Delicious Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than this mouthwatering chicken taco soup recipe. Packed with flavor and loaded with all the classic taco ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe has got you covered. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

If you love the taste of tacos but want something a little heartier, this chicken taco soup is the perfect solution. It’s like a warm and comforting hug in a bowl, with tender chicken, savory spices, and a medley of vegetables. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and yields amazing results. So why wait? Let’s dive into this delicious chicken taco soup recipe and get ready to savor every spoonful.

Ingredients

Now that we’re ready to cook this delicious chicken taco soup, let’s take a look at the ingredients we’ll need. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for some heat)
1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) of corn, drained
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups of chicken broth
Tortilla chips, for serving
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro

With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a flavorful and satisfying chicken taco soup. The combination of spices, vegetables, and tender chicken is sure to please your taste buds. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings!

Instructions

To make the delicious chicken taco soup, follow these easy steps:

Prepare the ingredients: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the soup, including boneless chicken breasts, onions, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and tortilla chips. Don’t forget to have your optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro ready as well.
Cook the chicken: Start by cooking the boneless chicken breasts. You can either grill them, bake them, or even use leftover cooked chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper, and sauté them until they become tender and fragrant.
Add the spices: Add the chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine the ingredients: Next, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth as well, and give everything a good stir.
Simmer and serve: Bring the soup to a simmer over low heat, and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Garnish and enjoy: Once the soup is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with a handful of tortilla chips for a crunchy texture. Don’t forget to customize your soup by adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Serve it hot and savor the delicious flavors of this homemade chicken taco soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

When it comes to making a delicious chicken taco soup, one of the most important steps is to prepare the chicken. Properly cooked and seasoned chicken is key to achieving a flavorful and tender soup that will leave you craving for more.

To begin, gather boneless chicken breasts. They are a versatile and lean option that will cook quickly and can easily be shredded into bite-sized pieces.

Next, season the chicken with a mixture of chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices will add a bold and savory flavor to the chicken.

Now it’s time to cook the chicken. You have a couple of options. One way is to grill the chicken on a preheated grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Grilling the chicken will give it a smoky and charred taste.

Another option is to cook the chicken on a stovetop. Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat, then add a few tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender.

Once the chicken has rested, you can use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The shredded chicken will easily absorb the flavors of the soup and add texture to each spoonful.

Now that the chicken is prepared, it’s time to move on to the next step of making this delicious chicken taco soup.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

After preparing the chicken, the next step in making the delicious chicken taco soup is to cook the veggies. This is an important step as it adds depth and flavor to the soup. Here’s how I do it:

Saute the onions and garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, I heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I add the chopped onions and minced garlic. I cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the bell pepper and jalapeno pepper: To enhance the flavor and spice of the soup, I add diced bell peppers and jalapeno peppers to the pot. I sauté them together with the onions and garlic for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
Sprinkle the spices: To bring out the flavors, I season the veggies with a mixture of spices. I usually use chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The combination of these spices adds a delicious Mexican flair to the soup.
Sauté until fragrant: I continue to sauté the veggies and spices for an additional minute, stirring constantly. This helps to release and enhance the flavors of the spices, creating a mouth-watering aroma in the kitchen.

Once the veggies are cooked and the spices are well incorporated, it’s time to proceed to the next step of making the chicken taco soup. By sautéing the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper, we have created a flavorful base for the soup.

Remember, cooking the veggies properly ensures that they are tender yet still retain their vibrant colors. It’s important to not overcook them to preserve their freshness and crunch.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now that the vegetables are tender and fragrant, it’s time to take the flavors of your chicken taco soup to the next level by adding the spices. This is where the magic happens and all the delicious aromas and flavors come together.

First, I like to add cumin to the pot. Cumin has a warm and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the soup. It gives the broth a rich and hearty taste that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Next, I sprinkle in some chili powder. This adds a nice kick of heat to the soup, without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer your soup to be on the milder side, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.

To enhance the depth of flavor, I reach for some paprika. This smoky spice adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of smokiness to the soup. It also gives the broth a beautiful reddish color that is visually appealing.

In addition to the spices, I also add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. These two basic seasonings help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and balance the overall taste of the soup.

Here’s a tip: if you like a little heat, you can also add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This fiery spice will give your soup an extra kick and add some heat to every spoonful.

Once all the spices are added, give the soup a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes, so the spices can meld together with the other ingredients.

And there you have it! Your chicken taco soup is now bursting with flavor, thanks to the addition of these aromatic spices. It’s time to move on to the next step and add the broth and tomatoes to complete this mouthwatering dish.

But before we get to that, let’s take a moment to appreciate the enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. The warmth and the fragrant spices make it impossible to resist taking a small taste. Trust me, you won’t be able to wait until it’s fully cooked!

So, let’s move on to the next step and continue our culinary adventure.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once all the ingredients have been added and stirred together, it’s time to let the soup simmer. Simmering is a crucial step in the cooking process as it allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and hearty taste.

