Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving something warm and comforting, but the thought of making ice cream is mind blowing. Is a huge, complicated dinner just not appealing? Does this sound familiar?Chicken Taco Soup: What areWhat are some of the best ways to save a life? Think of it as the cozy cousin of chili, but with all the vibrant flavors of your favorite chicken. What are tacos, all simmered together into a bowl of pure happiness? What is a foolproof recipe? Just gets better the longer it sits. My family begs me to make it, especially on game nights. Seriously, it disappears in minutes!
What is chicken taco soup?
What is chicken taco soup? What is essentially a hearty and flavorful soup that tastes exactly like, well, chicken tacos! We’re talking juicy chicken, sweet corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, all swimming in a savory broth. seasoned with taco spices. What are some ingredients that work together to create a complex, beautiful, and delicious meal? a symphony of flavor. Think of it as a deconstructed chicken taco, minus the shell, but amplified with extra cheese. What’s the beauty of this recipe? Is it easy to adapt this recipe to your own tastes? How do you make it creamy with a touch of cream cheese? What is comfort food at its finest?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start with Chicken Taco Soup? First and foremost, the human body.flavorIs it savory, slightly spicy, and bursting with freshness from the corn and cilantro? The combination of textures is amazing too – the tender chicken, the slightly chewy beans, and the lemon sorbet. What is a burst of juicy tomatoes? What I love about this recipe is its simplicity.simplicity. Seriously, you can throw everything into a pot and let it simmer. I just don’t have the energy for cooking. Is it a good idea? Plus, it’s incrediblycost-effectiveCan you use canned beans and tomatoes, and chicken thighs are usually pretty budget friendly. What is the most important thing to knowversatilityCan you serve it with tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, or shredded cheese? What’s not to love? I think this is even easier than making plain chili and, in my opinion, has more flavor! What is the best way to give it a try?
How do I make chicken taco soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make Chicken Taco Soup? What is the best way to sauté onions and garlic, add chicken and spices, pour in the remaining chicken mixture, and serve. What are the ingredients, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through. What are some of the best ways to cook chicken, and then shred it and simmer for a little longer to let all the flavors meld together. What is the hardest part of waiting for it to be ready? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – it’s mostly pantry staples!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 yellow onion, diced * 2 cloves garlic, minced* 1 pound boneless, 1 teaspoon salt. Skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces * 1 packet taco seasoning (Or similar) Homemade Blend) * 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained *1 (15 ounces) Can corn, soaked and refrigerated (or 1 cup frozen corn) * 1 (14.4). 5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained * 4 cups chicken broth * 1 (10-ounces) canned dice tamari and 1 cup water. Green chilies (like Rotel), undrained * 1 teaspoon cumin * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder * Salt and pepper What is pepper to taste?
For Toppings (Optional)
* Shredded cheddar cheese * Sour cream * Avocado, diced * Tortilla chips * Fresh cilantro, chopped *
How do I follow step
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What are some ways to burn garlic?
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Is it necessary to cook the chicken all the way through? Just get a nice sear on it – this adds tastiness.
Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder over the chicken. How do I coat chicken evenly with spices? Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika here too for extra smokiness!
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Stir well. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer
What should I do with the soup? Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes. When the chicken is cooked through and tender, add some salt and pepper. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 6: Shred Chicken
Remove chicken from pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 7: Simmer Again
Simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even further. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always give it a taste at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Serve
What’s your favorite topping for soup? Cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. What is a squeeze of lime juice?
9. Serve
What are some good toppings for soup? What are some good ways to serve avocado, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro? What is a squeeze of lime juice?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Chicken Taco Soup? What is the next level?
For a Casual Meal:Serve with a big pile of tortilla chips for dipping. What are some good side dishes to serve with sour cream? I also love adding diced avocado to my recipe for creaminess.
For a Heartier Meal:Serve with grilled cheese and cornbread. What are some good side dishes to serve with a salad?
For a Party:What are some good toppings for a bar? What are the different kinds of cheese? How do I customize my own bowl?
What is a quick lunch?What’s a good lunch to have on the go?
My family loves loading theirs up with everything under the sun! What is the best way to enjoy soup? Why do I eat everything straight out of the pot?
How do I make chicken taco soup?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can really elevate this Chicken Taco Soup. What are some of the best tips for a beginner?
Chicken Choice: What isI usually use chicken thighs, but you can use any other vegetable you like. I like to cook chicken breasts because they’re more tender and flavorful. Is it safe to use chicken breasts? Just be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get dry.
Spice Level:If you like spicy soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the pot. Can you use a hotter taco seasoning blend? If you are heat-averse, just skip the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel).
Bean Variety:Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. What are some good substitutes for pinto beans in this soup?
Vegetable Addition You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic.
Creamy Soup: If you want a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more authentic flavor, make your own taco seasoning! It’s super easy and you can control the amount of salt and spice. There are tons of recipes online. I always make a big batch of taco seasoning that is so much better than store-bought.
Low and Slow: As with most soups, this one tastes even better if you let it simmer for a long time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I sometimes make it in the slow cooker!
I’ve tried all sorts of variations over the years, and these are the ones that consistently deliver the best results. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Taco Soup is fantastic for meal prepping because it stores really well. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, heat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent hot spots.
Glaze Timing Advice: Add your favorite toppings just before serving, so they don’t get soggy during storage. I usually wait to add the sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips until right before I eat it.
I’ve found that these methods keep the soup tasting fresh and delicious, even after being stored for a few days or frozen for a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, so there you have it – my absolute favorite Chicken Taco Soup recipe! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I truly believe this recipe is a winner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to customize to your own tastes. The flavors are amazing, and it’s just so darn comforting. If you’re looking for a simple and satisfying meal, this is it. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my recipe for White Chicken Chili, it has a similar vibe but with a slightly different flavor profile. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I’d also love to hear about any variations you try. And if you love this recipe as much as I do, please share it with your friends!
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cups Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 0.5 cup Taco Seasoning
- 1 can Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown ground chicken in a large pot over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add kidney beans and simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve hot.
