Name: Chicken Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 cup minced onion; ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 14 oz can tomato sauce (low or no salt); 1 quart chicken broth (low or no salt); 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (low or no salt); 1 cup frozen corn, thawed

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This Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a perfect solution for busy nights when you need something hearty, healthy, and delicious. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Packed with chicken, black beans, corn, and flavorful spices, it’s a comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Chicken Taco Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Taco Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick dinner. The soup is flavorful with the perfect balance of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. The chicken is tender and shredded, soaking up all the savory goodness of the broth. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for various cooking methods—Instant Pot, Crockpot, or stovetop.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup minced onion
½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 oz can tomato sauce (low or no salt)
1 quart chicken broth (low or no salt)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (low or no salt)
1 cup frozen corn, thawed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Stovetop Instructions:

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Chicken and Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, tomato sauce, chicken broth, spices, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring to a Boil: Cover the pot, turn the heat to high, and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks (or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quick shredding!). Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir to combine, and enjoy!

Crockpot Instructions:

Optional Sauté: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 4 minutes, then transfer to the Crockpot.
Combine in Crockpot: Add the chicken breasts, tomato sauce, chicken broth, spices, black beans, and corn to the Crockpot. Stir well.
Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, stir to combine, and enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions:

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function for 4 minutes. Sauté the onions and garlic, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to avoid a burn notice.
Add Chicken and Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, tomato sauce, chicken broth, spices, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together.
Cook Under Pressure: Cover the Instant Pot, set it to “Sealing,” and cook on Manual Pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Release and Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, quick-release the pressure. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks (or use a stand mixer), and add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir to combine, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (2 ½ cup servings)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños if you like your soup spicy.
Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or add dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
Toppings: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll add a bit more flavor and richness to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Can I add other beans to the soup?

Yes, you can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Definitely! Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to increase the heat level.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth.

Can I make this in a slow cooker without sautéing the onions and garlic?

Yes, you can skip the sauté step and add everything directly to the slow cooker. Just note that sautéing the onions and garlic will enhance the flavor, but it’s not essential.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry or cook it uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Just make sure to increase the cooking time if using frozen chicken.

Can I use homemade broth?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will add even more flavor and richness to this soup.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Taco Soup is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot, Crockpot, or on the stovetop, it’s a simple, flavorful dish that will become a family favorite. With healthy ingredients, customizable spice levels, and a variety of cooking options, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy!

Chicken Taco Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients