If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish with a burst of bold flavors, this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It combines tender shredded chicken with a medley of spices, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious cream cheese base that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, satisfying bowl. Whether you serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this soup offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and zesty taco-inspired notes that warm you right up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient not only adds to the taste but also enhances the texture and color, making this soup as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The foundation for sautéing the onion, adding a subtle fruitiness that complements the spices.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Introduces natural sweetness and depth, creating a tender base.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Builds a rich, savory liquid that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices): Brings a tangy kick and mild heat that’s essential for taco flavor.
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed): Adds earthy richness and a hearty bite to the soup.
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained): Offers a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped): Contributes a subtle crunch and bright, fresh flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Key spice that sets the taco tone with smoky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances overall savory complexity without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a nutty, earthy layer quintessential in Mexican cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness, rounding out the spice profile.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The magic ingredient responsible for that creamy, luscious texture.
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded): Provides tender, protein-packed substance that makes this meal feel satisfyingly complete.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that balance and bring the flavors together.
- Toppings (optional): Shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, and more to customize each serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about five minutes until soft and fragrant. This step lays a flavorful foundation, turning the onions sweet and tender, and it helps unlock their natural aroma to enhance every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Next, add the chicken broth, Ro-tel diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir everything together. These ingredients come together to build a vibrant and savory broth packed full of texture and bold taco-inspired flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce it to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for five minutes. This brief simmer helps the flavors meld, intensifies the spices, and softens the veggies just enough without losing their bite. This step really brings your Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe to life.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller chunks and stir them into the soup. Be patient and keep stirring to help the cream cheese melt evenly until it fully incorporates, giving the soup its signature velvety and creamy texture. It’s a crucial moment that elevates the whole dish.
Step 5: Stir in the Chicken
Now add your shredded cooked chicken to the pot and let it warm through for about five to seven minutes. This final addition makes the soup hearty and protein-rich, perfectly balancing the creamy base and spicy veggies.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. Ladle it into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings. Now your Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is ready to be savored!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings bring a whole new dimension to this soup. Try a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese blend for extra richness, creamy avocado slices for freshness, chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors, or crunchy tortilla strips to add a satisfying texture contrast. Each topping turns every spoonful into a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm cornbread or freshly made tortilla chips to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette can also provide a crisp counterpoint, balancing out the richness and making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for eye-catching presentation. You could even offer a toppings bar, letting everyone customize their bowl with their favorite extras. The vibrant colors and textures make it a winner both in taste and at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and keep the flavors vibrant. It’s perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner when you’re short on time.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just keep in mind that cream cheese-based soups may have a slight change in texture after thawing, but stirring well often restores the creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to reincorporate any separated cream cheese. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned Ro-tel?
Absolutely! While canned Ro-tel gives a consistent spicy kick and tang, fresh diced tomatoes paired with some diced fresh green chilies or jalapeños can work great. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain the desired heat level.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream for richness. Just check the flavor as you go, since non-dairy options may slightly alter the taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with extra beans or sautéed veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian, and you’ll still have a robust and satisfying soup.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken will do. Leftover roasted chicken or even poached chicken breasts make great options.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?
This soup has a moderate spice level thanks to the Ro-tel and chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Ro-tel or by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome, and this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe hits the mark perfectly every time. From the first spoonful, you’ll appreciate the harmony of creamy texture, spicy warmth, and fresh ingredients coming together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and find that this soup quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
Print
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all simmered in a spiced broth. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, making it a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Top it with shredded Mexican cheese, avocado, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla strips for an authentic taco-inspired experience.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Dairy & Meat
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Soup Ingredients: To the pot, add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, chopped red bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer uncovered. Cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors while preparing your desired toppings.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the simmering soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken and let the soup cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through completely.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded Mexican cheese blend, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Notes
- For best results, use rotisserie chicken for convenient, flavorful shredded chicken.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Cream cheese adds richness but can be substituted with sour cream or heavy cream for a different texture.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well.
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or more chili powder.
