Preparation & Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
– Total time: 40–45 minutes
– Servings: 6–8
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the soup
– 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 packet taco seasoning (approximately 1 oz)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
For the creamy mixture
– 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup sour cream
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
For garnish
– ½ cup extra shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup sour cream
– ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
– 1 cup tortilla strips
– 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
– Sliced jalapeños (optional)
– Diced avocado (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cook chicken breasts or thighs until completely cooked through.
Allow the chicken to cool slightly.
Use two forks to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
Step 2: Prepare the beans and corn
Open the cans of black beans and corn.
Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly.
Drain the corn and set both ingredients aside.
Step 3: Start the soup base
Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Add olive oil.
Add the diced tomatoes and optional tomatoes with green chilies.
Stir gently for approximately 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the seasonings
Add taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Stir until the tomatoes are coated with the seasonings.
Cook for approximately 1 minute to release the flavors.
Step 5: Add chicken and vegetables
Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and sweet corn.
Stir everything together until evenly combined.
Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 7: Simmer the soup
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cover partially and simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
This allows the chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes to absorb the delicious taco seasoning.
Step 8: Add the cream cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add softened cream cheese cubes to the soup.
Stir slowly until the cream cheese melts completely.
For a smoother consistency, whisk the cream cheese with a little warm broth in a separate bowl before adding it.
Step 9: Add heavy cream
Pour in the heavy cream, if using.
Stir gently until the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Avoid boiling vigorously after adding dairy.
Step 10: Add shredded cheddar cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the soup.
Stir until completely melted.
The cheese creates a deliciously rich, thick, and cheesy texture.
Step 11: Add sour cream
Turn the heat to low.
Add ½ cup sour cream.
Stir gently until incorporated.
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 12: Check the consistency
If the soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth.
If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes.
The finished soup should be creamy, hearty, and loaded with chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Step 13: Garnish and serve
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
Top each bowl with:
– Extra shredded cheddar cheese
– A spoonful of sour cream
– Fresh cilantro
– Crispy tortilla strips
– Fresh lime juice
Add diced avocado or jalapeños if desired.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy!
Nutritional Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 8 servings with cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 385 kcal
Protein 29 g
Carbohydrates 27 g
Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 5 g
Sodium 850 mg
Calcium 220 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
Potassium 570 mg
Quick Nutrition Info (Q/S)
– Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance.
– Fiber: Black beans and corn contribute dietary fiber for digestive health.
– Calcium: Cheddar and cream cheese provide calcium for healthy bones.
– Iron: Black beans and chicken contribute iron.
– Vitamin C: Tomatoes and lime provide vitamin C.
– Vitamin A: Tomatoes and seasonings contribute small amounts of vitamin A.
– Vitamin B6: Chicken provides vitamin B6.
– Potassium: Beans, tomatoes, and chicken contribute potassium.
– Healthy fats: Olive oil and optional avocado provide unsaturated fats.
Helpful Cooking Tips
1. Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe quicker.
2. Always soften cream cheese before adding it to the soup.
3. Use freshly shredded cheddar for smoother melting.
4. Drain and rinse black beans to remove excess canning liquid.
5. Add cream cheese over low heat to prevent separation.
6. Add tortilla strips immediately before serving to keep them crispy.
7. Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt.
8. Add extra taco seasoning for a stronger Mexican-inspired flavor.
9. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the creamy soup.
10. For extra thickness, mash a few black beans into the broth.
Delicious Variations
– Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: Add jalapeños and red pepper flakes.
– Extra Cheesy Taco Soup: Add Monterey Jack cheese.
– Healthy Chicken Taco Soup: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
– Slow Cooker Version: Combine chicken, broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in cream cheese and cheddar during the final 20–30 minutes.
– Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra black beans and vegetable broth.
Storage Instructions
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months, although the creamy texture may change slightly after thawing.
– Reheating: Warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
– Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
Add a little chicken broth when reheating if the soup becomes too thick.
Allergen Information
– Contains dairy (cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and optional heavy cream).
– May contain soy depending on packaged taco seasoning and broth.
– Tortilla strips may contain wheat or other grains depending on the brand.
Nut Information (Q/S)
Nut type Included?
Peanuts No
Almonds No
Walnuts No
Cashews No
Pistachios No
Pecans No
Hazelnuts No
Other tree nuts No
Nut allergy note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Always check packaged chicken broth, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and tortilla strips for possible cross-contamination.
Easy one-pot family favorite
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Taco Soup!