I absolutely love a good bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and comes together in a flash. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for 8 can chicken taco soup. This delicious and hearty soup is the perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a comforting meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
When it comes to convenience, this recipe takes the cake. With just eight simple canned ingredients, you’ll have a steaming bowl of soup ready in no time. From tender chicken to black beans and corn, each can adds its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. And the best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this delicious 8 can chicken taco soup that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients for 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup
When it comes to making a delicious and hassle-free meal, the 8 can chicken taco soup is hard to beat. This flavorful soup requires just eight simple canned ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the list of ingredients that you’ll need:
- Canned chicken: Start with two cans of cooked and shredded chicken. This is a fantastic time-saving ingredient that adds protein and flavor to the soup.
- Black beans: Add a can of black beans to the soup for a hearty and nutritious element. Black beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
- Corn: To give the soup a touch of sweetness and texture, include a can of corn. It adds a lovely burst of flavor and adds some vibrant color to the dish.
- Diced tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes provides a tangy and juicy base for the soup. Look for a can with no added salt or seasonings for a healthier option.
- Green chilies: For a mild kick of heat, add a can of diced green chilies. They’ll give the soup a subtle spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Taco seasoning: To infuse the soup with that unmistakable taco flavor, sprinkle in a packet of taco seasoning. It’s a simple shortcut that adds a depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth: For a rich and savory base, include a can of chicken broth. It helps tie all the ingredients together and provides a comforting taste.
- Ranch dressing: Last but not least, a jar of ranch dressing adds creaminess and a hint of tanginess to the soup. It’s a surprising ingredient that takes the flavor to the next level.
With these eight cans of ingredients, you can prepare a mouthwatering chicken taco soup that will impress your family and friends. Don’t underestimate the simplicity of this recipe – it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be ready in no time. Stay tuned for the next section, where I’ll guide you through the simple steps to make this delicious soup.
Step 1: Gathering the Canned Ingredients
When it comes to making 8 can chicken taco soup, the first step is all about gathering the necessary ingredients. The best part about this recipe is that most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it a convenient and hassle-free option.
Here’s a list of the canned ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken: Canned chicken is a great time-saver and adds protein to the soup.
- Black beans: These beans not only add texture but also provide a good source of fiber and protein.
- Corn: Canned corn adds a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: They bring a zesty flavor and provide essential nutrients like vitamin C.
- Green chilies: These add a mild heat and a touch of smokiness to the soup.
- Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the soup its delicious taco taste.
- Chicken broth: This flavorful liquid forms the base of the soup and adds richness to the overall flavor.
- Ranch dressing: Surprisingly, ranch dressing is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess and enhances the taste of the soup.
Now that you have your shopping list, gather these canned ingredients and get ready to create a mouthwatering 8 can chicken taco soup. Let’s move on to the next step, where I’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious soup.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
Now that we have all the canned ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to the next step in making our delicious 8 can chicken taco soup. Preparing the chicken is a simple and straightforward process that adds a flavorful twist to the soup.
Firstly, I’ll take the canned chicken and drain it using a colander. This helps to remove any excess liquid and ensures that the soup doesn’t become too watery. The canned chicken is a convenient option because it saves me the hassle of cooking the chicken from scratch.
After draining the chicken, I’ll transfer it to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. This method creates tender, bite-sized pieces that will easily melt in your mouth when you take a spoonful of the soup. I’ll make sure to shred the chicken evenly so that it blends well with the other ingredients in the soup.
Once the chicken is shredded, I’ll add it to the pot where all the other canned ingredients are waiting patiently. Mixing the chicken with the other ingredients allows the flavors to meld together and creates a hearty and satisfying soup.
Remember, this recipe is all about convenience, so feel free to adjust the cooking time according to your preference. If you’re short on time, you can simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. However, if you have a little more time to spare, I recommend simmering it for around 30 minutes. This longer cooking time will intensify the flavors and give the soup a richer taste.
Step 3: Preparing the Soup Base
Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the soup base. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the delicious flavors that will infuse the soup.
To start, I’ll grab a large pot and set it over medium heat. I’ll add one can of drained black beans, one can of drained corn, one can of diced tomatoes, and one can of green chilies. These canned ingredients are packed with flavor and will give the soup a satisfying kick.
Next, I’ll add one packet of taco seasoning into the pot. This seasoning is a game-changer as it brings together all the flavors and adds that distinct taco taste that we all love. You can use any brand you prefer or make your own taco seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous.
To further enhance the flavor, I’ll pour in one can of chicken broth. The broth not only adds moisture but also adds depth to the soup. It acts as a perfect complement to the other ingredients and brings everything together.
Lastly, I’ll incorporate half a cup of ranch dressing into the mix. This may seem like an unusual addition, but trust me, it’s what makes this soup truly special. The creamy and tangy ranch dressing adds a unique twist to the traditional taco flavors, creating a delightful combination that will leave you asking for seconds.
Once all the ingredients are in the pot, I’ll give everything a good stir, ensuring that all the flavors are well combined. I’ll let the soup come to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes if I’m looking for a quick and delicious meal. However, if I have a bit more time, I’ll let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together even further.
