Taco soup is a popular comfort food that delivers the flavor of a taco in a comforting soup form. This particular variation features hearty beans and succulent chicken, making it a wholesome and satisfying dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and uses commonly available ingredients.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe such as tomatoes, corn, black beans, pinto beans, chicken breast, and chicken broth, are pantry staples. However, green enchilada sauce and cream of chicken soup may not be readily available in all households. If you're planning a trip to the supermarket, make sure to include these items in your shopping list. They contribute to the delicious, rich flavors of this soup.
Ingredients for Bean Chicken Taco Soup
Tomatoes: These add a tangy flavor and lots of nutritional value.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a pleasant sweetness and texture to the soup.
Black beans: These are a great source of protein and add heartiness to the soup.
Pinto beans: These are soft and flavorful, contributing to the overall taste and texture of the soup.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds a creamy touch and enhances the chicken flavor.
Chicken breast: This is a lean protein source that we will use for this recipe.
Green enchilada sauce: This sauce gives a Mexican touch to the soup.
Chicken broth: This forms the base of the soup, providing depth and flavor.
Homemade taco seasoning: This gives the soup its characteristic taco flavor.
Optional toppings: These include olives, avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, and lime wedges, adding a variety of flavors and textures.
One reader, Benito Mcvey says:
This bean chicken taco soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. It's easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of beans, chicken, and spices is simply delightful. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Bean Chicken Taco Soup
How to make homemade taco seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix well and store in an airtight container.
How to cook chicken breast for the soup: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it's cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or dicing it for the soup.
How to serve with toppings: Offer a variety of toppings such as sliced olives, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, and lime wedges on the side for people to customize their soup.
How To Make Bean Chicken Taco Soup
This belly-filling chicken taco soup is loaded with hearty beans, tomatoes, and corn, then all simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15oztomatoes,(1 can), diced
- 15ozcorn,(1 can), drained
- 15ozblack beans,(1 can), rinsed
- 15ozpinto beans,(1 can), rinsed
- 10¾ozcream of chicken soup,(1 can)
- 12ozchicken breast,(1 can), drained
- 10ozgreen enchilada sauce,(1 can)
- 15ozchicken broth,(1 can)
- *taco seasoning,(see Recipe Notes below for recipe), homemade
For Optional Toppings:
- olives,sliced
- avocado,diced
- sour cream
- tortilla strips
- lime wedges
Instructions
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In a large pot, add the diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, pinto beans, cream of chicken, chicken breast, green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and homemade taco seasoning.
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Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
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Serve with desired toppings, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Check out this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe to go with this dish!
Nutrition
- Calories: 548.24kcal
- Fat: 7.97g
- Saturated Fat: 2.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.88g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.03g
- Carbohydrates: 85.56g
- Fiber: 19.05g
- Sugar: 10.32g
- Protein: 36.47g
- Cholesterol: 30.33mg
- Sodium: 562.06mg
- Calcium: 146.19mg
- Potassium: 1969.87mg
- Iron: 6.57mg
- Vitamin A: 63.54µg
- Vitamin C: 17.54mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing bean chicken taco soup recipe
When preparing your chicken for the soup, it's best to cut it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pot. This not only ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, but also makes it easier to eat in the soup. Additionally, if you want to add more flavor to your soup, consider sautéing the chicken in a separate pan with some garlic and onions before adding it to the soup. This will give your bean chicken taco soup an extra layer of flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Making bean chicken taco soup recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use canned ingredients: Utilize canned tomatoes, beans, and corn to save time on preparation.
Slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to allow the flavors to meld together while saving time on active cooking.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra portions for quick and convenient future meals.
One-pot meal: Opt for recipes that can be cooked in a single pot to minimize cleanup and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Bean Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a suitable substitute for fresh tomatoes in soups as they are already cooked and have a similar texture.
corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a substitute for canned corn in this recipe, providing a similar sweet and crunchy texture.
black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, offering a similar creamy texture and earthy flavor.
pinto beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can replace pinto beans, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the soup.
cream of chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup can be used as a substitute for cream of chicken soup, adding a rich and creamy base to the soup.
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breast, offering a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
green enchilada sauce - Substitute with red enchilada sauce: Red enchilada sauce can replace green enchilada sauce, providing a different flavor profile while still adding a delicious Mexican-inspired element to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor and richness to the soup.
taco seasoning - Substitute with chili powder, cumin, and paprika mix: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika can be used as a homemade substitute for taco seasoning, providing a similar flavor profile.
olives - Substitute with sliced jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños can be used as a substitute for olives, adding a spicy and tangy kick to the soup.
avocado - Substitute with diced red bell pepper: Diced red bell pepper can be used as a substitute for avocado, providing a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the soup.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, offering a creamy and tangy element to the soup.
tortilla strips - Substitute with crushed tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips can be used as a substitute for tortilla strips, adding a crunchy and savory topping to the soup.
limes wedges - Substitute with lemon wedges: Lemon wedges can be used as a substitute for lime wedges, providing a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the soup.
