Welcome to this delicious Chicken Taco Soup recipe that’s bursting with rich flavors! This dish is a perfect blend of Rotel tomato cream cheese broth, black beans, corn, and tender shredded chicken. With a prep time of only 35 minutes, it’s the ideal meal for a quick and hearty dinner. Whether you’re a fan of classic tacos or soups, this recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you a creamy, spicy, and savory experience. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make soup that your family will love.
Introduction to Chicken Taco Soup
If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Chicken Taco Soup is a must-try. Combining the essence of Mexican-inspired cuisine with the ease of a one-pot soup, this recipe stands out with its use of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, which adds a spicy kick, balanced by the creamy richness of cream cheese. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to indulge in something comforting without too much effort.
For fans of Mexican food, this soup delivers everything you love about tacos in a cozy, spoonable form. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or a side of Mexican rice to create the perfect meal. Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prep – the flavors only get better as it sits in the fridge, making it a great option for leftovers.
Explore related recipes like the Ultimate Cowboy Casserole or the Sausage Balls Recipe for more hearty meal inspiration!
Ingredients for Chicken Taco Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Taco Soup recipe. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.
Substitution Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or add extra beans.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup – Step by Step
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delicious Chicken Taco Soup. Follow the instructions below to have a flavorful soup ready in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
To the pot, add the chicken broth, Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Bring the Soup to a Boil
Increase the heat to high, bringing the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, making the soup smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
Enjoy your Chicken Taco Soup with a side of Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw for the ultimate taco-inspired meal!
Helpful Tips for Chicken Taco Soup
For the best results when making Chicken Taco Soup, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This cuts down on your cooking time and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Blend the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the chicken.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder or using a milder version of the Ro-tel tomatoes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Soup
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bell peppers, onions, and cilantro for a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Creaminess: If your soup isn’t as creamy as you’d like, you can add an extra ounce or two of cream cheese or even a splash of heavy cream.
- Taco Soup Hacks: For an extra taco flavor, crush some tortilla chips directly into the soup while cooking.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Taco Soup
This Chicken Taco Soup pairs well with several delicious sides:
- Mexican Rice: The perfect accompaniment to absorb all the flavorful broth.
- Cornbread: A warm, buttery cornbread is a great option for dipping.
- Guacamole: Serve a side of homemade guacamole for a creamy contrast.
You can also serve this dish with a refreshing Margarita or Horchata to complete your meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information for one serving of Chicken Taco Soup (based on six servings):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage and Leftovers for Chicken Taco Soup
To store your leftover Chicken Taco Soup, follow these easy steps:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chicken Taco Soup
1. Can I make Chicken Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen over time.
2. Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! You can substitute the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or tofu.
4. What toppings go well with Chicken Taco Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the tortilla strips!
Related Recipes for Chicken Taco Soup Lovers
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen how simple and delicious this Chicken Taco Soup recipe is, why not give it a try? It’s a fantastic meal for any night of the week, offering warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavors. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and let us know how it turns out! Share your feedback or any creative variations you come up with – we’d love to hear from you.
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Chicken Taco Soup Recipe – Quick, Creamy & Delicious
Description
Welcome to this delicious Chicken Taco Soup recipe that’s bursting with rich flavors! This dish is a perfect blend of Rotel tomato cream cheese broth, black beans, corn, and tender shredded chicken. With a prep time of only 35 minutes, it’s the ideal meal for a quick and hearty dinner. Whether you’re a fan of classic tacos or soups, this recipe combines the best of both worlds, giving you a creamy, spicy, and savory experience. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make soup that your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.
Substitution Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or add extra beans.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
To the pot, add the chicken broth, Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Bring the Soup to a Boil
Increase the heat to high, bringing the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, making the soup smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
Enjoy your Chicken Taco Soup with a side of Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw for the ultimate taco-inspired meal!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This cuts down on your cooking time and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Blend the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the chicken.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder or using a milder version of the Ro-tel tomatoes.
