Chicken taco soup is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe to make the best chicken taco soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink on the outside.
- Season: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
- Add Liquids & Veggies: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Serve: Once done, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices if using.
- Enjoy! Enjoy your hearty and flavorful chicken taco soup with family and friends.
Tips:
- For a spicier soup, add some diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
- You can also use a slow cooker. After sautéing the onion, garlic, and chicken in a pan, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (excluding toppings), and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- For a creamier version, stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Remember, like all recipes, you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your taste! Enjoy your meal!
