Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Cozy Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Steaming with flavor and packed with zesty chicken taco soup ingredients, this comforting bowl promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Robust spices dance through each spoonful, creating a melody of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Tender chicken, black beans, and corn mingle in a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Colorful toppings like fresh cilantro, sharp cheddar cheese, and crisp tortilla strips add delightful texture and crunch.

Every bite tells a story of comfort and bold, satisfying flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of hearty, delicious comfort food that brings joy to the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 6

7 Can Chicken Taco Soup Ingredient Round-Up

For Protein and Base:
  • Chicken: Shredded or chunked protein that adds hearty texture and rich flavor to the soup, best when using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
  • Black Beans: Creamy legume that boosts protein content and provides earthy undertones, select canned beans for convenience and quick cooking.
  • Pinto Beans: Soft, buttery beans that contribute additional protein and create a robust southwestern feel.
For Flavor Enhancers and Liquid Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that provides acidity and natural sweetness, opt for no-salt-added varieties for better sodium control.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty ingredient that introduces subtle heat and complexity, perfect for adding southwestern flair.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Bold, spicy liquid that infuses deep mexican-inspired flavors, choose red or green based on personal preference.
  • Taco Seasoning: Signature blend of spices that delivers immediate southwestern taste profile, select low-sodium versions for healthier option.
  • Chicken Broth: Optional liquid for adjusting soup consistency, enhances overall depth of flavor and prevents soup from becoming too thick.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy richness and visual appeal.
  • Sour Cream: Cool, tangy garnish that balances spicy elements.
  • Tortilla Chips: Crunchy texture provider that adds playful eating experience.

Must-Haves for 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup Prep

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and mixing all ingredients together with plenty of space.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring soup and combining ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately add ingredients and manage soup consistency.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Can Opener: Needed to open canned ingredients like beans and tomatoes.

How to Cook 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup with Ease

  • Toss Everything Together

Grab a big pot and dump in chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix everything until it looks colorful and exciting.

  • Heat and Let Flavors Dance

Crank up the stove to medium-high and watch the pot bubble with energy. Lower the heat, pop on a lid, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes while the flavors get to know each other.

  • Optional Liquid Boost

Want a lighter soup? Pour in some chicken broth and give it a quick stir until it reaches your perfect consistency.

  • Dress and Devour

Scoop the steaming soup into bowls and go wild with toppings. Sprinkle some cheese, dollop sour cream, or crunch up some tortilla chips for extra excitement.

Little Changes That Enhance 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup

  • Use two forks to easily shred the cooked chicken directly in the pot, saving time and preventing extra dishes.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Replace beans with cauliflower rice or extra zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters. The soup remains hearty and flavorful.
  • Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, extra beans, or meat alternatives like jackfruit. Add extra taco seasoning for robust flavor.
  • Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies and taco seasoning. For sensitive palates, use half the recommended seasoning and add more to taste.

How to Plate and Serve 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup

  • Flavor Fiesta Topping Bar: Set up a DIY topping station with shredded cheddar, crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their soup.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or a crisp green salad to balance the soup's rich and zesty flavors, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Bread Bowl Brilliance: Hollow out round sourdough bread bowls and ladle the steaming soup inside for a rustic, fun presentation that lets guests enjoy every delicious spoonful while eating the bread bowl.
  • Leftover Transformation: Use any remaining soup as a killer sauce for loaded nachos, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes, maximizing your culinary creativity.

Tips to Keep 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup Fresh

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety. Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain consistent temperature.
  • Divide soup into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This approach allows quick single-meal defrosting and reduces potential food waste.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding to the soup. Simply increase the simmering time by 5-10 minutes to guarantee the chicken is heated through.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. If you prefer less spice, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of green chilies.

  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add an extra can of beans, use rotisserie chicken for more meat, or stir in some cooked quinoa or additional shredded chicken to boost the protein content.

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Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty seven-can chicken taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in a single pot. Simple ingredients merge into a robust meal families will enjoy together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12.5 oz / 354 g) can cooked chicken, drained and shredded
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10 oz / 283 g) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner soup consistency)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Pour all canned ingredients – chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chili tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning – into a large pot, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  2. Heat and Simmer: Raise the stovetop temperature to medium-high, stirring periodically until the mixture reaches a gentle bubbling point, then lower heat to a soft simmer.
  3. Develop Flavor: Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup slowly meld together for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even heating.
  4. Adjust Consistency: Check the soup’s thickness, adding chicken broth if a more liquid texture is preferred, ensuring a balanced and appetizing result.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, topping with crispy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a delightful and complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning: Stir soup occasionally and keep heat low to avoid scorching bottom of pot, which can create bitter taste and ruin overall flavor profile.
  • Customize Consistency: Adjust liquid levels by adding chicken broth or water if soup appears too thick, ensuring perfect soupy texture without compromising taste.
  • Enhance Protein Flexibility: Substitute canned chicken with rotisserie, shredded fresh chicken, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for dietary preferences and variations.
  • Optimize Toppings Strategy: Serve garnishes separately so guests customize their bowl, keeping crispy elements like tortilla chips crunchy and preventing soggy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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