (packet): Classic, all-in-one spice blend for instant taco flavor.
- Chicken broth: The savory backbone that ties all the other flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to your liking at the very end for seasoning perfection.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro for a finishing touch tailored to your taste.
How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing and the onion turns soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds more—this wakes up the flavor without letting it burn.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Canned Ingredients
Time for the flavor powerhouse: stir in your shredded chicken, black beans, corn, both kinds of diced tomatoes, and the green chiles. Each ingredient slides right in, layering in textures and colors. It’s as easy as opening cans and letting them do their magic.
Step 3: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle in your packet of taco seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir everything together so the seasoning dissolves and infuses all those ingredients you just added. The broth will start to take on a lovely golden hue.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This step gives all the flavors a chance to merge and deepen, making your kitchen smell like a fiesta. If you want, you can taste and add a bit of salt and pepper right at the end for your perfect seasoning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Easy Chicken Taco Soup into bowls and go wild with your favorite toppings—cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, or a scatter of bright cilantro. Grab a spoon and enjoy every cozy, flavor-packed bite!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Taco Soup
Garnishes
Take your bowl of Easy Chicken Taco Soup from good to unforgettable with a parade of toppings. I love swirling in a spoonful of sour cream for richness, showering on shredded cheese so it melts just right, and tossing on crunchy tortilla chips. Chopped cilantro and creamy avocado really make each bite pop with fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, you can pair it with warm, buttery cornbread, a side of Mexican rice, or even a simple green salad for a full meal. If you have extra tortilla chips, set them out for dunking and scooping while you eat.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your gathering by serving Easy Chicken Taco Soup in bread bowls or alongside shot glasses of mini margaritas for a fun party twist. For family nights, set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their dream bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Chicken Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors become even richer overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!
Freezing
This soup loves the freezer! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For quick lunches, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Place raw chicken breasts or thighs right into the pot with the other ingredients and simmer the soup for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove and shred the chicken before serving. Easy Chicken Taco Soup is very forgiving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe offers a mild kick thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Want more heat? Just add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños at the end.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Using two forks works perfectly, but if you have a stand mixer, you can toss cooked chicken breasts into the bowl and let the paddle attachment do the shredding in seconds. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also an effortless option for Easy Chicken Taco Soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap in extra beans or a plant-based protein for the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You get all the same great flavors with a vegetarian twist.
How do I meal prep with Easy Chicken Taco Soup?
It’s perfect for meal prep! Portion the soup into containers once cooled, and stash them in the fridge or freezer. That way, you have grab-and-go lunches or hassle-free dinners ready whenever hunger hits.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like a bubbling pot of Easy Chicken Taco Soup to bring people together around the table. It’s ridiculously simple, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make any night feel special. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews—you might even find yourself making it on repeat all year long!
Print
Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a delicious one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor from tender chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, avocado, and cilantro for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, green chiles, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- You can use raw chicken breasts or thighs—just simmer in the soup for 25–30 minutes and shred before serving.
- This soup freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
