When you need a comforting bowl of Chicken Taco Soup, seasonings and beans come together for a warming family meal. Shredded chicken simmers alongside corn and tomatoes in a savory broth, ready in just 40 minutes. Top with cheddar and tortilla strips for a hearty dinner everyone will love.
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Ingredients for Chicken Taco Soup
For the soup
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Perfect for shredding and soaking up all those flavors.
- Olive oil – Just a splash to get things started.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped for a sweet, savory base.
- Taco seasoning mix – The star of the show; a packet makes it so easy.
- Ranch dressing mix – Trust me, this secret ingredient gives it a cozy depth.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles – Undrained for that tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Black beans – Rinsed and drained to keep the texture just right.
- Pinto beans – Another great bean option for heartiness.
- Corn kernels – Drained so it doesn’t water down the soup.
- Chicken broth – The foundation of any good soup.
- Water – Just a cup to balance the broth.
For serving
- Sour cream – A cool dollop to top it off.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Because melty cheese makes everything better.
- Tortilla strips – For that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Cook Time for Easy Chicken Taco Soup
I love how quickly this recipe comes together! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
If you’re looking for more inspiration for quick, satisfying meals, you’ll love my collection of healthy soup recipes that are just as easy to make!
How to Make Hearty Chicken Taco Soup
Let me walk you through making this comforting one-pot soup with beans and corn. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the onion turns translucent and soft.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mixes evenly over the chicken and onions, coating them thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, rinsed black beans, rinsed pinto beans, drained corn, chicken broth, and 1 cup water. Stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Return Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts and transfer them to a cutting board. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of tortilla strips. Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Chicken Taco Soup even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize it for your family’s taste!
- Flavor Swap: Try using ground turkey instead of chicken breasts for a different texture – it works beautifully in this recipe just like in my ground beef tacos.
- Diet Tweaks: For a lighter version, use low-sodium broth and skip the cheese topping. The soup is still packed with flavor from the seasonings!
- Texture Fix: If you prefer a thicker broth, mash some of the beans against the pot side before serving – it creates a wonderfully creamy chicken soup consistency.
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully! Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. For more make-ahead ideas, check out my slow cooker tacos guide.
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounce, undrained
- 1 can black beans 15 ounce, rinsed and drained
- 1 can pinto beans 15 ounce, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn kernels 15 ounce, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- sour cream, for serving
- shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- tortilla strips, for serving
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Place the pound of chicken breasts into the pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mixes evenly over the chicken and onions.
- Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, the rinsed black beans and pinto beans, the drained corn, the chicken broth, and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of tortilla strips.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This one-pot Chicken Taco Soup isn’t just comforting—it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body. I’ve always believed that the best meals are those that taste indulgent while still giving you plenty of nutrition.
When I serve this hearty Chicken Taco Soup to my family, I love knowing they’re getting lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans and corn, and vitamins from the tomatoes and onions. It’s a complete meal that keeps everyone satisfied for hours.
For those watching their nutrition, this recipe offers a great balance. The beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, while the broth base keeps it lighter than cream-based soups. If you’re interested in more nutrient-packed meals, check out my healthy Mexican food ideas for Cinco de Mayo.
According to USDA Taco Soup Guidelines, soups with lean protein and vegetables can be an excellent part of a balanced diet. The combination of ingredients in this easy Chicken Taco Soup provides sustained energy without weighing you down.
For another nourishing option that’s perfect for cooler weather, you might enjoy my fall soup collection with seasonal ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
A Lighter Version of Hearty Chicken Taco Soup
Sometimes we all want that comforting bowl of soup but with a lighter touch. Over the years, I’ve perfected several tweaks that maintain all the flavor while cutting back on calories—perfect for when you want that cozy feeling without the heaviness.
For a lower-calorie version, try using chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the cheese topping. The seasonings and vegetables provide so much flavor that you won’t miss the extra calories. The beans create a naturally creamy chicken soup texture without needing any additional thickeners.
If you’re watching sodium intake, use low-sodium chicken broth and skip the packaged seasoning mixes. Instead, make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder—it lets you control the salt while keeping all the Tex-Mex flavor. This creates a savory one-pot soup with beans and corn that’s both healthy and delicious.
For more lightened-up meal ideas, explore my white chicken chili recipe that uses similar ingredients but with a different flavor profile. You might also enjoy browsing my healthy soup recipes collection for more nourishing options.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve learned through years of cooking for friends and family with different dietary needs that small adjustments can make a big difference. Whether you’re cooking for someone who’s sugar conscious or simply looking for healthier options, these tips come straight from my kitchen experience.
For a diabetic-friendly version of this Chicken Taco Soup, focus on maintaining stable blood sugar levels by keeping the natural sweetness in check. The tomatoes already bring some natural sugars, so I often reduce or omit the corn, which can be higher in carbohydrates. This helps create a low glycemic meal that’s still packed with flavor.
When making this for sugar-conscious friends, I sometimes use a sugar alternative in the seasoning mix if I’m making it from scratch. The ranch and taco seasoning packets often contain hidden sugars, so creating your own blend lets you control exactly what goes into your quick stovetop meal with seasoned chicken.
Portion control is another simple trick—serving a reasonable bowl size with plenty of lean protein and fiber from the beans helps maintain glycemic control. I’ve found that these small changes make this comfort food soup accessible to almost everyone at my table.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup
I’ll never forget the first time I served this Chicken Taco Soup to my extended family during a chilly autumn gathering. My cousin—who claims to not really like soup—had three bowls and asked for the recipe right there at the table. There’s something magical about how the toppings transform this dish into a truly special meal.
