Introduction:
Chicken taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for those days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker chicken taco soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy a satisfying meal. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken taco soup in a slow cooker, along with helpful tips and FAQs.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips
Steps to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup:
Layer the Ingredients:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, and red bell pepper on top of the chicken.
In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add Chicken Broth:
Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the slow cooker.
Mix and Combine:
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients and distribute the seasoning evenly.
Set Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and select your desired cooking setting. You can cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences.
Serve and Garnish:
Serve the chicken taco soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla chips.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
A1. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Both cuts will work well in this recipe. You may prefer the flavor and tenderness of chicken thighs, so feel free to make the switch.
Q2. Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet?
A2. Absolutely! You can replace the packet of taco seasoning with a homemade blend. Simply combine spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to create your own seasoning mix. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
Q3. What can I do if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A3. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make chicken taco soup on the stovetop. Simply follow the same ingredient list and steps but use a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer the soup on low heat, covered, for 1-2 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Q4. How can I make this soup spicier?
A4. To add more heat to the soup, you can increase the amount of chili powder or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also garnish the soup with additional sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Q5. Can I freeze chicken taco soup?
A5. Yes, you can freeze chicken taco soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Conclusion:
Chicken taco soup made in a slow cooker is a fantastic and convenient way to prepare a satisfying meal for your family. With a flavorful blend of chicken, beans, vegetables, and spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Feel free to customize the toppings and seasoning to suit your taste, and don’t forget to explore different variations to make this dish your own. Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chicken taco soup!
