This Ground Chicken Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tasty ground chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices, giving you that taco flavor you love.
Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. I love topping it with a sprinkle of cheese and some crispy tortilla chips—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein and keeps the soup light. You can swap it for ground turkey or even ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Black Beans: These add protein and texture. If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too!
Chicken Broth: I love using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Diced Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor! If canned isn’t available, use fresh, chopped tomatoes, just adjust the cooking time.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin bring the taco flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount, or skip the smoked paprika.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic at the start adds a great base flavor to your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your olive oil over medium heat—don’t rush this step!
- Add the diced onion and stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent.
- Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
This technique creates a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste of the soup. Plus, it’s super simple!
Ground Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for some mild heat)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips or strips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Ground Chicken Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 to 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal! Total time is roughly 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large pot over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This creates a wonderful flavor base for your soup!
2. Brown the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left in the meat!
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Stir the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the pot. Cook everything for about 1 minute. This step helps toast the spices for an even richer flavor.
4. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and optional diced green chilies. Stir everything together so that it’s well combined.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Season to Taste:
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Yum!
7. Serve and Top:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips or strips for that delightful texture!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm soup and dig in! This Ground Chicken Taco Soup is sure to bring smiles all around with its delicious blend of flavors.
Grab a spoon and enjoy your comforting bowl of taco goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a substitute and will deliver a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly as you would with ground chicken.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by replacing the ground chicken with additional beans or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Don’t forget to sauté some extra veggies for added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The flavors often deepen after a day!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating, and enjoy a cozy meal anytime!