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Taco Soup | Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

By Lily

September 28, 2025

Taco Soup is the ultimate way to bring big, bold Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table. This version uses shredded chicken, beans, and corn to create a healthy taco soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family meals. Whether you make it on the stovetop or let it simmer away in the crock pot, this chicken taco soup is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for this delicious chicken taco soup:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
  • ½ packet ranch seasoning mix (optional for added tang)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the base – Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add chicken and seasoning – Stir in shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning (if using). Mix well.
  3. Add beans, corn, and tomatoes – Combine beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together.
  4. Pour in broth – Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  5. Finish with lime – Squeeze in lime juice for brightness and season to taste.
  6. Serve and garnish – Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips.

Health Benefits of Chicken Taco Soup

This chicken taco soup is a great choice for a balanced, family-friendly meal:

  • Lean Protein – Shredded chicken adds plenty of protein without being heavy.
  • Fiber-Rich – Beans and corn bring fiber to keep you full and energized.
  • Antioxidant-Packed – Tomatoes and chilies are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Versatile & Customizable – Adjust spice levels or swap in extra veggies to make it your own.

Why This Soup Belongs in Your Weeknight Menu

Weeknights call for quick, flavorful meals, and taco soup delivers every time. On the stovetop, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, but it also works beautifully as a crock pot taco soup. Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours for a hands-off dinner.

This recipe is also a family favorite because it’s customizable—everyone can add their own toppings for a personalized bowl. Kids love cheese and tortilla strips, while adults can load up on avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce.

Variations and Soup Ideas

  • Healthy Taco Soup – Use extra beans and veggies for a lighter, more plant-forward version.
  • Creamy Twist – Stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy chicken taco soup.
  • Spicy Birria-Inspired Soup – Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
  • Crock Pot Cooking – Let the soup simmer all day for tender chicken and deep flavor.
  • Tortilla Soup Style – Add crispy tortilla strips for a classic tortilla soup recipes variation.

Conclusion

Chicken Taco Soup is a healthy, flavorful recipe that combines the zesty fun of tacos with the cozy comfort of a hearty soup. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet delicious enough to serve to guests, and it adapts easily to your favorite toppings and cooking methods.

Save this taco soup recipe today so you’ll always have a go-to dinner idea when you want something warm, comforting, and full of flavor.

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