Looking for a comforting meal that bursts with flavor? This chicken taco soup recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant spices, making it perfect for any night of the week. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a satisfying dish that warms the soul and pleases the palate. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of this chicken taco soup provides approximately 300 calories, 25g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 8g fat, and 10g fiber. This is based on a serving size of 1.5 cups.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and kidney beans.
- Stir all ingredients together and allow to cook for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
- Top with cheese, cilantro, or avocado for added flavor.
- Enjoy your hearty chicken taco soup!
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this soup by substituting ground turkey for chicken or using different beans like pinto or chickpeas. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken taco soup pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. For an extra touch, add sour cream or guacamole on top to elevate the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much seasoning can overpower the dish; start with less and adjust to taste.
- Not rinsing canned beans can add extra sodium; be sure to rinse them well.
- Overcooking the soup can make it too thick; keep an eye on the simmering time.
- Forgetting to taste while cooking can lead to unbalanced flavors.
- Using low-quality canned tomatoes can affect the overall flavor; choose good brands.
Helpful Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Let the soup sit for a bit after cooking to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this chicken taco soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this chicken taco soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the soup. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before shredding.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This chicken taco soup recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s a dish that appeals to everyone. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bowl!
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken shredded
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and kidney beans.
- Stir all ingredients together and allow to cook for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
- Top with cheese, cilantro, or avocado for added flavor.
- Enjoy your hearty chicken taco soup!
