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A Bowl Full of Taco Night Magic
My Chicken Taco Soup brings together everything wonderful about tacos in one cozy bowl. After experimenting with countless versions I found the perfect balance of Mexican spices tender chicken and hearty vegetables. This soup has become my go to recipe when I want those beloved taco flavors without all the assembly.
Perfect Any Time of Year
The combination of rich chicken broth zesty Ro-tel tomatoes black beans and sweet corn creates layers of flavor in every spoonful. I love how this soup works year round warming us up on chilly evenings yet light enough for summer dinners.
Your Kitchen Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Creates the perfect base for building flavors.
- 1/2 medium onion chopped: Adds that essential savory foundation.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The backbone of our soup's rich flavor.
- 2 cans Ro-tel tomatoes: Brings that perfect blend of heat and tang.
- 1 can black beans: Makes the soup satisfying and hearty.
- 1 can corn: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 red bell pepper: For color and fresh crunch.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The key to that taco flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For depth and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Essential for authentic Mexican taste.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Creates luxurious creaminess.
- 2 cups shredded chicken: Makes it filling and protein rich.
- Salt & pepper: To taste.
- Toppings: Get creative with cheese avocado fresh cilantro or crispy tortilla strips.
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Let's Make Soup
- Start with Aromatics
- Warm your olive oil and cook those onions until they're soft and fragrant about 5 minutes.
- Build Your Base
- Pour in your broth then add tomatoes beans corn and peppers stirring everything together.
- Add Some Spice
- Mix in your seasonings letting them bloom in the hot soup.
- Make it Creamy
- Drop in cream cheese pieces stirring until they melt into silky smoothness.
- Finish Strong
- Add your chicken and let everything simmer together until the flavors marry perfectly.
- Make it Your Own
- Season to taste and add your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, cook and shred chicken first, or poach it in the broth before adding other ingredients.
- → How do I make this less spicy?
Use mild Ro-tel tomatoes and reduce or omit the chili powder to taste.
- → Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except cream cheese. Add cream cheese in last 30 minutes of cooking.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze without toppings for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cream cheese or use dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The soup is still flavorful without it.