Easy Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup to Try Today
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug without spending hours in the kitchen, the Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup is your new go-to! This quick and flavorful soup blends hearty ingredients with vibrant Mexican-inspired spices, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It’s packed with tender chicken, rich broth, beans, and just the right touch of heat and zest, delivering comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings when time is precious.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and fiber from chicken and beans to keep you satisfied.
- Flavor-Packed: The bold spices and fresh ingredients make every bite vibrant and exciting.
- Easy to Customize: Simple base lets you add veggies, heat level, or toppings to fit your mood.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these straightforward ingredients that perfectly balance flavor, texture, and color—each playing an essential role in making the Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup truly unforgettable. These pantry staples are easy to find and come together effortlessly.
- Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Provides tender, lean protein that absorbs flavor beautifully.
- Black Beans: Adds heartiness and a creamy texture, boosting fiber content.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Brings a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory base that ties all ingredients together.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Taco Seasoning Blend: A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano infuses traditional taco flavors.
- Frozen Corn: Introduces a touch of sweetness and a colorful pop.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Fresh Cilantro: Perfect for garnish; elevates freshness and aroma.
Variations for Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup
Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly easy to adapt based on dietary needs, ingredient availability, or just your taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with extra beans and add diced zucchini or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Slow Cooker Version: Throw all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer gently all day.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before serving for a creamy texture.
- Low Carb Option: Skip the beans and corn to reduce carbs while still enjoying all the flavor.
How to Make Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, either cook it in a skillet until golden brown or add directly to the pot, depending on your preferred method (baked, shredded, or diced). This gives the soup its rich, meaty base.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This step unlocks essential flavors that form the soup’s savory foundation.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans
Pour in your chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, then stir in black beans and frozen corn. The broth needs to bring it all together, while the beans and corn provide substance and sweetness.
Step 4: Season Well
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning blend along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Stir well to ensure the spices infuse the broth and chicken evenly, creating that signature taco flavor in every spoonful.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes so all the flavors meld together and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Toast Your Spices: Briefly toast taco spices in the pot to release their full aroma before adding liquids.
- Don’t Skip the Lime: The fresh acidity brightens the soup and balances the spices perfectly.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling vigorously to keep chicken tender and soup flavors well-rounded.
- Freeze in Portions: Divide leftovers into individual servings for easy reheating during the week.
How to Serve Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or even crunchy tortilla strips for delightful texture and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm cornbread, classic tortilla chips, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal with complementary textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bowls inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or puff pastry shells to impress guests at casual dinners or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This chicken taco soup freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months, perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage to keep it soupy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use shredded leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works perfectly and saves prep time while still delivering great flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free, Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup is safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with additional beans or tofu for a hearty vegan version.
How spicy is the soup?
The standard recipe has a mild to medium heat level, but you can easily adjust spiciness with more chili powder or fresh peppers.
What toppings work best with this soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips to add texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines convenience with bold, comforting flavors, the Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup is a must-try. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly flexible, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to. Give it a go and enjoy the warmth, zest, and sheer satisfaction of homemade taco soup in minutes!
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Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup
Spark Recipes Chicken Taco Soup is a quick, hearty, and flavorful Mexican-inspired soup that combines tender chicken, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and bold taco spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, and customizable to suit dietary preferences. This comforting soup offers vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, making every spoonful a warm, satisfying experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Crunchy tortilla strips
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it in a skillet until golden brown or add directly to the pot depending on your preferred cooking method (baked, shredded, or diced). This forms the rich, meaty base of the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent to unlock essential flavors that serve as the soup’s savory foundation.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, then stir in black beans and frozen corn. The broth ties all ingredients together while the beans and corn add texture and sweetness.
- Season Well: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning blend and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Stir thoroughly to evenly infuse the broth and chicken with the bold taco flavor.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes so flavors meld and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify prep.
- Toast the taco spices briefly in the pot to release their full aroma before adding liquids.
- Don’t skip fresh lime juice—it brightens and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Simmer gently without boiling vigorously to keep chicken tender and flavors well-rounded.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating during the week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken taco soup, quick chicken soup, Mexican soup, weeknight dinner, meal prep soup, gluten free soup