Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Taco Soup is a quick and easy taco soup recipe for a cold night! One of our favorite crock pot meals that can be made in the slow cooker or on the stove top. Some people call this a 7 can chicken taco soup recipe. Serve this with some sweet cornbread and a guacamole salad!
CHICKEN TACO SOUP RECIPE
(originally posted 2009)
I was Dorothy for Halloween probably four years in a row as a little girl. Being the sweet freak then as well as now I would eat my Halloween candy as I trick or treated.
Or maybe I knew my mom was going to hide most of it when I got home so I was trying to consume all I could while I had control over my goods.
By the time I came home I would have a massive stomach ache and would belly up my little pigtails to the bar while my mom fixed me warm chicken noodle soup to balance all that sugar.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TACO SOUP
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Stir onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, dice tomatoes, and taco sauce into a slow cooker.
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Set slow cooker to low heat, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours on low if your chicken is thawed. May take 4-5 hours on low if your chicken is frozen.
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Remove chicken breasts from the soup and shred. Stir shredded chicken back into the soup.
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Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS:
Simmer on the stove for 30 minutes or until chicken is done.
EASY WAY TO SHRED CHICKEN
CAN YOU FREEZE TACO SOUP?
Yes. You can freeze this taco soup before or after cooking. You can freeze this in gallon freezable bags which make it easier for thawing and reheating.
OTHER SOUP RECIPES:
- Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Mom’s White Chicken Chili
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Healthy Spicy Black Bean and Beef Chili
- Spicy Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken Quinoa Chili
- Green Enchilada Pork Chili
Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 white onion, chopped finely
- 1 (16 oz.) can chili beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning
- 3 whole skinless, boneless, chicken breasts, thawed or frozen
Instructions
- Stir onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning into a slow cooker. *I sautee the onion before to make sure that they are not crunchy. Lay the chicken breast on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly so that it gets covered by other ingredients. Set slow cooker to low heat, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours on low if your chicken is thawed. May take 4-5 hours on low if your chicken is frozen.
- Remove chicken breasts from the soup and shred. Stir shredded chicken back into the soup. You can add some water if you like it a little thinner.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
I just put this soup in my slow cooker. Had been gone ALL weekend at a soccer tournament and hadn’t been to the store. With just a couple of minor substitutions for things I didn’t have on hand (sweet corn relish for the can of corn, a lonely frozen chicken thigh in place of a breast, and some leftover taco sauce instead of tomato sauce), I was able to have dinner going before I sat down to work my actual job. It’s already smelling amazing, and I LOVE recipes where I can get nearly everything from the dollar store, AND it’s pantry/freezer stable. Thank you!
Can you substitute ground beef in place of chicken?
Yes of course!
I make my Taco Soup almost exactly like yours. But for a little more flavor I add a 10 oz. can of enchilada sauce. I can’t eat spicy anymore. I have become allergic to the capsaicin in peppers. I have to use green peppers and just add extra flavor in different ways. I’m so glad everyone has come out the mild, such as season packets, sauces, and so many other things, so I can enjoy things like I used to. A little cilantro sprinkled on top is also very good. Thank you for posting this recipe because I misplaced my copy I had. The beauty of this soup is you really can make it in about 45 minutes or take your time and use the slow cooker.
Thank you!
This soup made for a perfect healthy and filling lunch! I made a batch of it, and then put it in individual serving size containers to store in the fridge. Then throughout the week, I would just grab one for lunch and re-heat in the microwave. I love that it calls for standard pantry staples and that it’s cooked in the crock pot, making this super easy to prepare. If you need it quicker than the crock pot can make it, those stove top directions within the recipe is a wonderful bonus. I prepared mine in the crock pot. The chicken breasts I buy are HUGE to say the least, therefore I only needed 1 of them for this soup. I would say about 1 pound to 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast is perfect.
Do people really need you to hold their hands on making simple changes?
haha yes
What is the serving size? On the recipe it says 1…could you please clarify? Thank you!
It yields 12 servings so I would divide the soup by 12. You could weigh the soup and take 1/12
When you say 3 whole chicken breasts, do you mean 3 halves or 6 halves? Also, if you wanted to use already cooked chicken how many cups would you use?
Thank you, looking forward to trying this recipe.
