How To Make The Best Chicken Taco Soup
Making the best chicken taco soup involves combining flavourful ingredients, spices, and a balance of textures. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe to create a delicious, hearty chicken taco soup:
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any colour) diced (any colour)
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 can(15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can(15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 can(15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can(4 oz ) diced green chiles
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for depth
- 1 tbsp Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, etc
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of taco seasoning. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chiles, chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favourite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or a dollop of guacamole.