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Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Hearty Chicken Taco Soup with beans, corn, and spices. Customize with your favorite taco toppings for a comforting meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are slightly tender.
  4. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot.
  6. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), the can of tomato sauce, and the chicken broth.
  7. Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
  10. Check the chicken to ensure it is cooked through (165°F/74°C). If not fully cooked, continue simmering.
  11. Ladle the Chicken Taco Soup into bowls.
  12. Top with your favorite toppings.
  13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning, chili powder, and diced tomatoes/chilies for desired heat.
  • Chicken Options: Use shredded cooked chicken, adding it during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add extra beans or diced vegetables.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
  • Instant Pot Version: Combine all ingredients in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Shred the chicken before serving.
  • Thickening the Soup: Mash some beans, use an immersion blender, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes