Savory Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Zesty Bliss

Whipping up a delectable chicken taco soup brings comfort and zest to your weeknight dinner routine.

Memories of cozy kitchens and shared meals dance through this hearty recipe.

Vibrant spices and tender chicken chunks create a symphony of flavors that warm your soul.

Southwest-inspired ingredients mingle effortlessly, promising a bowl packed with robust taste and satisfying texture.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this nutritious meal in under thirty minutes.

Fragrant aromas will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor each delightful spoonful.

Jump in and let this soup become your new dinnertime champion.

Chicken Taco Soup – Hearty, Spiced, and Filling

• Craft Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warm, spicy flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just a few steps.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Packed with flexible toppings and optional heat levels, this soup lets every family member design their perfect bowl.
• Crowd-Pleasing Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein-rich chicken, beans, and vegetables, this soup delivers delicious nutrition that satisfies hungry appetites.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Taco Soup Success

• Chicken: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
• Taco Seasoning: Provides bold, spicy southwestern flavor to the chicken.

• Beer or Broth: Helps deglaze the pot and adds depth to the soup's liquid base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall umami and savory profile of the soup.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient that adds extra heat and complexity.

• Onions, Jalapeno, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that builds a robust flavor foundation.
• Tomato Paste: Contributes rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Black Beans, Corn: Adds texture, protein, and southwestern-style ingredients.
• Salsa: Provides additional flavor and chunky texture to the soup.

• Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, smooth texture when mixed into the soup.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and a rich, tangy flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Other Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds depth of flavor.

• Avocado, Lime Wedges, Tortilla Chips, Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnishes that add freshness, crunch, and additional flavor layers.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.

Cooking Directions for Chicken Taco Soup at Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Massage chicken with a vibrant taco seasoning blend.

Pour olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust on both sides.

Carefully transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Unlock Flavor Treasures

Switch off the heat.

Pour in beer or chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Build A Flavor Foundation

Restart the heat to medium.

• Diced onions
• Chopped jalapeños
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Soup Magic

• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Salsa
• Black beans
• Corn
• Chicken broth
• Beef broth

Blend everything thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer And Infuse

Return the seared chicken to the pot.

Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing all flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 6: Creamy Finale

In a separate bowl, whisk broth with sour cream until silky smooth.

Pour this mixture into the soup.

Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheese, stirring continuously.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

• Sliced avocado
• Fresh lime wedges
• Crunchy tortilla chips
• Chopped cilantro

Enjoy this hearty, flavor-packed soup immediately!

Chicken Taco Soup Tips for Extra Flavor

• Adjust the heat by varying hot sauce and jalapeno amounts. Remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra hot sauce for more kick.
• Replace chicken with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden sear and maximize flavor absorption.
• Use low-sodium broths to control salt content and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
• Shred chicken directly in the pot for more integrated protein and a heartier soup consistency.

Fun Soup Variations with Taco-Inspired Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Perfect for hands-off meal preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Increase jalapeño quantity, add diced green chilies, and use a hot salsa. Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra smoky heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure taco seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Replace beer with gluten-free broth or water. Verify all ingredient labels carefully.

Serving Chicken Taco Soup with Favorite Toppings

• Party Plate Pairing: Create a vibrant spread with crispy tortilla chips, fresh guacamole, and zesty pico de gallo surrounding your soup bowl for a festive Mexican-inspired meal.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic mugs, garnish with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a comforting winter evening dinner.
• Protein Power Option: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and a hearty meal that satisfies larger appetites.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Top with crunchy green onions, diced red bell peppers, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the soup's rich flavors and add vibrant color.

Storage Solutions for Chicken Taco Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re well-seasoned and seared to lock in flavor before adding to the soup.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has mild heat from jalapeños and optional hot sauce. You can control spiciness by adjusting jalapeño amount or omitting hot sauce completely.

• Can I make this soup without alcohol?

Absolutely! Replace beer with chicken broth or water. The recipe will still have rich, deep flavors from other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Temper the sour cream by mixing it gradually with hot broth before adding to the soup. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture without separating.

Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken taco soup brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to your kitchen, packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Simmering with tender chicken, zesty spices, and colorful vegetables, this soul-warming dish will satisfy your craving for a quick and delicious meal.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) skinless boneless chicken breast (or 2 cups leftover/rotisserie chicken)
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup beer (or substitute with chicken/beef broth)
• 1 ounce (28.3 grams) taco seasoning packet
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional for extra heat)

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced (or substitute bell pepper for milder heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 15.5 ounces (440 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15.25 ounces (432 grams) can sweet corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating it with taco seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown on both sides, creating a flavorful exterior. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Deglaze the pot by pouring beer or broth into the hot pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, diced onions, chopped jalapeño, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salsa, black beans, and corn into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Pour in both types of broth and return the seared chicken to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 minutes, which will help meld the flavors and cook the chicken through.
7. Create a smooth mixture by whisking sour cream with a small amount of the hot broth to temper and prevent curdling. Gradually stir this into the soup.
8. Sprinkle cheese into the soup, stirring until it melts completely and creates a rich, creamy texture.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnishing with fresh avocado slices, lime wedges, crispy tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro for added freshness and crunch.

Notes

• Opt for homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and customize flavor profiles for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap beer with chicken broth or vegetable stock for non-alcoholic or gluten-free variations, maintaining rich depth of taste.
• Use rotisserie chicken or shredded pre-cooked chicken to reduce overall cooking time and simplify preparation process.
• Consider adding quinoa or extra beans for vegetarian protein alternatives, making the soup more adaptable to different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 269 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg