This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is a cozy blend of tender chicken, tasty spices, and a mix of veggies in a comforting broth. If you love simple, hearty meals full of flavor, this one’s for you!
Why I Loved This Recipe
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a modern twist on a dish my grandmother used to make.
The aroma fills my kitchen while the soup simmers transports me back to her cozy kitchen.
As a child, I’d watch in awe as she expertly combined ingredients to create a masterpiece.
Now, every time I prepare this Chicken Taco Soup, I feel like she’s right there with me, guiding my culinary journey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Get ready for a flavor explosion with juicy chicken, zesty spices, and colorful veggies in a tasty broth that’ll make your taste buds party.
▪️ It’s a no-fuss recipe – just toss everything in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax.
▪️ This soup is pure comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need some love and warmth from the inside out.
▪️ Make a big batch and enjoy it all week, even freeze some for a rainy day – it’s your mealtime savior.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender and juicy protein that gets infused with delicious taco flavors as it simmers.
▪️ 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds a hearty and earthy element to the soup, packed with fiber and protein.
▪️ 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings a burst of tangy tomato goodness and a hint of sweetness.
▪️ 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to every bite.
▪️ 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a savory and aromatic base for the soup.
▪️ 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
▪️ 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a rich, garlicky aroma and flavor.
▪️ 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a nourishing and flavorful broth that ties everything together.
▪️ 1 packet taco seasoning: A medley of spices that brings the essence of tacos to the soup.
▪️ 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Delivers a warm, earthy note and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
▪️ 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat and a smoky undertone.
▪️ Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances the flavors of the soup.
Making Of Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
STEP 1: Find your trusty crockpot and give it a little pat – it’s going to be our cooking buddy for this fiesta!
STEP 2: Take your chicken – make sure it’s the boneless and skinless kind – and give it a cozy spot at the bottom of the crockpot. We want it to feel right at home.
STEP 3: Now, let’s bring in the flavors! Toss in those black beans – the drained and rinsed ones, please. Add the diced tomatoes too, but don’t drain them. We want all that tomato goodness.
STEP 4: Time to invite the corn, onion, and red bell pepper to our flavor party. Give them a good chop and let them join the fun in the crockpot. Oh, and don’t forget the garlic – mince it up real nice and let it in on the action.
STEP 5: In a separate bowl, get your whisk ready. We’re going to whisk together the chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Once they’re all friendly, pour this mixture over our ingredients in the crockpot. It’s like giving them a cozy blanket to snuggle under.
STEP 6: Here comes the patience part – cover up the crockpot and let it work its slow-cooking magic. You’ve got options: let it go on low for about 6-8 hours or crank up the heat and let it dance on high for 3-4 hours. We’re aiming for chicken that’s tender and flavors that are best friends by the end.
STEP 7: When the time’s up, grab two forks and get ready for some shredding action. Take the chicken and shred it right there in the crockpot. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors can introduce themselves properly.
STEP 8: Guess what? You’re done! Ladle that deliciousness into bowls and get ready to experience a flavor fiesta like no other. And don’t forget the toppings – sprinkle some chopped cilantro, grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a zing of lime juice. It’s like the grand finale of flavors!
Tips and Techniques
▪️ You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; both work well.
▪️ Remember to rinse the black beans before adding them to the pot. This helps remove excess salt and starch.
▪️ Frozen corn is a convenient choice, and it’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
▪️ The taco seasoning adds a flavorful kick. Mix it well with chicken broth to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
▪️ Cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours lets the chicken become tender and infuses the soup with rich flavors.
Serving Size
This recipe is designed to dish out around 4-6 servings. That’s enough to feed your crew or keep you well-fed with leftovers for a cozy solo meal later. So, grab your bowls, and let’s dive into this heartwarming goodness!
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Use warm tortillas to wrap up your soup or scoop it with crispy tortilla chips for a fun twist.
▪️ Make a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s heartiness.
▪️ Squeeze some zesty lime on your soup for a burst of citrusy flavor that elevates the dish.
Variations
▪️ Make your soup extra creamy and cheesy with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
▪️ Blend part of the soup for a velvety texture and mix it back in for a comforting, luscious soup.
▪️ Add sliced avocado to elevate your soup with a creamy, dreamy twist.
▪️ Spice things up by adding hot sauce for a fiery kick to your bowl.
Storage Tips
To store your soup like a pro, follow these simple steps: Let it cool down first. Use airtight containers with room at the top. Keep ’em sealed in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove. If you’ve got extra, freeze it in smaller portions. And, don’t forget to date your containers for freshness!
FAQs
Q. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can. Add it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
Q. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Simmer the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked and tender.
Q. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Indeed! Portion out cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Q. How can I make it spicier?
Amp up the heat by adding a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
Q. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely. Feel free to use your own blend for a personalized touch.
Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (15 ounces ) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces ) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, chopped onion, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the broth mixture into the crockpot, ensuring that the ingredients are well submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Give everything a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly.
Notes
- Make extra and freeze for future yumminess.
- Adjust spice levels to start, then add more if needed.
- Frozen veggies work great, saving you prep time.