To simmer the soup, simply reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. This will allow the ingredients to soften and the flavors to infuse into the broth. As the soup simmers, you’ll notice the aroma wafting through the kitchen, enticing your senses and building anticipation for the final result.

During the simmering process, make sure to occasionally stir the soup to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any unwanted burning or sticking.

While the soup is simmering, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on your personal preference, you can add more salt, pepper, or any other spices to enhance the flavor further. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

After the soup has simmered for the desired amount of time, it’s time to turn off the heat and get ready to serve. Ladle the hot and fragrant chicken taco soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this crockpot chicken taco soup recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Serve it with a side of warm tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of comfort.

Now that you’ve simmered the soup to perfection, it’s time to indulge in a bowl full of warmth and flavor. Each spoonful is a combination of tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices, resulting in a truly satisfying meal. So sit back, savor every bite, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade chicken taco soup.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now that the soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to indulge in a bowl full of warmth and flavor. Each spoonful is a combination of tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices, resulting in a truly satisfying meal.

To serve the chicken taco soup, start by ladling it into bowls, making sure to distribute the chicken, vegetables, and broth evenly. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the aromatic steam rising from the soup create an inviting presentation.

Once the soup is in the bowls, it’s time to garnish and personalize each serving. This is where you can get creative and add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavors even further. Here are some popular choices:

Shredded cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the soup. As it melts into the hot liquid, it adds a creamy and tangy element to each bite.
Diced avocado: Avocado adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup. Its mild flavor complements the spices and adds a touch of freshness. Simply dice the avocado and scatter it on top of the soup.
Chopped cilantro: Cilantro is an herb that adds a vibrant and refreshing taste to the soup. Chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and sprinkle them on top for a burst of flavor.
A squeeze of lime juice: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the soup adds a bright and citrusy note. The acidity of the lime juice balances out the richness of the soup and enhances the flavors.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings according to your taste preferences. You can even create a topping bar and let your family or guests customize their own bowls of chicken taco soup.

Now that the soup is beautifully garnished, it’s time to sit back, savor every bite, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade chicken taco soup. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Serve it with some warm tortillas or a side of crusty bread for a complete and fulfilling meal.

Optional Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless when serving chicken taco soup. Here are a few suggestions to help you customize your soup and make it even more delicious:

Shredded Cheese: A classic topping for any soup, shredded cheese adds a creamy and savory element to the dish. Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses work beautifully with the flavors of the soup. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top and watch it melt into the hot broth.
Diced Avocado: Creamy and buttery, diced avocado adds a refreshing and rich taste to the soup. Its smooth texture complements the chunky ingredients in the soup and provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the broth. Simply dice an avocado and scatter it over the soup before serving.
Chopped Cilantro: Cilantro brings a vibrant and fresh flavor to the dish, adding a hint of citrusy herbiness. Its bright green color adds a pop to the presentation as well. Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro on top of the soup to enhance its taste and appearance.
Squeeze of Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors of the soup and adds a tangy kick. It balances the richness of the broth and enhances the overall taste experience. Before serving, cut a lime into wedges and squeeze a wedge of juice over each bowl of soup.

Remember, these toppings are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors. Whether you like it spicy and add some sliced jalapenos or enjoy the crunch of tortilla strips, the choice is yours. Make each bowl of chicken taco soup your own signature creation.

Tips for Success

As someone who has made chicken taco soup countless times, I’ve picked up a few tips that can help ensure your soup turns out delicious every time. Here are my top tips for success:

Don’t Skip the Sautéing – While it may be tempting to toss all the ingredients into the pot and let it simmer, taking the time to sauté the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper before adding the other ingredients is crucial. Sautéing them in a bit of oil helps develop their flavors and adds depth to the soup. Plus, it softens the vegetables and enhances their natural sweetness.
Season Liberally – One of the secrets to a flavorful chicken taco soup is proper seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of spices. I like to use a combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper for an added kick. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but remember to season in layers, adding more as needed throughout the cooking process.
Simmer Low and Slow – Simmering the soup is where the magic happens. By cooking it over low heat for at least 20-30 minutes, the flavors have a chance to meld together and develop a rich and hearty taste. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavors become. Just be sure to occasionally stir the soup to prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
Taste and Adjust – Before you serve the soup, take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavor further. Trust your taste buds and make it perfect for you.
Get Creative with Toppings – The toppings you choose can take your chicken taco soup to a whole new level. Shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and even a dollop of sour cream are all fantastic options. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect soup experience.

Conclusion

In this article, I’ve shared a step-by-step guide on how to make a mouthwatering chicken taco soup. By sautéing the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper, we were able to infuse the soup with incredible depth and flavor. Remember to season generously with a blend of spices to create a tantalizing taste experience.

To ensure success, I’ve provided some helpful tips. Sautéing the vegetables is crucial for unlocking their full potential. Simmering the soup low and slow allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to guarantee a perfectly balanced dish.

Lastly, I’ve encouraged you to get creative with toppings. Whether it’s shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream, these additions will take your chicken taco soup to the next level.

Now that you have all the information and tips you need, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test and enjoy a bowl of this delicious chicken taco soup. Bon appétit!