Chicken Taco Soup – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a steaming bowl of chicken taco soup after a long day. It’s warm, hearty, zesty—and best of all, ridiculously easy to make. I first fell in love with this soup on a road trip through the Southwest, where every local diner served their own version, brimming with Tex-Mex flavor. Since then, I’ve fine-tuned it into a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under 40 minutes.

This is the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights easier and tastier. Whether you’re a home cook or a student juggling deadlines, this recipe is your new go-to. Want more cozy meal inspiration? Follow us on Facebook for daily recipe inspiration and check out our Lunch Vibes Pinterest board for more delicious dinner ideas.

What is Chicken Taco Soup?

Imagine your favorite taco—but in a spoonable, soul-warming form. That’s chicken taco soup for you. A delightful mashup of Mexican chicken soup, Tex-Mex soup, and chicken enchilada soup, this dish brings together tender chicken, savory taco seasoning, canned beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chilies in a comforting broth.

Unlike its cousin, the chicken tortilla soup, this version skips the extra steps and delivers bold flavors in a more streamlined process. It’s the ideal taco flavored chicken soup that keeps things simple while still being packed with personality. It also makes a great base to play with depending on your spice level or favorite toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this bowl of joy:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (or use rotisserie chicken)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn (or 1½ cups frozen corn), drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 can regular diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Crunchy tortilla strips
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

How to Make Chicken Taco Soup

Let’s break it down—because you deserve simple, delicious steps:

1. Sauté the Chicken
   In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
   In the same pot, toss in diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings
   Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat and veggies in those savory spices.
4. Combine Ingredients
   Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes (both plain and with chilies), and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer to Perfection
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
6. Season & Serve
   Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

And just like that, your one-pot chicken taco soup is ready to impress!

Tips for Success

Want to elevate your soup game? Try these:

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a speedier version.
• For a spicy chicken taco soup, stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of chipotle powder.
• Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a luscious creamy chicken taco soup.
• Watching carbs? Skip the beans and corn for a low-carb taco soup option.

Variations to Try

This recipe loves a good remix. Here are three favorites:

• Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup: Add all ingredients (except toppings) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
• Cheesy Chicken Taco Soup: Stir in shredded cheese right before serving for extra comfort food vibes.
• Healthy Chicken Taco Soup: Use low-sodium broth, skip the cheese and sour cream, and add spinach for extra greens.

(For more cozy ideas, check out our comforting slow cooker chicken dinners.)

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this hearty soup with:

• Crunchy tortilla chips or strips
• Warm cornbread
• Avocado salad or a side of guac
• Lime wedges for that citrusy finish

Perfect for a family dinner idea, meal prep soup, or lunch leftovers. Looking for more dinner inspiration? Explore our Mexican-inspired recipes or simple chicken lunch ideas.

Yield

Serves 6. Ideal for feeding the family, meal prepping, or stocking the freezer.

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