Introduction:
This Chicken Taco Soup combines the hearty essence of tacos with the cozy warmth of soup. Packed with juicy chicken, corn, black beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s the perfect meal to satisfy your cravings. With just the right blend of taco seasoning, salsa, and a hint of sour cream and cheese, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Serve this with avocado and tortilla chips for an extra crunchy, creamy delight. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast, seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey jack)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup beer (optional, substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional, to taste)
- Fresh cilantro and lime slices (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup
- Season and Sear the Chicken
Rub the chicken breast with taco seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. - Deglaze with Beer (or Broth)
Pour the beer into the pot to deglaze, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it reduce for a couple of minutes. - Cook the Vegetables
Add butter to the pot, followed by the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce for a deep flavor base. - Build the Soup
Add the black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. - Finish with Sour Cream and Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred or dice it, and return it to the soup. Stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream for a creamy finish. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime slices, avocado, and tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Taco Soup
- Using Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
- Deglazing with Beer: This adds a rich depth to the soup, but you can easily replace it with chicken or beef broth if you prefer.
- Salsa Substitute: If you’re out of salsa, you can use a can of undrained Rotel tomatoes, but salsa adds a fantastic flavor punch.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Control the Heat: For a milder soup, use mild taco seasoning, skip the hot sauce, and swap jalapenos for bell peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply sear the chicken, cook the onions and garlic, and add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end.
2. What Toppings Go Well with Chicken Taco Soup?
Some great topping ideas include avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, diced jalapenos, shredded lettuce, or extra cheese and sour cream.
3. Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.
4. How Do I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken with extra beans, like pinto beans or kidney beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This Chicken Taco Soup is the ultimate fusion of bold taco flavors and comforting soup. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance to freeze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to serve it with some crispy tortilla chips and a dollop of guacamole for the full experience!