Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup: Delicious Steps to Serve and Garnish for A Flavorful Meal

Hey there! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner idea, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m going to share with you my go-to recipe for crockpot chicken taco soup. Trust me, once you try this flavorful and hearty dish, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and a medley of vegetables simmering away in a slow cooker. Not only does it make your kitchen smell amazing, but it also results in a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the best part? It requires minimal effort on your part, making it perfect for those busy days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious and flavorful crockpot chicken taco soup, it’s important to start with the right ingredients. This simple and easy recipe calls for a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, resulting in a wholesome and satisfying dish. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to gather before getting started:

Chicken: Tender and juicy chicken is the star of this dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference.
Taco seasoning: To infuse the soup with a burst of flavor, you’ll need a packet of taco seasoning. You can either use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own at home using a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a rich and tangy base to the soup. Look for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra depth of flavor.
Black beans: Canned black beans are a great source of protein and fiber in this soup. Make sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the crockpot.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a burst of freshness and texture to the soup. You can use canned corn or frozen corn for convenience.
Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and flavor to the soup. Chop up a medium-sized onion and a few cloves of garlic.
Chicken broth: To create a flavorful broth for the soup, use low-sodium chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can also use chicken stock.
Optional toppings: To personalize your crockpot chicken taco soup, you can garnish it with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

When it comes to making a delicious crockpot chicken taco soup, the first step is to properly prepare the chicken. This is an essential part of the recipe, as it sets the foundation for the flavors that will develop during the cooking process.

Here’s how I prepare the chicken for the soup:

Choose the right cut of chicken: I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they are lean and cook evenly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
Season the chicken: Before placing the chicken in the crockpot, I like to season it with a generous amount of taco seasoning. This adds a burst of flavor to the meat and helps to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces: To ensure that the chicken cooks thoroughly and evenly, I cut it into bite-sized pieces. This also makes it easier to serve and enjoy in the final dish.

Once the chicken is prepared, it’s time to move on to the next steps of the recipe. But before we do that, it’s worth noting that the type and quality of the chicken you use can make a significant difference in the final taste of the soup. So, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.

Now that we have our chicken ready, let’s move on to the next step and continue creating this mouth-watering crockpot chicken taco soup.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Now that the chicken is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step of creating the delicious crockpot chicken taco soup – chopping the vegetables. This step is crucial as it not only adds flavor and texture to the soup, but it also allows the flavors to marry together while cooking in the slow cooker.

To start, I recommend using fresh and high-quality vegetables for the best results. Here are the vegetables you’ll need:

1 large onion: I prefer using yellow onion for its mild and sweet flavor.
2 bell peppers: I like to use a mix of red and green bell peppers for added color and flavor.
2 cloves of garlic: Garlic adds a fantastic depth of flavor to the soup.
1 can of diced tomatoes: This adds a tangy and acidic element to balance out the flavors.

Begin by peeling and finely chopping the onion. The size of the chop can vary depending on your preference, but I find that a small dice works best for this soup.

Next, remove the seeds and core from the bell peppers and chop them into small pieces. Again, the size of the chop is up to you, but I find that a medium dice works well.

For the garlic, mince it finely using a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife. The smaller the garlic pieces, the more evenly the flavor will distribute throughout the soup.

Lastly, open the can of diced tomatoes and drain some of the liquid if desired. You can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re in season, but canned tomatoes work just as well and are more convenient.

Once you have chopped all the vegetables and prepared the tomatoes, you’re ready to move on to the next step in creating the crockpot chicken taco soup. Stay tuned for the next section where I’ll guide you through the process of sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Load Up the Crockpot

Now that the vegetables are nicely sautéed and ready to go, it’s time to bring out the star of the show – the crockpot. This magical kitchen appliance is going to work its wonders and transform these simple ingredients into a mouthwatering bowl of chicken taco soup.

Here’s how I load up my crockpot to ensure maximum flavor and deliciousness:

Add the chicken: I start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but bone-in chicken will add even more flavor to the soup. If using bone-in chicken, make sure to remove the bones before serving.
Season the chicken: Next, I generously sprinkle the chicken with my favorite taco seasoning blend. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Add the sautéed vegetables: Now it’s time to bring in those flavorful sautéed vegetables. Carefully pour them over the chicken, making sure to evenly distribute them across the crockpot.
Pour in the liquids: To create a rich and comforting base for the soup, I pour in a combination of chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). The chicken broth adds depth of flavor, while the diced tomatoes bring a delightful tanginess to the soup. You can adjust the amount of liquid depending on your preference for a thicker or thinner soup.
Spice it up: For an extra kick of heat, I like to add some diced green chilies or jalapeño peppers to the crockpot. If you prefer a milder soup, you can omit this step or adjust the amount of spicy ingredients to your taste.
Stir and set it: Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients and make sure the chicken is fully immersed in the liquid. Then, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook on Low Heat

Now that all the ingredients are in the crockpot and the flavors have blended together, it’s time to let the magic happen. Cooking the crockpot chicken taco soup on low heat is the key to achieving tender, flavorful chicken and a rich and delicious soup.

