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    Home » Recipes » Soup and Stew Recipes

    Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

    Published: February 17, 2019 Updated: July 9, 2022 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 26 Comments

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    Bowl of chicken taco soup garnished with toppings.

    This easy chicken taco soup recipe combines lots of chicken, black beans and vegetables for one flavourful, comforting soup that’s special enough for weekend eats and easy enough for busy weekday dinners.

    Bowl of chicken taco soup garnished with toppings.

    Sharing another cozy soup recipe today. What can I say? I love soup! With this cold weather, it’s a necessity! It’s super hearty and hits all the right notes in the ol’ taste buds.

    I know “taco Tuesday” usually involves tacos, but why not mix things up a bit with a warm bowl of this taco soup this week?

    Spoonful of chicken taco soup from a bowl.

    Why We Love This Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

    Clearly, I’m not going to share something with you guys that I don’t personally love! 

    Granted, there are some recipes that rev me up more than others and this taco soup is definitely up there. 

    This easy chicken taco soup makes for one heck of a weekday dinner or hefty lunch. 

    So what makes this soup so special?

    • It’s made in one pot for easy cleanup.
    • It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.
    • This soup comes together in about 30 minutes.
    • It can be garnished to taste to make it your own.
    • Of course, it tastes delicious!
    Ingredients for a chicken taco soup recipe.

    How To Make Baked Tortilla Chips or Strips

    One of the things that I love to garnish this chicken taco soup with is baked tortilla (in strip or chip form). I used strips here because that’s what I was in the mood for this particular day (just cut to the size you want).

    All you have to do is:

    1. Cut some store bought tortillas into strips.
    2. Place them on a baking tray.
    3. Spray with cooking spray (or brush with a little cooking oil) and bake in a preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 6 minutes. Watch that they don’t burn because this can happen quickly!
    4. Easy, right?

    Garnish just when serving because they will get soggy if sitting too long in the broth. 

    Baked tortilla strips in a small white dish.

    Tips and Variations

    • Leftover cooked chicken helps make this chicken taco soup recipe come together in about 30 minutes. However, if you don’t have any on hand, simply roast some chicken before proceeding with this recipe.
    • A three bean blend would work well in this soup instead of black beans.
    • Frozen corn was used, but fresh would work great instead.
    • Smoked paprika was used, but if you don’t have chipotle powder works too. If you don’t have either, a canned chipotle or two in adobo sauce (minced up) would be a great substitute. Regular sweet paprika is not the same as smoked and will not yield the same smoky flavour at all.
    • I used a minced Thai chili pepper as well (because I love things spicy). You can totally omit of you want or sub with ½ teaspoon or so of chili flakes or ground cayenne pepper.
    Bowl of chicken taco soup next to a dish of sliced jalapeno, green onion and wedge of lime.

    How to Garnish Taco Soup

    Just like tacos, the possibilities are endless here when it comes to garnish. Of course, this chicken taco soup is so flavourful, garnish is not needed and totally optional, but I love garnish! Use any one (or all) of these. 

    • Baked tortilla strips (as above)
    • Freshly diced tomato
    • Sliced jalapeno pepper
    • Sliced green onion
    • Greek yogurt or sour cream
    • Avocado
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Sprinkle of fresh oregano leaves
    • Chopped cilantro
    • A drizzle of your favourite hot sauce

    If you’re looking for a side dish to this taco soup, cornbread would be lovely!

    Bowl of chicken taco soup garnished with toppings and dollop of yogurt.

    More Easy Soup Recipes

    • Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
    • Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
    • Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

    If you make this easy chicken taco soup recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Bowl of chicken taco soup garnished with toppings and dollop of yogurt.

    Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This easy chicken taco soup recipe combines lots of chicken, black beans and vegetables for one flavourful, comforting soup that's special enough for weekend eats and easy enough for busy weekday dinners.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Lunch, Main Course, Soup
    Servings 4 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, peeled and diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 Thai chili, minced (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 cups diced bell pepper, about 2 peppers
    • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, about a 113 gram can
    • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
    • 1 (13.5-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, tomatoes roughly mashed with a potato masher to break up before using (a 398 millilitre can)
    • ¾ pound cooked chicken, roughly chopped into cubes or shredded (about 3.5 cups)
    • 1 (19-ounce) can no salt added black beans
    • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, or drained canned corn kernels or fresh corn kernels

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. (I used an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven.)
    • Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
    • Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
    • Stir in bell pepper and cook for 1 minute. Next, stir in diced green chiles.
    • Add chicken broth, tomatoes, cooked chicken, and black beans. Stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat (to about medium-low heat) to a simmer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. 
    • Add corn, stirring in, and cook for 2 minutes. 
    • To serve, divide the soup into bowls and garnish (as desired) or enjoy as is. It's great with crispy tortilla strips on top. Yields 4 generous servings. Enjoy!

