Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired soup that combines tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices in a hearty broth. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, it is perfect for cozy family meals and can be customized with various toppings and ingredient swaps.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies or 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional)
Liquids & Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breast or thighs in a pot with a bit of olive oil, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, which builds the flavor base of the soup.
- Combine Core Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and taco seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Shredded Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Touches: If using, stir in diced green chilies or jalapeños for an extra fresh zing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and onions for better flavor depth.
- Make your own taco seasoning to control spice levels and avoid preservatives.
- Simmer the soup gently to develop rich, cohesive flavors without overcooking the chicken.
- Shred the chicken while it’s warm for easier shredding and better texture.
- Adjust the liquid by adding extra broth or water for a thinner soup consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chicken taco soup, Mexican soup, taco seasoning soup, shredded chicken soup, comforting soup, gluten free soup