Chicken Taco Soup

This hearty Chicken Taco Soup is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Made with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a bold taco seasoning, it comes together quickly and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both satisfying and fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: Just 5 minutes of prep and everything simmers in one pot.

• Loaded with Flavor: Taco seasoning, garlic, and lime juice give this soup a bold, zesty taste.

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, plus fiber from veggies.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers and freezes well.

• Family Friendly: Everyone can personalize their bowl with their favorite taco toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 20 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth or stock

• 15.25 ounces pinto beans, rinsed and drained

• 15.25 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained

• 12 ounces frozen corn

• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons taco seasoning

• 2 limes, juiced

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, Pepper Jack)

• Pico de gallo

• Minced red onions or shallots

• Sliced avocado

• Diced green onions

• Chopped cilantro

• Sour cream

• Lime wedges

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies (with juice), chicken broth, pinto beans, black beans, frozen corn, garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir well.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until fully heated through.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.

5. Serve hot, topped with your favorite taco garnishes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra beans or meatless crumbles and use vegetable broth.

• Creamy Style: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

• Low-Carb Option: Skip the corn and reduce beans slightly.

• Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keeps well for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Store cooled soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portioning into individual servings makes reheating easier.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. For microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to simmer the soup longer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding it directly in the pot.

What kind of taco seasoning should I use?

You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning. If using store-bought, make sure it’s not overly salty or adjust broth accordingly.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes, canned corn works fine. Just drain it before adding.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be—just make sure your taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients (using raw or cooked chicken) and cook on low for 4–6 hours. If using raw chicken, shred it before serving.

How can I reduce the sodium?

Use low-sodium beans, broth, and taco seasoning, and rinse the beans thoroughly before adding.

What are the best toppings for this soup?

Cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, and lime juice are all excellent choices.

Can I add rice or pasta?

Absolutely. Cooked rice or small pasta can be added to make the soup even heartier.

What’s the best way to store leftover toppings?

Store each topping in separate containers and refrigerate. Add them fresh just before serving the reheated soup.

Conclusion

Chicken Taco Soup is everything you love about tacos in a warm, cozy bowl. It’s flavorful, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or packing leftovers for lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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