This is my favorite taco soup. I have made this recipe at least a dozen times. I like to saute the onion as well. My kids love it too. Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy to hear this!
Our families favorite meal and it’s easy to make! I also sauté the onions before adding them. You won’t be disappointed.
There is no liquid or chicken broth in this recipe?
No. It’s a thick soup but you can add some to thin it out.
I add one can of beer in mine. If you don’t have that then use chicken broth.
Is there a way to make this a lightened up version by using low sodium chicken broth in lieu of the tomato sauce?
Sure!
I made my own taco seasoning, added some water. did not need chicken broth,
Are the black beans and chili beans drained? I usually do but noticed the corn says drained but not he beans. Freezes great in 2 cup containers for a quick lunch.
I love the soup and great as I am gluten intolerant. Thanks.
Yes, you should drain and rinse them
Your instructions say Stir onion, beans, corn, tomato sauce, dice tomatoes, and taco sauce into a slow cooker. Yet in the ingredient list of the recipe I don’t see taco sauce listed. Could you clarify this please?
Sorry it was supposed to be taco seasoning which is listed right after the diced tomatoes.
Can you make this in the instant pot?
Yes! I don’t have exact time on it but I think 15 to 20 should work. I’ll test it and get back to you.
Yes please on the instant pot time! I want to try is ASAP 🙂
Very good recipe. I added the juice of one small lime at the end to add brightness. I cooked it on my stove top for about 30 minutes, shredded the chicken and then simmered on low for about another 15.
So glad you liked it!
I absolutely love this recipe! I make it 1-2 times a month. I’m making it again today and I’m going to saute the onions first. I normally am lazy and just throw them in. Feeding 4 kiddos can be challenging, but this one is a winner. Thanks for this recipe!
You are welcome!
Hi There,
Can I used leftover cooked chicken and just cook the other ingredients on stove
Yes!
Can I make this a day ahead and then reheat for a party?
Yes, absolutely!
Hi Christy. I made this for the Saints game yesterday & it was a big hit! keep the great recipes coming. 🙂
Woo hoo! go saints! Glad you made it.
I had a similiar recipe that also put in 3 cups of chicken broth. YUMMY!
Yes you can definitely add more liquid if you want.
I have one family member who doesn’t like tomatoes. What would you suggest in lieu of the tomatoes with green chili’s?
I came up with a solution. I put the tomatoes with green chili’s in the blender first. Turned out great and no complaints from anyone. Only compliments! Great recipe.
Sorry Tina that I didn’t see this sooner.
What are chili beans?
You should be able to find chili beans in the canned bean section. It is chili seasoned pinto beans.
What are chili beans?
Pro tip: you can not double this in a crockpot.
I looked at all the ingredients I got out and said nope not gonna fit, but my mom reassured me it would definitely fit. She was wrong. Very messy experience but really great soup!
Only had a whole small chicken cut up so had to debone and shred but it still turned out great. We cooked for 6 hrs. Will use again!
How long does it cook on stove top, if not going with crockpot option?
I would say about 25 minutes.
How much soup is one serving?
Probably around one cup.
Could you cook this on high if you’re in a hurry? Or could it burn? (I’m an awful cook!)
Nope. It won’t burn. You can do that.
How long would you cook on high
Can I use bone in chicken breast? They had a huge sale at my store yesterday
Of course!
Without any chicken broth, how does this turn into a soup consistency?
I want you to know I’ve been making this soup/chili for about 3 years now. My boys LOVE it. I revisit your page again and again for the recipie even though it’s pretty much memorized now . 😁 Thank you for sharing!
Well thank you for coming back over and over again Patricia!!
Just wondering how much weight should the chicken be
Helen,
About 1 pound should do.
Going to make this for a soup cook off so hope its as good as everyone says and I win!
If you have a stand mixer. Shredding that chicken is even easier !
Great recipe gonna try it this weekend. Thanks
Yes, for sure!
Do you drain the chili beans?
Nope! Just pour them in.
This looks so goodt lol that I decided to make it for Sunday dinner Winter time it will be good thank you oh yeah first time marking it and eating it pray that I do a wonderful job!!!!!
So glad you like this soup.
So yummy! I used 2 taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix. I also added 3 small cans of tomato sauce since we like it more soupy.
