If you are searching for a comforting bowl that satisfies your hunger and nourishes your body, this High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken with hearty beans and corn in a rich, flavorful broth spiced with taco seasoning and cumin. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this soup delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors alongside a powerful protein punch that keeps you energized and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients. Each item not only adds a unique flavor but also creates a perfect balance of texture and color that makes the soup as inviting as it is delicious.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides lean, tender protein that forms the base of the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts fiber and protein while giving a creamy texture.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained: Adds pops of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings a zesty kick and juicy tomato flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, hearty base for the broth.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful yet light on sodium.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade): Key to delivering that iconic taco flavor in every bite.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm earthiness that complements the taco seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances the flavors perfectly.
- Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges for personalized finishing touches.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and adding the diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens, releasing its natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, which builds the foundation of flavor for the soup.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the pot, then add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently stir everything together to combine, ensuring the spices blend evenly throughout the broth.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. This patient cooking time lets the soup develop a rich depth without any fuss.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Once shredded, return the chicken to the pot, stirring it back into the soup. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to thicken the broth slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes for a vibrant, fresh finish. This is the perfect moment to make the soup your own with complementary toppers.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is like putting the cherry on top—Greek yogurt lends a cool creaminess that balances the warm spices, shredded cheese offers melty richness, and creamy avocado adds a buttery texture. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice bring bright, zesty notes that brighten every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but for a fuller meal, serve it alongside warm cornbread or a side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette. Tortilla chips also pair wonderfully and add a pleasing crunch that complements the smooth soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in edible tortilla bowls or garnish with homemade crunchy tortilla strips. You can also invite everyone to a toppings bar so each person can customize their bowl—from extra cheese to jalapeños—making the meal interactive and even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It holds up beautifully and will stay tasty for up to 3 months, making it a perfect option for meal prep or quick future meals.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge for even heating and to preserve the delicious texture of the chicken and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, which adds extra richness to the soup. Both breasts and thighs work wonderfully, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is this soup really high in protein?
Yes, with chicken and black beans as its primary protein sources, this soup packs about 32 grams of protein per serving. It’s fantastic for anyone looking to stay full longer or support muscle maintenance.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Simply add all ingredients except for shredding the chicken into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving for easy preparation.
What can I add to make it spicier?
If you like heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. The diced tomatoes with green chilies already add mild spice, but these tweaks can level it up.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, especially if you use a gluten-free taco seasoning. This soup is safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe enough. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, is easy to make, and packs a satisfying nutritional punch. Try it for your next dinner and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to recipes that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
High Protein Chicken Taco Soup That’s Easy & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Chicken Taco Soup is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Packed with lean chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes, it delivers a rich combination of protein and fiber with a delicious Mexican-inspired taste. Topped with optional favorites like Greek yogurt and avocado, this soup is both satisfying and healthy for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts into the pot. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well to distribute evenly.
- Final Simmer: Continue simmering the soup uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges to enhance the flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra protein boost, add a can of white beans or stir in cooked quinoa before serving.
- This soup freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping and reheating for quick future meals.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Use low-sodium broth and homemade taco seasoning if preferred to control sodium levels.