Best Way to Present Chicken Taco Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring the vibrant colors of the ingredients are visible. Garnish with a drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of tortilla strips for added texture.
Incorporate fresh elements: Top the soup with slices of ripe avocado and a few lime wedges to provide a burst of citrusy flavor.
Focus on precision: Carefully place a few olives around the edge of the bowl, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Balance the composition: Ensure that each component is thoughtfully arranged, creating a visually appealing and appetizing dish.
Highlight the main ingredients: Showcase the tender chicken breast in the center of the bowl, allowing it to be the focal point of the presentation.
Emphasize the soup's texture: Sprinkle a pinch of tortilla strips over the top of the soup, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Taco Soup
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and accommodating all the ingredients.
Knife: A sharp knife will be needed for dicing the tomatoes and cutting the chicken breast.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a stable surface for chopping the ingredients.
Can opener: This will be necessary for opening the cans of tomatoes, corn, black beans, and pinto beans.
Measuring cups and spoons: These will be used for accurately measuring the ingredients, such as the chicken broth and homemade taco seasoning.
Stirring spoon or ladle: A spoon or ladle will be used for stirring the soup and serving it.
Soup ladle: This will be used for serving the soup into bowls.
Optional toppings: Bowls or plates for serving the optional toppings such as olives, avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, and lime wedges.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Taco Soup
- Let the taco soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the bean chicken taco soup in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze, place the airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed or refrigerated soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish the reheated taco soup with fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips for added flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Taco Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover bean chicken taco soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot. This method is quick and convenient, but it may result in uneven heating.
Slow cooker method: if you have a larger portion of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. Plus, the slow cooking process can help the flavors meld together even more.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. This method is suitable if you want to reheat the soup alongside other dishes or if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well before serving to distribute the heat evenly. If desired, you can garnish the reheated soup with fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, or lime wedges to add a burst of flavor and texture.
Interesting Fact About Chicken Taco Soup
The bean chicken taco soup recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of chicken, beans, and Mexican spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. The combination of tomatoes, corn, black beans, pinto beans, cream of chicken soup, and green enchilada sauce creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup. Additionally, the homemade taco seasoning adds a perfect blend of spices to the dish. This soup can be customized with various toppings such as olives, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Is Making Taco Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This bean chicken taco soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients like beans, chicken, and canned vegetables makes it a budget-friendly option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-20, making it an economical choice. The versatility of this recipe also allows for easy customization based on available ingredients, reducing food waste. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The bean chicken taco soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Nutritious ingredients like tomatoes, corn, black beans, and pinto beans, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Lean protein from the chicken breast, essential for muscle growth and repair
- Avocado and lime wedges as optional toppings, offering healthy fats and vitamin C
However, there are some less healthy components:
- Cream of chicken soup and green enchilada sauce may contain high amounts of sodium and saturated fat
- The recipe lacks fresh vegetables, which could provide additional nutrients and fiber
- Depending on the taco seasoning used, it may contain added sugars or excessive sodium
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the cream of chicken soup with a low-sodium, homemade version or a mixture of low-fat milk and cornstarch for thickening
- Opt for a low-sodium green enchilada sauce or prepare a homemade version to control the sodium content
- Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the soup
- Use a homemade taco seasoning blend to avoid added sugars and control the sodium levels
- Choose low-fat or non-fat versions of sour cream and cheese as optional toppings
- Serve the soup with a side salad or extra vegetables to balance out the meal
By incorporating more fresh ingredients, reducing the reliance on processed foods, and opting for low-sodium alternatives, this bean chicken taco soup can be transformed into a healthier, more well-rounded meal that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Editor's Opinion on This Taco Soup Recipe
The combination of hearty beans, tender chicken, and flavorful enchilada sauce in this taco soup recipe creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The use of homemade taco seasoning adds depth of flavor, while the optional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips provide a customizable element for added texture and freshness. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and versatile option for a wholesome meal that is sure to please a crowd.
Why trust this Bean Chicken Taco Soup Recipe:
This bean chicken taco soup recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the wholesome goodness of tomatoes, corn, black beans, and pinto beans with tender chicken breast in a rich and creamy broth. The addition of homemade taco seasoning infuses the soup with authentic Mexican flavors, while the green enchilada sauce adds a zesty kick. With the option to customize with olives, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips, this recipe offers a delightful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Trust in the delightful flavors and wholesome ingredients of this bean chicken taco soup.
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