I make this all year round! I love me some in a bowl with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and a few splashes of Franks hot sauce.
I love it!!!
Ooh yum!
I like is recipe but always forget the timing in the above post is way too low. I went to shred my chicken after three hours on high and the chicken was still raw on the inside.
Guess it all depends on your slow cooker. Some are stronger than others so you may have to cook longer.
Hi Christy! Long-time fan, first-time commenter. I have been making this recipe for years by substituting vegan chicken strips for actual chicken. I really love this recipe which inspired my own vegan version and made a post about it on my blog here -> http://www.thelittleredspoon.com/chicken-taco-soup/
I credit you with a direct link here in the recipe description.
Cheers!
Thank you! I’m glad you were able to adjust it to your liking. Sounds great!
Where is the chili pizza recipe??? Everytime I try &get it the ta o recipe come up.I really would like the pizza chili recipe. I even bgt your cookbook, but no pizza chili recipe. Thanks .
Elizabeth,
Shoot! I’m sorry. Here’s the link: https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2014/11/pizza-chili.html
Thanks! I actually made it on the stovetop in about 40 minutes for last week’s football playoff party, and it was a big hit. Do you think it will freeze well? I might share it with a couple of friends for our make ahead meal exchange tomorrow.
I think it would freeze well! Good luck!
I think it would freeze well! Good luck!
This soup is great and so easy! It is always requested when I need to bring a meal to work for a potluck. I have shared your recipe and blog many times.
Thanks for sharing Candace!
Love this soup! We also add a packet of Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch which gives it an awesome kick!
It was so easy, just added some crushed tortilla chips, shreded cheese and my son wanted some sour cream on it. The guys ate the whole pot, they were amazed. Good stuff The scredding chicken was so simple thanks !!!
I’m trying this tomorrow, this looks great. !! Thanks for the tip on schredding chicken ’cause I couldn’t quite get it done with forks. 🙂
Love this soup. I also love the trick to shredding chicken.
You could also use a pkg of ranch dressing seasoning and the rotisserie chicken from walmart it’s already seasoned just have to pick it all off the bone, this gives it more flavor. I make chicken taco soup at least 2-3 times a month.
Your site is absolutely fantastic , lots of flavorful recipes everyone enjoys & usually asks for seconds as well as for the recipe.
Few years ago we had a work day @ congregation we belong to, everyone considers me a good cook & was asked to serve a main dish. I made that recipe but without the taco seasoning, it was gone in less than 5 minutes, friends rename it as Carmen’s Delicious Southwest Chicken ( serve with Spanish Rice,as filling for burros or in a flour tortilla shell over rice & topped with guacamole, a frequent request to ALL gatherings) I rename it ” Carmen’s Houdini chicken” (it’s gone so quickly) .
I make my salsa from scratch with roasted tomatoes & garlic plus freshly ground spices (no onion) to desired heat level, most of our friends are Anglo but actually crave my mexican food (LOL)or as a close friend put it , “Carmen, I enjoy hot salsa but yours rocks, lots of flavor (not just hot) & gets better with age,great with chicken, tacos,steak, whatever you’re eating”
Thanks for great,easy. nutritious recipes.
keenpetite
Southeast Arizona
I could go for some of your salsa right now!
I have the same recipe but, I add juce from 1 lime and cilantro.
I love taco soup, i can’t wait to try your version. I are mine with V8juice instead of tomato sauce and put a splash of ranch dressing in it. It is to die for!
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This looks like a terrific winter time soup and I love the chicken shredding tip. I deleted the comment above since it was the wrong id for my recipe searching.
Great blog!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oh my word. That tip on shredding chicken is AMAZING. I often cook up 8-10 chicken breasts at a time in the crock pot and then dread shredding them before putting them into ziplocks in the freezer. This tip is great! I can’t wait to try it!
Oh, and the soup looks yummy too!
This is something similar to a recipe I tasted when I went to Mexico city, but that meal was called “Sopa Azteca” and its flavor was incomparable, I’d add a little bit of avocado too.m10m
Oh yum yum yum! Bookmarked! Now that fall is here this is perfect!
GREAT blog! So happy I found you!
Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls
This looks SO good! Can’t wait to try this!!!
I saw this on Kristy’s blog and tried it – it’s SO good and easy. Taco soup is one of my favorites!