Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Delicious 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty soups can be a game-changer on chilly nights, especially when you’re whipping up an 8-can chicken taco soup that promises bold flavors and minimal effort.

This incredibly simple recipe packs a punch of southwestern zest with just a handful of pantry staples.

Forget complicated cooking techniques or hours of prep work.

Each spoonful bursts with tender chicken, robust beans, and vibrant spices that dance across your taste buds.

Home cooks adore how quickly this soup comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.

The magic happens when you combine canned ingredients, letting them simmer into a rich, comforting meal that feels like a culinary shortcut.

Let’s find out this delicious soup and let its southwestern charm transform your dinner routine.

How to Prepare 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Easily

How to Prepare 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Easily
  • Soup Preparation

Grab a large stockpot and combine all core ingredients including beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken, enchilada sauce, green chiles, and broth. Blend everything smoothly to create a delicious base.

  • Flavor Infusion

Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the mixture. Add extra spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion for a robust taste profile. Season with salt and pepper until the flavor feels just right.

  • Cooking Process

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld together for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the consistency seems too thick, splash in some extra broth.

  • Serving Style

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and get creative with toppings. Consider adding creamy sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh avocado slices, zesty cilantro, melty cheese, and bright lime wedges for an exciting culinary experience.

Tips to Enhance 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Flavor

Tips to Enhance 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Flavor
  • Add a splash of beer or white wine to deepen the soup's complexity and bring out rich, robust notes.
  • Swap shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for different protein options that keep the meal exciting.
  • Create a heat gradient by using mild, medium, or hot green chiles and taco seasoning. Mix different pepper types to craft your perfect flavor profile.
  • Crisp up some tortilla strips in the oven or air fryer as a homemade topping. Breaking them just before serving ensures maximum crunchiness and prevents soggy chips.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a fresh splash of broth to restore perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions for 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup

Serving Suggestions for 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup
  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls that showcase its vibrant colors and rich textures, creating a warm and inviting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Taco Night Transformer: Turn this soup into a fun taco night alternative by setting up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced avocados, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro, letting everyone customize their own bowl.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week. The flavors will develop and become even more delicious after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
  • Protein Power Plate: Pair the soup with a side of Mexican-style brown rice or quinoa to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal that keeps you full and satisfied for hours.

Storing 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup Efficiently

  • Batch Cooking Hero: Whip up a large pot of this soup and divide into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Champion: Store soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its delicious texture.
  • Smart Ingredient Swap: Keep canned ingredients on hand for last-minute meal solutions. Replace chicken with rotisserie or leftover turkey for an instant variation that keeps the recipe exciting.
  • Portion Perfect Strategy: Freeze individual servings in small containers for grab-and-go meals. Use clear containers to easily track your meal inventory and prevent forgotten leftovers hiding in the back of the freezer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup

For Protein and Beans:
  • Chicken Breast: Tender, pre-cooked protein that adds hearty texture and makes the soup filling.
  • Pinto Beans: Creamy legumes that provide robust texture and additional protein punch.
  • Black Beans: Rich, earthy beans that enhance nutritional value and add delightful complexity.
For Liquid and Flavor Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, rich soup foundation with deep savory undertones.
  • Green Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic southwestern zest and vibrant complexity.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and creates luscious soup consistency.
For Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Taco Seasoning Mix: Instantly transforms dish with bold, southwestern spice profile.
  • Green Chiles: Introduces subtle heat and authentic southwestern character.
  • Cumin Powder: Provides warm, earthy undertone characteristic of mexican cuisine.
  • Chili Powder: Contributes gentle heat and robust pepper essence.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers subtle, deep aromatic background flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
  • Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper: Allows final flavor balancing and personalization.
  • Sweet Corn Kernels: Adds sweet crunch and bright color to soup landscape.

Tools for Making 8-Can Chicken Taco Soup

  • Large Stockpot: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients, ensuring even heat distribution.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure beans, corn, and broth for consistent flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking to the pot.
  • Can Opener: Needed to open canned ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and green chiles.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for preparing optional garnishes like avocado and cilantro.
  • Kitchen Knife: For slicing avocado, cilantro, and preparing any additional toppings.
Print
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Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken taco soup combines zesty Mexican flavors with convenient canned ingredients for quick weeknight comfort. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that delivers robust southwestern taste without complex preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (12.5 oz / 354 g) chicken breast, drained and shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) sweet corn kernels, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • ½ can or 1 full can green enchilada sauce
  • 1 container (14 oz / 397 g) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 container (4 oz / 113 g) diced green chiles, optional
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning mix
  • ½ tsp cumin powder, optional
  • ½ tsp chili powder, optional
  • ½ tsp garlic powder, optional
  • ½ tsp onion powder, optional
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine pinto beans, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, green chiles, and chicken broth in a large stockpot heated to medium-high, creating a robust base by stirring thoroughly.
  2. Seasoning: Dust the mixture with taco seasoning, then layer cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder to elevate the flavor profile with a complex spice blend.
  3. Simmering: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify for 25-35 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Consistency Management: Adjust liquid levels by adding chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick, maintaining an ideal texture that balances heartiness and fluidity.
  5. Serving Artistry: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, then garnish with sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado slices, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and lime wedges to create a personalized culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Notes

  • Batch Prep Power: Easily double or triple the recipe for meal prepping, storing extra portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Protein Flexibility: Replace shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives for versatile dietary needs.
  • Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning and chili powder quantities to manage heat levels for different taste preferences and tolerance.
  • Liquid Dynamics: Keep extra chicken broth nearby during cooking to maintain ideal soup consistency and prevent over-thickening.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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