Description
Hearty chicken taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in one delightful bowl, packed with zesty spices and tender chicken. Quick preparation meets bold flavors, making this soul-warming dish perfect for hungry families seeking a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
- 2 (10 oz) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce liquid and seasoning elements by combining chicken broth, Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and all spices into the pot, stirring thoroughly to integrate the ingredients.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- Transform the soup’s texture by incorporating softened cream cheese, breaking it into smaller fragments and stirring consistently until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Introduce shredded chicken into the simmering liquid, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure the meat is heated thoroughly and absorbs surrounding flavors.
- Perform final seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve balanced flavor profile.
- Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat without overwhelming the flavor profile.
- Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken to save time and add more depth to the soup’s taste.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free broth and checking canned ingredient labels carefully.
- Transform leftovers into a hearty casserole by stirring in additional cheese and baking with a crispy tortilla chip topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 186 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg