Are you one of those busy parents juggling work, household chores, and managing school schedules? Do you often find yourself in a race against time when it comes to preparing a wholesome meal for your family? Well, worry not, because I have just the solution for you - an easy chicken taco soup recipe that will not only save you time but also impress your loved ones.
Imagine a dinner that's not only quick to whip up but also leaves your family licking their bowls clean, asking for seconds. That's the magic of this easy chicken taco soup. It's a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.
You can jump right to the recipe, or read on for some extra info about the ingredients and preparation.
For the chicken component of this easy chicken taco soup recipe, opt for fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. Choosing high-quality chicken ensures tender and juicy results. Not only does chicken serve as a lean protein source, but its mild flavor also complements the bold spices and vibrant vegetables in the soup.
You can also use frozen chicken breasts, but it will take a little longer, and you’ll need to alter the preparation slightly.
Corn plays a pivotal role in adding sweetness and texture to this soup. Use canned or frozen corn for convenience, though fresh corn, when in season, can elevate the soup's flavor even further. The corn kernels not only provide bursts of sweetness but also contribute a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and velvety broth. As the soup simmers, the corn releases its natural starch, subtly thickening the broth and enhancing its overall mouthfeel.
Beans add both texture and heartiness to the soup. Opt for canned black beans, which are convenient and readily available, though you can also use dried beans if you prefer - but be aware that dried beans can take a long time to soften when cooking, especially when paired with acidic ingredients, like tomatoes. The easiest way to soften beans is to use a solution of baking soda and water, but even with this method you’ll still probably want to soak them overnight to avoid having hard beans in your soup.
If you’re in a hurry, canned beans are faster and simpler.
Use a high-quality chicken broth, whether homemade or store-bought, to infuse the soup with rich, savory notes. My preference is the one-quart boxes of pre-made broth, which I buy in bulk, but you can use powders, cubes, pastes - just don’t skimp on flavor, otherwise the soup can turn out a little bland.
The classic choice of aromatic vegetables for this recipe is onions, bell peppers, and garlic, as they mimic the vegetables typically used to flavor taco meat. If you can’t use onions or garlic for health reasons, celery makes a good substitute - even though its flavors are completely different, it still works well with the other ingredients in this soup.
Also, depending on how spicy you like your food, jalapenos and other hot peppers make a great addition. Play around with different combinations and ratios to see what works best for you.
Cumin, paprika, and oregano are my go-to spices for this soup. Smoked paprika provides an extra flavor dimension that reminds me of outdoor cooking. Regular old chili powder works just as well, or even taco flavor packets that you might have lying around, but these don’t allow you the opportunity to fine-tune your flavors the way the basic spices do.
Cilantro is a nice herb for garnishing, but if someone in your family hates cilantro, you can use parsley instead. Or you can just skip it.
For me, it wouldn’t be chicken taco soup without tomatoes. Sure, you can skip them and the soup will turn out just fine, but I find that not only do they remind me of chopped tomatoes on tacos, they also add a bright, acidic note to the soup that this and other savory dishes often benefit from.
Fresh tomatoes are fine, but they aren’t in season for very long. Honestly, canned tomatoes almost always taste better, and they’re far less work. Just make sure you buy diced tomatoes, and not crushed, or your soup might turn out a bit watery.
You can’t talk about anything taco-related without mentioning garnishes. For a delightful crunch and an added touch of authenticity, consider garnishing your soup with toasted taco shell pieces. If you have soft taco shells, you can cut them in strips and then bake them in the oven for a minute or two. Otherwise just bake some shells and break them up.
Avocado adds a smooth, cool texture to the soup, while adding some healthy fats at the same time. Another cooling option is a dollop of sour cream added right before serving. Grated cheese is a kid favorite, as well.
Finally, you can add chopped herbs, like cilantro, parsley, or basil, for a burst of freshness.
The first step in crafting this tantalizing easy chicken taco soup is to sauté the aromatic vegetables. Heat a tablespoon of oil in your soup pot over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer before adding your aromatics and spices. A little salt will help extract their bold flavors, while filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
After the aromatic vegetables have softened, it's time to add the diced chicken. With most soups I add the chicken along with the broth, but this soup has such bold flavors that the chicken needs a chance to develop some extra flavor of its own. Sauteing it for a short time in the veggies and spices does just that.
When the chicken is cooked through and infused with the aromatic flavors, it's time to add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, and diced green chilies, creating a colorful and vibrant mixture that promises to tantalize the taste buds. Bring the soup to a low boil, then reduce, cover, and simmer for a few minutes.
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, it's time to serve and garnish with your favorite toppings.
This easy chicken taco soup recipe is a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly combines flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. With its robust blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, each spoonful bursts with savory goodness that is sure to please the pickiest of taste buds. Not only is this soup packed with protein and fiber, but it also offers a wide array of essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners.
What's more, its ease of preparation ensures that even the busiest of households can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without sacrificing precious time. Whether you're serving it up on a hectic weeknight or gathering around the table for a cozy weekend meal, this easy chicken taco soup is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction to the whole family. So gather your loved ones, ladle out some soup, and savor the joy of good food and shared moments together.
With this easy chicken taco soup recipe in your repertoire, you'll never have to stress about dinner again. It's a lifesaver for busy parents who want to provide healthy and delicious meals for their families without spending hours in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as it becomes a staple on your weekly menu rotation.
Happy cooking!
Q: Can this easy chicken taco soup recipe be frozen?
A: Absolutely! In fact, you can make a double batch and freeze half for a quick reheat-and-serve dinner for those ultra-busy evenings.
Q: Is this easy chicken taco soup recipe gluten free?
A: Yes, this soup is naturally gluten free, assuming you don't add any other ingredients with gluten. The one caveat I would add is to make sure that both your taco shells (if you use them) and your broth are gluten free. I myself have Celiac Disease, and I make this soup frequently, with no reaction at all.