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    Home » Main Dishes » Chicken Taco Soup

    Published: Feb 24, 2023 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Chicken Taco Soup

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Slow cooker filled with soup.
    Chicken taco soup with garnishes.
    black bowl filled with chicken taco soup.
    Bowl of taco soup with jalapenos.

    Chunky tomatoes, smoky beans and roasted corn simmered in taco seasoning make this Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup a dream come true on a cold night. No chopping required! Just measure, dump and pour and walk in with dinner ready to go at the end of a busy day.

    chicken taco soup in slow cooker. this recipe

    We all crave warm, comforting meals when cold weather rolls around. This Chicken Taco Soup takes the best flavors from two popular comfort foods - tacos and chili - and combines them into a hearty meal that is packed with lean protein, lots of veggies and is oh-so-satisfying. Made in a slow cooker, it's great for those busy nights on the run.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this Chicken Taco Soup
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • Substitutions and Shortcuts
    • More Slow Cooker Favorites
    • Recipe
    • To do:

    Why you'll love this Chicken Taco Soup

    ✔︎ Hands off! The slow cooker does ALL the work in this easy soup recipe. Simply dump, pour and stir. 7 hours later dinner is done. Perfect for those busy nights when everyone eats at different times.

    ✔︎ The ingredient list is filled with pantry and freezer staples. It's easy to have the items needed on hand to make this slow cooker favorite.

    ✔︎ It's a healthier take on chili! Chicken breasts give you lean protein making this a lean, heart-healthy option compared to beef chili recipes.

    Ingredients

    Pantry staples are the base of this easy Chicken Taco Soup recipe.

    ingredients needed for taco soup.

    Ingredient Notes:

    Black Beans: Any canned black beans work here, but I like to use seasoned black beans (chili ready) for extra flavor.

    Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chiles are essential for this recipe. You can also use Ro-Tel tomatoes, but you'll need to use 3 cans since they are only 10 ounces/can.

    Beer: Use a beer you like because the flavor does shine through.

    Corn: Frozen Roasted Corn ( I love Trader Joe's frozen corn) adds the perfect amount of smokiness to this taco soup!

    Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe.

    Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite mix (2 packages) or make your own!

    Instructions

    The slow cooker does all of the heavy lifting for this easy dinner recipe.

    canned ingredients emptied into slow cooker.

    Combine all ingredients up to chicken breasts in the slow cooker and stir to combine.

    raw chicken breasts in slow cooker with soup ingredients.

    Add chicken breasts and slightly immerse them in the soup mixture.

    cooked soup in slow cooker.

    Cover and cook for low for 8 hours.

    shredded chicken breasts on cutting board.

    Remove chicken breasts from pot and shred with 2 forks.

    finished chicken taco soup in slow cooker.

    Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and serve.

    FAQs

    Can you use frozen chicken breasts for this taco soup recipe?

    Don't stress if you forgot to pull the chicken breasts out of the freezer. Simply add the frozen chicken to the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours before shredding the chicken breasts and you will get excellent results!

    How much taco seasoning is in a packet?

    There are generally 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in a packet. This recipe uses 4 tablespoons so you'll need two packages of seasoning. Otherwise, add 4 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning blend. We love Penzey's!

    Can this Taco Soup be vegetarian?

    Yes, it can! Simply omit the chicken breasts and add another can of beans. The chicken broth can easily be replaced with vegetable broth.

    Taco Soup in a bowl with jalapenos.

    Expert Tips

    ✘ Don't shred the chicken too early. The longer the chicken cooks in the soup, the easier it is to shred. After eight hours, your chicken will shred effortlessly!

    ✘ The toppings definitely make this soup next level. Fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded cheese and sour cream are our favorites along with a handful of crushed tortilla chips.

    ✘ This soup freezes very well so make a double batch of this soup and freeze some for later. Your future self will thank you!

    ✘ This Chicken Taco Soup is great for a party! Double the recipe, set out the fixings, and let people create their own masterpieces.

    Substitutions and Shortcuts

    ▶︎ Short on time? Skip the slow cooker! Combine everything except the chicken in a large dutch oven. Cook for about 30 minutes. Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken and stir it in just before serving.

    ▶︎If you don't have any beer on hand or avoid alcohol, simply use chicken broth in its place.

    ▶︎ Swap out the frozen corn and use canned or fresh corn cut off the cob.

    ▶︎ Can't find any seasoned black beans? Swap in regular black beans and add a heaping teaspoon of chili powder and cumin. Regular chili beans can also be used.

    Chicken taco soup with jalapenos and chips.

    More Slow Cooker Favorites

    The slow cooker is one of the most used small appliances in my kitchen. Check out these Crock Pot Chicken Thighs or some of our other favorite crock pot recipes.

    • bowl of soup with spoon.
      Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    • pulled beef in slow cooker.
      Slow Cooker Pulled Beef
    • Meatballs in sauce in slow cooker.
      Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
    • White bowl of split pea soup garnished with ham.
      Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham
    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    Recipe

    slow cooker chicken taco soup.

    Chicken Taco Soup

    Garnish With Lemon
    This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is a long time family favorite meal!
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 10 mins
    Course Soups + Salads
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 337 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    • Cutting Boards
    • Ladle

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 ounces seasoned black beans, drained
    • 2 cups frozen corn
    • 8 ounces tomato sauce
    • 12 ounces beer
    • 28 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
    • ½ cup chicken broth
    • 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
    • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado and tortilla chips

    Instructions
     

    • Place the black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, diced tomatoes, chicken broth and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
      15 ounces seasoned black beans,, 2 cups frozen corn, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 12 ounces beer, 28 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies,, ½ cup chicken broth, 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
    • Place chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover and cook for 8 hours.
      3 chicken breasts,
    • Remove chicken breasts from the soup, place on a cutting board and shred with 2. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and serve.
    • Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro and avocado, if desired.
      Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado and tortilla chips

    Notes

    Ingredients:
    Black Beans: I like to use seasoned black beans (chili ready) for extra flavor. Plain canned black beans can also be used. I like to add a heaping teaspoon of cumin and chili powder if using plain beans. 
    Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chiles are essential for this recipe. You can also use Ro-Tel tomatoes, but use 3 cans since they are only 10 ounces/can.
    Beer: Use a beer you like because the flavor does shine through. If you avoid alcohol, substitute chicken broth instead. 
    Corn: Frozen Roasted Corn ( I love Trader Joe's frozen corn) adds the perfect amount of smokiness to this taco soup, but you can also use plain frozen corn, canned corn or fresh corn cut off the cob. 
    Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts.
     
    ▶︎ Short on time? Skip the slow cooker and add everything (except the raw chicken) to a dutch oven. Stir in rotisserie chicken when almost ready to serve.
    ▶︎ This soup freezes beautifully so make a double batch and save some for later. 
     
     

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 34gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 536mgPotassium: 1211mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 516IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 4mg

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

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    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

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