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A bowl of delicious Chicken Taco Soup is shown as the featured image.

EASY CHICKEN TACO SOUP BEST

This Easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's a hearty and satisfying soup packed with chicken, beans, corn, and spices, topped with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Can opener
  • Fork
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  5. Add chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  6. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  7. Cook for 1 minute more.
  8. Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
  9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
  10. Remove chicken thighs from the pot and shred with two forks.
  11. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  12. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  13. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

For a richer broth, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts and brown them before adding the other ingredients. You can also add a roasted chicken carcass to the broth while it simmers. Experiment with different spice blends to find one that suits your taste. If using canned diced tomatoes, consider roasting fresh tomatoes beforehand to intensify their flavor. Optional toppings include avocado slices, tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and jalapeño slices. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.