Cooking on low heat allows the ingredients to slowly simmer and meld together, resulting in a soup that is full of flavor. The low heat also ensures that the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly and are incredibly tender. This method of cooking helps to infuse all the spices and seasonings into the soup, creating a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

The cook time for the crockpot chicken taco soup on low heat is typically 6-8 hours. However, if you’re short on time and need the soup ready sooner, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cook time on low heat allows the flavors to fully develop and intensify, but even on high heat, the soup will still turn out delicious.

During the cooking process, it’s important to resist the temptation to lift the lid and check on the soup too frequently. Each time you lift the lid, heat is lost and it will take longer for the soup to cook. Trust the process and let the crockpot work its magic.

While the soup is cooking, you’ll start to notice the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen. The combination of the seasoned chicken, vegetables, and spices will create a tantalizing scent that will have your family eagerly awaiting mealtime.

Remember, cooking the crockpot chicken taco soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and results in a soup that is packed with deliciousness. So sit back, relax, and let the crockpot work its magic while you anticipate the incredible meal that awaits you.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Now that the crockpot chicken taco soup has been cooking on low heat for several hours, it’s time to move on to the next step: shredding the chicken.

Shredding the chicken is an important step in this recipe, as it helps to distribute the flavor throughout the soup and create a more cohesive texture.

To shred the chicken, I’ll simply take two forks and use them to pull the chicken apart. The chicken should be incredibly tender at this point, making it easy to shred.

Once the chicken is shredded, I’ll return it to the crockpot and give everything a good stir. This ensures that the shredded chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup, allowing every spoonful to be packed with delicious flavor.

I love the way the shredded chicken adds bulk and heartiness to the soup, making it a satisfying and filling meal. It also pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, such as the beans, corn, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

I’ll let the soup continue to cook for another 30 minutes or so, to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together. During this time, I’ll resist the urge to lift the lid and check on the soup too frequently, as this can cause heat loss and prolong the cooking time.

I can’t help but be excited for the final result – a piping hot bowl of crockpot chicken taco soup, with tender shreds of chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

So, now that the chicken is shredded and everything is mixed together, it’s time to let the soup finish cooking and get ready to serve. Stay tuned for the next step in this delicious crockpot chicken taco soup recipe.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Now that the crockpot chicken taco soup is ready, it’s time to enjoy the delicious flavors and add some finishing touches. Here’s how I like to serve and garnish this delectable dish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls: With the enticing aroma filling the kitchen, I can’t wait to dig in. I grab a ladle and carefully pour the piping hot soup into individual bowls. The rich broth, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables are an inviting sight.
Add a squeeze of lime: To enhance the flavors and give the soup a burst of tanginess, I squeeze a fresh lime over each bowl. The acidity of the lime balances out the heat from the spices and adds brightness to the overall taste.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese: Next, I sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top of the soup. The cheese melts into the hot broth, creating a creamy and indulgent layer that adds depth of flavor to every spoonful.
Top with diced avocado: Avocado adds a creamy and buttery texture to the soup, making it even more satisfying. I dice a ripe avocado and sprinkle it over the soup, creating a vibrant and visually appealing garnish.
Finish with chopped cilantro: For a fresh and herbaceous touch, I finely chop some cilantro leaves and sprinkle them over the soup. The fragrant aroma of cilantro enhances the overall taste experience and adds a pop of green color.
Serve with tortilla chips: Finally, I place a handful of crispy tortilla chips on the side of each bowl. The chips provide a satisfying crunch and also serve as a vessel for scooping up the savory soup.

Once the bowls are filled, garnished, and accompanied by tortilla chips, the crockpot chicken taco soup is ready to be enjoyed. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for chilly days or a casual get-together.

Conclusion

Preparing crockpot chicken taco soup is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a flavorful soup that is perfect for chilly days or casual get-togethers. This taco soup crock pot recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, zesty spices, and savory broth for a dish that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare. Simply set your ingredients in the crockpot, let it simmer, and enjoy a meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. With minimal effort and big flavor, it’s a winning choice for any occasion.

Serving and garnishing the soup is an important final step that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Personally, I love ladling the soup into bowls and adding the finishing touches. Squeezing fresh lime over each bowl enhances the flavors, while sprinkling shredded cheese creates a creamy layer. Topping with diced avocado adds a buttery texture, and finishing with chopped cilantro provides a fresh touch. Finally, serving the soup with tortilla chips adds a satisfying crunch.

The combination of these flavors and textures makes crockpot chicken taco soup a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.