Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavors, this Easy Chicken Taco Soup is your new go-to for those busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Ready in just about 10 minutes with a cooking time of 25 minutes, it combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and hearty beans in a single bowl of deliciousness that the whole family will love.
Budget Information
The total cost to prepare this Easy Chicken Taco Soup is approximately $15.00, making it around $3.00 per serving if divided into five generous portions. Enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a home cook’s dream come true! It beautifully combines the rich, heartwarming flavors of Mexican cuisine into a quick and easy soup. With wholesome ingredients and a simple cooking process, it delivers not only comfort but also nutrition. You get protein from chicken and beans, fiber from corn and beans, plus a vibrant taste from spices that will have everyone at the table cheering for seconds. It’s practical, flavorful, and truly a hassle-free way to become a cooking hero in your own kitchen!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
To whip up this delicious soup, gather these fresh and pantry ingredients:
Essential Pantry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil – $0.15
- 2.5 cups Chicken Broth (either full-salt or reduced-sodium) – $1.25
- 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies – $2.00
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed – $0.80
- 1 bag (12 oz) Frozen Corn – $1.50
Fresh Ingredients for Added Flavor
- 1 Medium Onion, chopped – $0.50
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped – $1.00
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened – $2.00
- 3 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – $4.00
Step-by-step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them until they become golden and soft, which should take about 5 minutes. The scent of sautéing onions will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around.
Step 2: Next, add 2.5 cups of chicken broth to the pot, followed by the two cans of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Then, stir in the drained black beans, frozen corn, and spices – those aromatic treasures include 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir and mix well.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to let it simmer quietly for about 20-25 minutes. This is when the flavors will really meld and deepen, creating that comforting broth that makes your heart sing.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to add the creaminess! Cut your softened cream cheese into cubes and drop them into the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.
Step 5: Finally, stir in the 3 cups of shredded chicken. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last good mix before serving, and don’t forget to have fun with toppings once you ladle it into bowls!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 427 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Total Fats: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing your delicious chicken taco soup is easy! If you have leftovers, let them cool fully before transferring the soup into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. For long-term storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of extra chicken broth to bring back that delightful texture!
Serving Suggestions
This soupy delight pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside cornbread muffins or tortilla chips for a satisfyingly crunchy contrast. A light salad can balance the richness of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal. Set up a fun topping bar with shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or even jalapeños, so everyone can make their own perfect bowl!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Remember that this soup is incredibly forgiving! Feel free to adjust the seasonings and add your favorite ingredients. If you want it spicier, adding fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can elevate it. And don’t worry if you don’t have something on hand; for example, if you don’t have Rotel, you can simply use diced tomatoes instead. Lastly, use leftover chicken, or even turkey, to save time—it gives you that hearty protein without the fuss!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can! Simply cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian? Swap the chicken for more black beans, and use vegetable broth instead! You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients except for the cream cheese and chicken broth in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add cream cheese 30 minutes before serving.
Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes! It’s perfect for freezing. Just make sure to leave out the cream cheese until you reheat the soup.
How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup or add some cooked rice or quinoa to it.
