Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Zesty Comfort in a Bowl: Hearty Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Bubbling with zesty flavors, this homemade chicken taco soup bursts with comfort and spice.

Packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold southwestern seasonings, the recipe promises a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Warm and inviting, each spoonful transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with aromatic spices.

The easy-to-follow method ensures even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish in their own home.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a robust soup that delivers complex layers of taste.

Ladle this mouthwatering soup into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the dinner table.

How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup

  • Cozy Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty soup together, creating warm memories with each delicious spoonful.
  • Taco Night Reimagined: Transform your traditional taco night into a comforting soup experience that brings all the classic flavors into one bowl.
  • Customizable Comfort: Layer on toppings like crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado chunks, zesty jalapeños, or tangy pickled onions to make each serving uniquely yours.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a big batch and store in the refrigerator for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week, with flavors that get even better overnight.

Storing & Meal Planning for Chicken Taco Soup

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze soup portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Avoid adding toppings before freezing to keep ingredients crisp and flavorful.
  • Warm refrigerated soup on stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and prevent food waste.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, add diced jalapeños or use a hot taco seasoning blend to increase the heat level. You can also include a dash of hot sauce while cooking or when serving.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your taco seasoning and chicken broth labels to ensure they do not contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free products if needed.

  • Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute black beans and kidney beans with pinto beans, white beans, or any canned beans you prefer. Just maintain similar quantities.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including ground beef instead of chicken, using rotisserie chicken, or stirring in some canned or cooked quinoa. Greek yogurt as a topping can also boost protein content.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Taco Soup: What You’ll Need

For Proteins and Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein packed with lean goodness, choose organic or free-range for richer flavor and softer texture.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient pre-cooked option providing instant savory depth and saving precious cooking time.
For Vegetable and Bean Blend:
  • Onions: Aromatic foundation that adds sweet undertones and incredible depth to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient bringing robust warmth and complex taste, select fresh cloves for maximum intensity.
  • Black Beans: Hearty legume delivering protein and creamy texture, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
  • Kidney Beans: Robust bean adding earthy richness and complementary protein boost.
  • Corn: Sweet kernel providing delightful burst of freshness and subtle crunch.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base creating vibrant color and tangy background flavor.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Smooth liquid foundation carrying all flavor elements, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
  • Taco Seasoning: Zesty spice blend infusing authentic Mexican-inspired taste, choose low-sodium mixes for healthier option.
  • Olive Oil: Silky cooking medium helping develop foundational flavors and preventing ingredient sticking.

Essential Tools for Chicken Taco Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking and combining all soup ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for dicing onions and preparing garnishes.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup components.
  • Can opener: Required to open canned ingredients like tomatoes and beans.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add taco seasoning.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Two forks: Helps shred chicken if cooking fresh chicken breasts.

Cooking Chicken Taco Soup

  • Sizzle the Chicken

Brown chicken pieces in a skillet with a splash of olive oil until perfectly cooked through. Shred the meat using two forks for tender, juicy results.

  • Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and garlic into a large pot, letting them dance and soften until they release their delicious fragrance.

  • Build the Flavor Base

Tumble in diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir the ingredients to create a colorful, vibrant mixture.

  • Spice Up the Liquid

Stream chicken broth into the pot and sprinkle taco seasoning generously. Let everything bubble and blend for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and deepen.

  • Merge the Chicken

Fold the shredded chicken into the simmering soup, letting it warm through and absorb the rich, zesty flavors.

  • Dress and Devour

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings like creamy sour cream, sharp cheese, fresh cilantro, zesty lime wedges, and crunchy tortilla chips.

Tips for Chicken Taco Soup

  • Toss all ingredients except toppings into a slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours for an incredibly easy, hands-off meal that develops deep, rich flavors.
  • Prepare the soup base ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Convert this recipe to vegetarian by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like black beans or quinoa, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or create a custom blend by mixing your own spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to suit your taste preferences.
  • Experiment with different proteins like ground turkey, shredded beef, or even plant-based crumbles to keep the recipe exciting and match your nutritional needs.
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Delectable Nutty Treacle Slice Recipe

Delectable Nutty Treacle Slice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Nutty treacle slice delivers a delightful British dessert with minimal effort. Rich caramel and crunchy nuts create a perfect sweet treat you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (135g) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (75g) mixed chopped nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.)
  • ½ cup (40g) shredded coconut
  • ½ cup (125g) unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) golden syrup or treacle
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (40g) chopped dried fruit (like raisins or dates) optional
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of base and sides for effortless removal.
  2. Caramel Creation: Melt butter, treacle, and brown sugar in a saucepan over gentle heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, slightly bubbling liquid.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate vanilla extract into the warm syrup, blending thoroughly to distribute the rich aromatic essence.
  4. Ingredient Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and optional dried fruit, seasoning with a subtle hint of salt.
  5. Binding Process: Pour the warm treacle mixture over dry ingredients, folding meticulously until every component becomes completely coated and glistening with syrupy goodness.
  6. Molding and Chilling: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even surface, then refrigerate for at least two hours to allow ingredients to set and flavors to meld.
  7. Finishing Touch: Remove the chilled slice from the refrigerator, lift out using parchment paper, and slice into elegant bars or bite-sized squares using a sharp knife for precise cutting.
  8. Storage: Keep the completed confection in an airtight container within the refrigerator to maintain its delectable texture and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Enhance Caramel Consistency: Heat treacle mixture slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning or crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glossy texture without scorching.
  • Customize Nut Selection: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to create unique flavor profiles and add personal touch to the slice.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Incorporate seeds like chia or flaxseed for added nutrients and interesting texture without compromising the recipe’s delightful consistency.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on preference or dietary needs, potentially substituting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for variation.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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