Description
Hearty chicken taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in a single bowl. Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and rich broth, this quick meal satisfies you with bold flavors and warming goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
Vegetables and Beans:
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 (10 ounces/284 grams) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
- 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can corn, drained
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings (optional): shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a spacious soup pot over medium-high temperature, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and add Ro-tel tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, chopped red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Thoroughly blend all ingredients to create a harmonious mixture.
- Elevate the heat to high, allowing the liquid to reach a vigorous boil. Once bubbling, reduce temperature to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered and letting the flavors meld together for 5 minutes.
- Dice the cream cheese into smaller, manageable chunks and introduce them into the simmering soup. Continuously stir until the cheese completely dissolves, creating a creamy, smooth texture.
- Fold in shredded chicken, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Continue cooking for 6-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken warms thoroughly and absorbs the surrounding spices.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with preferred toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla strips.
Notes
- Prep this zesty soup in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Customize toppings like shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate flavor and texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal prep, cutting down total cooking time significantly.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option.
- Swap protein by using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a versatile recipe that accommodates different dietary preferences.
- Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot Ro-tel tomatoes and controlling the amount of chili powder added.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg