Let me tell you, when life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of 8 can chicken taco soup to come to the rescue! This recipe is a family favorite of mine because it’s not only super quick to whip up, but it also packs a punch of flavor that everyone loves. On those hectic weeknights, I can have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, which is a total lifesaver. It’s perfect for busy days or when unexpected guests pop in. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, making each bowl a delightful experience. Trust me, once you try this easy and delicious soup, it might just become your go-to weeknight meal, too!
Ingredients for 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup
- 1 can shredded chicken, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 can taco seasoning
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
How to Prepare 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Getting this delicious 8 can chicken taco soup on the table is a breeze! I promise, once you get the hang of this simple process, you’ll be whipping it up in no time. Let’s dive into the steps that will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds dancing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by opening all your cans. Make sure to drain the black beans, corn, and kidney beans. This will help keep the soup from getting too watery!
- In a large pot, combine the drained chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced green chilies (also undrained), chicken broth, taco seasoning, and kidney beans. You want everything in there for a flavor explosion!
- Stir everything together well. It’s important to mix it thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor. I like to use a wooden spoon for this step – it just feels right!
- Now, place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want anything to stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. The aroma will be irresistible!
- After simmering, give it a final stir and serve hot. Don’t forget to set out your favorite toppings, like cheese, sour cream, or avocado, to make it extra special!
That’s it! You’ve just made a scrumptious pot of 8 can chicken taco soup. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few cans and 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to go. Perfect for those busy nights!
- Flavor Packed: Each bite bursts with flavor from the combination of spices, chicken, and beans. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
- Customizable: You can easily make this soup your own with different toppings like cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños. Everyone gets to personalize their bowl!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is not just delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup stores well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for a quick meal later on. Less waste, more yum!
Tips for Success
To make your 8 can chicken taco soup a total hit, I’ve got a few handy tips to keep in mind. First, don’t skip the draining step! Properly draining the beans and corn ensures your soup won’t turn out too watery—nobody wants that! Also, feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to suit your taste; some like it spicy, while others may prefer a milder flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some fresh chopped cilantro or a splash of lime juice right before serving for an extra zing!
And remember, simmering is key! Letting the soup bubble away on low heat for those 20 minutes really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Lastly, if you’re using toppings like avocado or sour cream, add them just before serving to keep them fresh and delicious. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the 8 can chicken taco soup, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not only delicious but also pretty balanced! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose. For instance, if you go for lower-sodium chicken broth or add extra veggies, you can tweak the nutritional profile even further. It’s a flexible recipe that can fit nicely into a healthy diet while still being super satisfying!
Serving Suggestions
To take your 8 can chicken taco soup to the next level, consider pairing it with some delicious sides that complement its flavors beautifully. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:
- Warm Tortilla Chips: Crunchy, salty tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into the soup. You can even sprinkle them with a little lime juice for a zesty twist!
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad, made with corn, lime, cilantro, and cheese, adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the hearty soup.
- Avocado Toast: A slice of crusty bread topped with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of salt makes for a delightful pairing that balances the soup’s spiciness.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime dressing can refresh your palate and enhance the meal.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: These can be filled with cheese, beans, or even some leftover chicken. They’re quick to make and are a hit with both kids and adults!
These side options not only enhance your soup experience but also make for a fun, shareable meal that everyone will enjoy. Dig in and savor the flavors together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious 8 can chicken taco soup is super simple! After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the soup into an airtight container or divide it into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days, which is perfect for meal prep!
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to leave a little space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quicker option. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it to avoid splatters. Enjoy your comforting bowl again!
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh chicken, just cook and shred it beforehand. You can use about 2 cups of cooked chicken to replace the canned version. Just make sure to add a little extra broth to keep the soup from being too thick.
Q2. Can I make this 8 can chicken taco soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for about 2-3 hours. It’s a great way to let those flavors meld together while you’re busy with other tasks!
Q3. What toppings do you recommend for the soup?
You can get really creative with toppings! Some of my favorites include shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips for some added crunch. It’s all about personal preference!
Q4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply replace the canned chicken with a can of chickpeas or another bean of your choice. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it hearty and satisfying!
Q5. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as you want to ensure all the veggies are tender and flavorful.
8 Can Chicken Taco Soup: A 30-Minute Flavor Bomb
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy recipe for 8 can chicken taco soup.
Ingredients
- 1 can shredded chicken
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 can taco seasoning
- 1 can kidney beans
Instructions
- Open all cans and drain the beans and corn.
- In a large pot, combine all the ingredients.
- Stir well to mix everything together.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: 8 can chicken taco soup
