Introduction: Looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious meal that you can prepare in no time? Look no further than the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even as a comforting meal during colder months. With just seven cans of ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying soup that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details of this quick and delicious chicken taco soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup:
- Quick and Simple: With only seven ingredients, this soup comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy schedules.
- Budget-Friendly: Using canned ingredients, this recipe is cost-effective and helps minimize food waste.
- Versatile: Customize the soup to your taste by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or avocado.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and familiar taco taste make this soup a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 can of chicken breast (or use rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn kernels, drained
- 1 can of green chilies
- 1 can of chicken broth
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or homemade if preferred)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips for crunch
How to Make 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup:
- Combine the Canned Ingredients: Start by adding all the canned ingredients (chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, and chicken broth) into a large pot. Stir in the taco seasoning packet to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to blend and the soup to heat through.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve: Once the soup is heated through and the flavors are well combined, ladle it into bowls. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy! Serve with tortilla chips on the side or crushed into the soup for added texture. Enjoy this cozy and flavorful meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding a can of diced green peppers or zucchini for a boost of nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños, extra green chilies, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Ground Chicken or Beef: If you prefer a different protein, swap out the canned chicken for ground chicken or beef for a heartier option.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer using a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This is a great set-it-and-forget-it method!
Conclusion: The 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that can be whipped up in no time. With minimal prep and a handful of canned ingredients, it’s a fantastic choice for busy families, weeknight dinners, or any time you want a delicious soup that everyone will love. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and extra seasonings to make it your own! Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Serving and Storage Tips for 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Serving Tips:
- Toppings: Enhance the flavor and texture of your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup by offering a variety of toppings. Popular options include sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños. Crumbled tortilla chips or strips can also add a nice crunch.
- Pair with Sides: This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a side of warm cornbread, mexican rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. If you want a lighter option, serve with a simple side salad to balance out the meal.
- Portion Size: This soup is filling on its own, but you can adjust the portion size based on how hungry your guests are. Serve it in smaller bowls for a lighter meal or larger bowls for a more substantial dish.
- Garnishes: A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili powder can brighten the flavors and add a little extra zing to the soup.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: After serving, allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store any toppings separately to maintain their freshness and texture.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store the soup for a longer period, it freezes well. Simply transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The soup will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight or reheat it directly on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed to restore the consistency.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out if the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing.
Additional Tip: For a fresher taste when storing the soup, you may prefer to wait until reheating to add any dairy-based toppings like sour cream or cheese, as they can affect the texture when stored.
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can substitute fresh or cooked chicken for canned chicken. Simply cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the soup. Rotisserie chicken is also a great option for a quick and flavorful alternative.
2. Can I make 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, stir, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together even more, making the soup extra delicious.
3. Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! If you like a bit more heat, add extra green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to customize the spice level to your liking.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! You can easily boost the nutritional value by adding additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Simply add them with the canned ingredients, and they’ll cook nicely with the soup.
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This 7-Can Chicken Taco Soup is a deliciously simple recipe where everything comes straight from the pantry! Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (12.5 oz) can cooked chicken, drained and shredded
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner soup consistency)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning.
- Simmer the soup:
- Stir everything together and heat over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust consistency (optional):
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add up to 1 cup of chicken broth and stir well.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- For a fresh twist, substitute the canned chicken with 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken.
- You can also add a can of green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat.