Name: Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 lb. chicken breast tenders; 1/4 tsp. sea salt; 1/8 tsp. black pepper; 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning; 24 oz. marinara sauce (not Italian or basil); 4 cups chicken broth (or bone broth or vegetable broth); 1 15-oz. can black beans (rinsed); 2 cups frozen corn; sliced green onions; shredded cheddar cheese; lime wedges; fresh cilantro; diced avocado; tortilla chips

Jump to Recipe

If you crave something that feels cozy, lively, and downright delicious, Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe absolutely hits the spot. Imagine a brothy, rich soup packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and the bold flavors of taco seasoning—all topped with colorful garnishes that make every spoonful a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just want a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore, this soup is the guaranteed way to keep smiles around the table. Trust me, you’ll return to Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe again and again.

Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is as straightforward as it is flavorful. Each item brings something essential, from a dash of tang to a boost of protein or that blissful pop of color on top. Here’s what you’ll want on hand to bring Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe to life.

Vegetable oil: Helps sauté the onions and chicken, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a savory depth to each bite.
Chicken breast tenders (1 lb): The protein star that soaks up all those taco-inspired flavors.
Sea salt: A pinch elevates all the other flavors and balances the broth.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the soup.
Taco seasoning (2 Tbsp.): The heart of the dish—smoky, spicy, and instantly reminiscent of taco night.
Marinara sauce (24 oz., not Italian or basil): Lends a tomato-rich, velvety base without overwhelming the soup with herbs.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Brings all the ingredients together for a soul-warming, nourishing finish.
Black beans (1 can, rinsed): Provide heartiness and extra protein, plus beautiful color contrast.
Frozen corn (2 cups): Sweet, juicy kernels that pop in every spoonful.
Sliced green onions: Fresh and bright, perfect for that final garnish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully atop the hot soup, making it extra comforting.
Lime wedges: A squeeze wakes up every flavor, adding tang and zesty aroma.
Fresh cilantro: Herbal freshness that pairs perfectly with the robust soup flavors.
Diced avocado: Creamy, cooling bites that bring the whole bowl together.
Tortilla chips: For crunch, fun, and that Mexican-inspired finish that everyone loves.

How to Make Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you turn on the heat, take a few minutes to dice your onion and cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized, one-inch pieces. This isn’t just busywork—it means the soup comes together fast, and every scoop has perfectly tender chunks of chicken and flavor in every bite. Setting up everything ahead makes the cooking process relaxed and enjoyable.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Start with a large soup pot or Dutch oven and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. As the onions soften, their natural sweetness intensifies, forming a fabulously aromatic base for Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken With Spices

Add your chicken to the pot, season right away with sea salt and black pepper, and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the exterior of the chicken to turn opaque, but no need to worry about full doneness yet—it will finish in the broth. Then, sprinkle in your taco seasoning and toss well, so every piece is beautifully coated and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Marinara and Broth

Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, and crank up the heat until it reaches a gentle boil. The tomato base and broth meld to create a deeply flavorful, hearty soup that’s never boring. If you’re a fan of extra heat, this is the perfect stage to sneak in a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Step 5: Beans and Corn—Then Simmer

Stir in your rinsed black beans and frozen corn. Bring the heat down to a low simmer, letting the soup bubble gently for about 20 minutes. This simmering time helps all those bold, vibrant flavors meld together, ensuring every spoonful of Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is full of taco flair and comforting warmth.

Step 6: Prep Those Toppings

While the soup simmers, chop your toppings—slice green onions, cut limes into wedges, chop cilantro, dice avocado, and shred the cheese. Having an array of garnishes feels celebratory and lets everyone customize their bowl precisely as they like it.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into big bowls and invite everyone to add their favorite toppings—maybe a sprinkle of cheddar, a handful of green onions, a squeeze of lime, a smattering of cilantro, creamy avocado, and a few crunchy tortilla chips. Every bowl of Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe will be just a little unique!

How to Serve Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Garnishes

This is where the fun of Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe really comes alive! Pile on sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar, creamy diced avocado, and a generous squeeze of lime. Each garnish adds its own burst of flavor and texture, taking your bowl from hearty to extraordinary. And don’t skip the tortilla chips—they’re perfect for dipping or crumbling on top.

Side Dishes

Make your dinner spread even more impressive by pairing this soup with a simple side salad, fluffy Mexican rice, or warm cornbread. The soup itself is hearty enough for a main, but a side of crusty bread or a platter of roasted veggies is a wonderful addition if you’re feeding a crowd or just feeling extra celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe in large mugs for a cozy movie night or as a make-your-own soup bar at parties, letting everyone top their own bowl. Or, fill small cups and top with a single chip and sprinkle of cheese for a festive appetizer that’s sure to spark conversation. The options are as limitless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the leftover soup to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. Keep toppings separate so everything stays vibrant and crisp.

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly, making it a perfect make-ahead meal! Ladle cooled soup (without toppings) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until hot. Add your toppings after reheating for a fresh, just-made experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Simply shred rotisserie chicken and add it when you pour in the marinara and broth. It will soak up the taco flavors beautifully and makes this recipe even faster on a busy night.

What can I substitute for marinara sauce?

If you can’t find plain marinara, use canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes—just avoid anything labeled “Italian” or “with basil” to keep the flavor classic to Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe.

Does this recipe work in a slow cooker?

Certainly! Sauté the onions as directed, then transfer to your slow cooker, add the rest of the ingredients, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add toppings just before serving for that perfect soup texture.

Is it spicy?

Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is gently spiced, but not hot. If you love heat, add extra taco seasoning or sliced jalapeños; if cooking for kids, stick to the quantities in the recipe—it’s flavorful without being over the top.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the chicken for extra beans or even diced tofu, and use vegetable broth. The soup will still be rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious with all those classic taco flavors.

Final Thoughts

When comfort, flavor, and a little kitchen fun are what you crave, you can always count on Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe. I hope you fall for its bold taste and cozy texture just like my family has! Give it a try this week and let it become one of your go-to favorites—happy cooking and happy eating!

Our Favorite Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 18 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful Chicken Taco Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is loaded with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a medley of delicious toppings.

Instructions

Prep ingredients: Dice onion. Cut chicken into 1″ pieces.
Heat oil in soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan, saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add chicken to pot, season with salt and pepper and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and stir to coat the chicken.
Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil.
Stir in black beans and frozen corn and lower heat to low and gentle simmer for 20 minutes.
Prep toppings: slice green onions, cut lime into wedges, chop cilantro, dice avocado, shred cheese.
Serve soup with toppings as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican