Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein base of this soup, becoming tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.

Black beans: These beans add a hearty texture and are a great source of fiber and protein.

Corn: Sweet corn kernels provide a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies: This ingredient adds a tangy and slightly spicy element to the soup.

Taco seasoning: A pre-mixed blend of spices that gives the soup its distinctive taco flavor.

Chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup, adding depth and richness to the overall flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your chicken taco soup, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan with a bit of oil before placing them in the slow cooker. This will give the chicken a nice golden color and add a depth of flavor to the soup. Additionally, you can toast the taco seasoning in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to release the essential oils in the spices, making your soup even more aromatic and flavorful.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable replacement.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when cooked in the soup.

• black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and flavor, making them a good alternative.

• black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans are slightly larger but offer a similar taste and texture.

• corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used in place of canned corn and will provide a similar taste and texture.

• corn - Substitute with hominy: Hominy has a slightly different texture but can add an interesting twist to the soup.

• diced tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with diced tomatoes and a can of green chilies: Combining these two ingredients will replicate the flavor of the original.

• diced tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can provide a similar flavor profile and add a bit of extra seasoning.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade taco seasoning: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano to create a similar flavor.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with fajita seasoning: Fajita seasoning has a similar spice blend and can be used in a pinch.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth will give a richer flavor, though it will slightly alter the taste of the soup.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ingredients.
• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. For easy portioning, use individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Transfer the leftover soup to a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
  3. Once the soup is hot and chicken is heated through, serve immediately.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Place a portion of the leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent).
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Ensure the soup is heated evenly and serve hot.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Transfer the leftover soup back into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup is thoroughly heated, serve with your favorite toppings.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout.
  5. Stir well before serving.

• Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the volume of liquid or bulk solid cooking ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure small quantities of ingredients, both liquid and dry.

• Can opener: A device used to open metal cans.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.

• Knife: A tool with a blade used for cutting ingredients.

• Tongs: Used to grip and lift hot foods or to shred the chicken.

• Mixing spoon: A large spoon used for stirring ingredients together.

• Serving ladle: A large spoon used for serving soup.

• Bowl: Used to hold the shredded chicken temporarily.

• Fork: Used to shred the chicken breasts after cooking.

• Serving bowls: Used to serve the finished soup.

• Cheese grater: Used to grate cheese for toppings.

• Spoon rest: A place to rest your mixing spoon to keep your countertop clean.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Opt for canned ingredients: Utilize canned black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to cut down on prep time.

Make your own taco seasoning: Prepare a large batch of taco seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container. This way, you can quickly add it to your recipes.

Prep the night before: Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply place the insert in the cooker and start cooking.