If you’re craving a comforting bowl that packs a flavorful punch, this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It flawlessly blends tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and velvety creaminess with that irresistible taco seasoning kick, all simmered into a rich, hearty soup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend feast, this soup brings warmth and excitement to every spoonful, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the sautéed onions adding sweetness to the creamy cheese melting into each bite, these simple essentials come together effortlessly to elevate the soup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a smooth sauté that brings out the onion’s natural sweetness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a delicate sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic zing that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The hearty protein that soaks up taco seasoning and lends substance to the dish.
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning: The magic mix that infuses the soup with classic southwestern spices.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, fiber, and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained: Brings bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provides tang, juiciness, and a mild heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that pulls all ingredients together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this soup indulgently smooth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in for a rich, cheesy finish that everyone will love.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every layer of flavor.
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, tortilla chips: These add texture, brightness, and customization for each palate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook gently until it turns translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which forms an amazing flavor foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it around for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Garlic wakes up the senses and complements the gentle sweetness of the onion perfectly.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Put in your chicken pieces and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over them. Cook the chicken until it’s lightly browned on all sides, usually 5 to 7 minutes. This step not only seals in moisture but also intensifies that classic taco flavor.
Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Broth
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. These ingredients contribute vibrant color, a delightful mix of textures, and the perfect balance of spicy and mellow flavors. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to blend all those beautiful flavors together.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let this blend simmer patiently for about 20 minutes. This resting time ensures the chicken cooks through thoroughly and every ingredient has a chance to harmonize and build incredible depth in the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly and the soup achieves that irresistible, creamy texture that sets this recipe apart.
Step 7: Season and Adjust
Now it’s time to taste and season with salt and pepper. This final seasoning is essential to bring all the flavors into perfect balance. Feel free to adjust based on your preference for saltiness or spice.
Step 8: Serve and Add Toppings
Dish the soup into bowls and invite your guests to top it with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, creamy sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips. Each garnish adds personality and an extra burst of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The optional toppings aren’t just for show; they pack complementary textures and bursts of flavor. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, jalapeños bring a spicy kick, sour cream cools and smooths, and crunchy tortilla chips add satisfying crunch. Don’t hesitate to pile them on generously.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread for an extra cozy meal, or a simple side salad to lighten things up. Even a platter of fresh avocado slices and lime wedges can add a refreshing contrast and round out a perfect dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also layer it in clear mugs for a colorful, family-friendly presentation that makes eating this cozy soup even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to make this soup ahead in larger batches, it freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the soup creamy and prevent the cheese from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly, you can also use thighs for a juicier, more tender texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and swap shredded cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the soup creamy without dairy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredientsexcept the cream and cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream and cheese in the last 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don’t have a packet on hand, mix your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This DIY seasoning works beautifully in this soup.
How spicy is the soup?
The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to the green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can always adjust the spice by adding more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s customizable to your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl packed with flavor, and this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe delivers it in spades. It’s easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Give it a try and you might just find yourself reaching for that ladle over and over again, sharing this delicious treasure with friends and family alike.
Print
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies in a rich, creamy broth. Seasoned with taco spices and finished with cheddar cheese, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners and can be customized with various toppings for extra zest.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant to build the base flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and season with taco seasoning. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and for flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed for balance.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add more jalapeños or include a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the soup will be less rich.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth quantity or let soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes before adding cream and cheese.
- Gluten-free taco seasoning can be used to make the soup gluten-free.