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword easy chicken taco soup, recipe using leftover chicken, taco soup recipe

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

    More Soup and Stew Recipes

    • Cheeseburger Soup in a Bread Bowl
    • Easy Mushroom Soup Recipe
    • Green Lentil Soup With Coconut Milk and Veggies
    • Chunky Vegetable Soup (With Roasted Root Veggies)

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. All photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      January 13, 2022 at 9:43 am

      5 stars
      This soup is so good! Last time I made it I added kale (because I had a bunch from the garden) and it was good that way too! I loved it! 😍 thanks!!

      Reply
    2. Valentina

      February 20, 2019 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      Such a quick recipe with SO much flavor! I’m definitely going to try this one. This reminds me of my mom’s favorite tortilla soup she used to order at our local Mexican restaurant. Though yours has many more goodies in it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 24, 2019 at 1:36 pm

        Yay! Hope you love it Valentina! Thanks so very much 🙂

        Reply
    3. Marissa

      February 19, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been dreaming of this soup ever since I spotted it in your Instagram feed, Dawn! It has everything I want in a comforting soup!! It will be showing up on our table shortly!

      Reply
    4. David @ Spiced

      February 19, 2019 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Oh, I love tacos! And when we’re buried in snow (like right now), I love soup. So combining these into one sounds like a great way to warm up, Dawn! Those tortilla strips on top are awesome. Oh, and another great thing about soup? It tastes even better on Day 2. That means you could send me a batch of this soup, and it will just get better and better as it makes the journey. 🙂 Hope your week is off to a great start, my friend!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:15 pm

        I agree with ya there, David! Love to send ya a batch! Have a great week too! Thanks so much 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      February 18, 2019 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      Taco soup is one of my favourites! I love all the flavours and textures. A great dinner soup. This looks perfect 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:14 pm

        Thank you very much, Jennifer!! We love it too!

        Reply
    6. Milena

      February 18, 2019 at 4:56 pm

      Keep the soup recipes coming! Always up for a new one and the weather lately is definitely in support of the idea:) I love the spicy heat and all the flavors of a chicken taco in soup form.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:19 pm

        I sure will 😉 Thank you Milena!

        Reply
    7. Laura

      February 18, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      Dawn, I’m so into soup right now, and a spicy one wins me over every time. Perfect for this time of year and all of those flavors and colors are so appetizing!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:19 pm

        Love spice too! Thank you Laura 🙂

        Reply
    8. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      February 18, 2019 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Tom and I both love tacos Dawn, so this soup needs to happen soon here! I love how easy it is and I’m always up for a one pot meal! We’d enjoy the leftovers for days! If there were any! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        Yay! Hope you guys love it! Thanks Mary Ann!

        Reply
    9. [email protected]

      February 18, 2019 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      Yep, this soup revs me up too! It’s one of our family’s favorites!! I’m looking out the window at heavy falling snow right now – this soup is the perfect antidote!! Have a great day, my friend! XOXO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        Perfect timing 😉 Thanks Annie! You too. XOXO

        Reply
    10. Kelly | Foodtasia

      February 18, 2019 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, this soup looks incredible. Mexican food is my favorite, and you just put everything I love about Mexican food in a soup! YAY! And ready in under 30 minutes! I love all the different garnishes you can put on this soup. I’m a little reluctant for spring to come because I’m enjoying all the soup recipes! Have a great week, my friend!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:21 pm

        Thanks a million, Kelly! Have a great week too 🙂

        Reply
    11. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      February 18, 2019 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      I love easy, healthy and especially if it’s all made in one pot! This is a win, win, win!!! I love those crispy tortilla strips. I tend to nibble on those before the soups even ready!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:21 pm

        Me too! So good, right?? Thanks Kathy.

        Reply
    12. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      February 18, 2019 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      I love taco soup. Like, LOVE IT! And I can’t believe how quickly this one comes together! It still hasn’t really warmed up in Phoenix so when I get back from vacation you know I’ll be whipping this up :). Have a great week, girlie!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:22 pm

        Woo hoo! Hope you love it, Kelsie! Thanks so much and enjoy your vacay 🙂

        Reply
    13. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      February 18, 2019 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      I’m all about the soup these days too Dawn! I just heard the weather forecast this week and it’s going to get to -30 celsius with the windchill on Wednesday! So this recipe is perfect timing. A hot bowl of soup with spicy flavours will keep us warm! Happy Monday!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:22 pm

        I know! Brrrrr!! Thanks Leanne! Stay warm 🙂

        Reply
    14. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      February 17, 2019 at 7:33 pm

      I already commented, and I think it didn’t like it…but I apologize if you get two from me!! Just had to make sure you knew how DELICIOUS this looks. Just what I need during this winter chill – a little bit of heat!! Hope you had a

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:22 pm

        Lol! Thank you Katherine 🙂

        Reply

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