And that’s it! The soup base is ready, and all that’s left is to serve it up hot and garnish it with your favorite toppings. From here, you can get creative by adding some shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped cilantro.
Just remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a no-fuss meal that can be made in a matter of minutes, while still delivering incredible flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Step 4: Adding Flavor with Seasonings
Now that we have the base of our chicken taco soup ready, it’s time to add some bold and delicious flavors with seasonings. This step is crucial in creating a perfectly balanced and savory soup that will have your taste buds dancing.
To give the soup that classic taco taste, I like to add taco seasoning. This flavorful blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own mix at home.
In addition to taco seasoning, I also like to add chicken broth to further enhance the flavor. The broth adds a rich and savory taste to the soup, making it even more satisfying. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can use low-sodium chicken broth. Alternatively, if you want an extra flavor boost, you can use homemade chicken broth.
The final ingredient that takes this soup to the next level is ranch dressing. Yes, you heard it right! Ranch dressing might seem like an unusual addition, but trust me, it adds a creamy and tangy element to the soup that you won’t be able to resist. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own using a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs.
To incorporate these seasonings into the soup, simply add the taco seasoning, chicken broth, and ranch dressing to the pot with the other ingredients. Give everything a good stir to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.
It’s time to let the soup simmer and allow all the flavors to meld together. Depending on the depth of flavor you desire, you can opt for a shorter simmer time of 10-15 minutes or a longer simmer time of around 30 minutes. The longer simmer time will give the soup a richer and more intense taste, while the shorter simmer time will yield a lighter and fresher flavor.
Remember, the key to a delicious soup lies in the balance of flavors. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference, adding more taco seasoning or ranch dressing if needed.
With the seasonings added, our chicken taco soup is now nearly ready to be served. But before we do, let’s talk about some tantalizing toppings that you can garnish your soup with to take it to the next level.
Step 5: Simmering the Soup
Once you’ve added all the ingredients to the pot, it’s time to let the flavors meld together by simmering the soup. This is an important step that allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to develop fully.
I usually start by bringing the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, I reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. However, the simmer time can be adjusted based on your flavor preference.
If you prefer a lighter, milder flavor, you can simmer the soup for a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, if you like a richer and more robust flavor, you can let it simmer for a bit longer. The longer you simmer the soup, the more the flavors will intensify.
During the simmering process, make sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help distribute the flavors evenly and ensure that everything is cooked through.
Simmering is a crucial step in bringing all the flavors together, so don’t rush through it. Take your time and let the soup simmer to perfection.
As the soup simmers, you’ll start to notice the enticing aroma filling your kitchen. This is a sign that the flavors are blending harmoniously and the soup is almost ready to be enjoyed.
Feel free to taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remember, cooking is an art, and you can always add a little bit more of your favorite spices to suit your taste.
Now that the soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to think about the next exciting step – serving and garnishing it with delicious toppings.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Once the 8 can chicken taco soup has finished simmering and the flavors have melded together perfectly, it’s time to think about serving and garnishing this delicious dish. Here are a few suggestions to make your soup even more delightful:
- Toppings: Adding toppings to your soup not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Consider options such as shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions. These toppings not only provide a burst of freshness but also complement the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips make a fantastic addition to the 8 can chicken taco soup. They can be used as a garnish or even as a dipping tool. Simply crush a handful of tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top of the soup for some added texture and crunch.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over your soup just before serving adds a tangy and refreshing element to each spoonful. The citrusy flavor cuts through the richness of the soup and elevates the overall taste.
- Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to reach for your favorite hot sauce. Adding a few drops or dashes of hot sauce to your serving of soup can give it a nice kick and take the flavors to the next level. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
When it comes to serving the 8 can chicken taco soup, you have a couple of options. You can ladle it into individual bowls and let everyone help themselves, or you can present it as the star of a build-your-own-taco bar. Setting out additional toppings and tortillas allows your family or guests to customize their own soup-taco creations.
Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings and garnishes. The possibilities are endless, and you can truly make this soup your own.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious and satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the 8 can chicken taco soup recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful and hearty dish with minimal effort. By using canned ingredients, you can save time on preparation and still achieve a dish that is bursting with flavor. This versatile recipe can also be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. If you’re looking to mix things up, you might also want to try the delicious 7 can taco soup, which offers a slightly different blend of ingredients but delivers the same comforting goodness. Both recipes are proof that you don’t need a long list of fresh produce to create meals that everyone will love.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By combining the canned ingredients and adding the right seasonings, you can create a soup that is both comforting and delicious. Adjusting the simmer time allows you to customize the taste to your liking, ensuring that every spoonful is just right.
Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings and garnishes to take this soup to the next level. Whether it’s shredded cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream, these additions will enhance the flavors and add a delightful touch to your meal.
So why not give this 8 can chicken taco soup a try? It’s a versatile and convenient dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as the star of a build-your-own-taco bar or enjoying it on its own, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.