The beauty of this hearty Chicken Taco Soup is how customizable it is for serving. I love setting up a topping bar with small bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and those crucial tortilla strips for crunch. It lets everyone build their perfect bowl exactly how they like it.
For side dishes, I often serve this with a simple green salad or warmed cornbread—the slight sweetness of cornbread complements the savory spices beautifully. If you’re looking for more serving inspiration, my chicken tacos guide has great ideas that work equally well with this soup.
When it comes to drinks, I find that a light beer or crisp white wine pairs wonderfully, or for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lime keeps things refreshing. For more comforting meal ideas that perfect for family gatherings, check out my crockpot cheeseburger soup—another crowd-pleaser that everyone loves.
However you choose to serve it, this Chicken Taco Soup always brings people together around the table, creating the kind of warm, shared moments that turn into cherished memories. That’s the real magic of a great meal—it nourishes both body and soul.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes with this Chicken Taco Soup recipe—and learned from each one. When my daughter first tried it years ago, she said it tasted “like spicy water” because I’d skimped on seasonings. That taught me to never underestimate the power of proper seasoning!
One common mistake is overcrowding the pot with ingredients too quickly. If you add everything at once, the flavors don’t have time to develop properly. Instead, I always start by sautéing the onions and garlic first to build a flavorful base for this savory one-pot soup with beans and corn.
Another error I see often is using old spices. That taco seasoning packet sitting in your pantry for months? It might have lost its punch. Fresh spices make all the difference in creating that authentic Tex-Mex flavor we love. For more professional cooking tips, check out these Food Network Cooking Techniques that I’ve adapted for home kitchens.
Don’t make the soup too thin either—I learned this the hard way when serving guests. The beans and corn should create a hearty broth with tomatoes and black beans that’s substantial enough to feel like a meal. If it’s too watery, let it simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to reduce.
Finally, remember that this easy Chicken Taco Soup continues to develop flavor as it sits. I always taste and adjust seasonings right before serving. For more troubleshooting tips, browse my healthy soup recipes collection where I share lessons from my own kitchen experiments.
How to Store Chicken Taco Soup
This Chicken Taco Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s what I always make for new parents in our neighborhood. I remember dropping off a giant container for our friends when they brought their baby home from the hospital—they said it sustained them through those sleepless first weeks!
For storing leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Glass jars work wonderfully because they don’t absorb odors and allow you to see what’s inside. This hearty Chicken Taco Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and honestly, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
If you want to freeze it, this comfort food soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags laid flat—they thaw quickly and make perfect quick lunches. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water as the soup thickens when frozen.
For another freezer-friendly option that’s equally convenient, try my Mexican sweet potato chicken soup which uses similar storage methods. And if you love make-ahead meals, don’t miss my slow cooker tacos guide for more time-saving ideas.
Try This Chicken Taco Soup Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time I made this Chicken Taco Soup for my book club—the ladies emptied the pot so quickly I barely got a bowl! There’s something magical about how this simple dish brings people together around the table.
Now it’s your turn to create those warm moments with your own loved ones. This easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you simply need a bowl of comfort after a long day. The aromas filling your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner’s ready!
Don’t be afraid to make it your own—add extra corn for sweetness, throw in some diced sweet potatoes, or top with avocado instead of cheese. Cooking should be joyful, and this versatile recipe welcomes your personal touch. For more inspiration, explore my ground beef tacos for a different protein option, or try my tom kha gai soup if you’re craving Asian flavors.
However you enjoy it, this one-pot Chicken Taco Soup will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. It’s nourishing, comforting, and absolutely delicious—everything a homemade meal should be. I can’t wait to hear how your family enjoys it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chicken tortilla soup and chicken taco soup?
While both are delicious Tex-Mex inspired soups, chicken tortilla soup typically has a brothier consistency and is always served with crispy tortilla strips. Chicken taco soup is heartier with more beans and corn, creating a thicker consistency that’s almost stew-like. The seasonings are similar, but taco soup often uses packaged taco seasoning for that distinct flavor profile.
What toppings go on chicken taco soup?
I love setting up a topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla strips. The beauty of this chicken taco soup is that everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it. For more topping ideas, check out my chicken tacos guide which uses many of the same ingredients.
What liquid goes in taco soup?
I use chicken broth as the base liquid—it adds depth and richness without overwhelming the other flavors. Some recipes use tomato juice or even beer, but I find broth creates the perfect balanced base. For a lighter version, you can use low-sodium broth and let the natural juices from the tomatoes and seasonings shine through.
What soup breaks up mucus?
While this isn’t a medical recommendation, many people find that spicy foods like this chicken taco soup can help clear sinuses temporarily. The warmth and spices like chili powder and cumin might provide some relief. For more soothing options, try my classic chicken soup recipe which is always comforting when you’re under the weather.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If this chicken taco soup warmed your heart, here are more comforting bowls waiting for you.
- White Chicken Chili – Creamy and gently spiced, perfect for those nights when you need comfort in a bowl.
- Butternut Squash Soup – Sweet, velvety, and swirled with cream—autumn in a spoon.
- Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup – All the classic burger flavors transformed into the coziest soup imaginable.
- Mexican Street Corn Soup – Charred corn, lime, and cotija cheese make this soup irresistibly fresh and festive.
