Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine in a convenient and easy-to-make format. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy soup combines tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and a medley of beans and vegetables, all simmered to perfection. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as you go about your day. In just a few hours, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to warm your family’s hearts and fill their bellies.
Why We Love This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a quintessential comfort food that appeals to a wide range of taste buds. Firstly, the flavor profile is delightful; the creamy texture combined with the spices from the taco seasoning brings an explosion of taste in each spoonful. Instead of slaving over the stove, you can set it and forget it—just pop everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work for you! It’s also a versatile dish; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or add extra ingredients as desired. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so you won’t have to deal with a sink full of dishes afterwards. This soup is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead, making it a standout recipe in any home cook’s arsenal.
Ingredients about Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
To create this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Directions
Making this delightful soup is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as the foundation of the soup, providing a juicy and tender texture when cooked. Next, layer the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor and adds nutritional value to the dish.
Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning generously over the layered ingredients. The seasoning is what gives this soup its signature taste, so don’t be shy! Pour in the chicken broth, which will help cook the chicken and create a rich broth as everything simmers together.
Now, it’s time to cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to set it on low for six to eight hours if you want the chicken to become tender and fall apart easily. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, the high setting will get everything done in three to four hours.
Approximately 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, take a fork and shred the chicken directly in the pot. This will help to incorporate the chicken into the soup, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. Next, add the cream cheese. Stir it into the soup until it melts and blends seamlessly into the mixture, creating a rich and creamy base.
Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese. This will enhance the creaminess and richness of the soup even further. Make sure to taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preferences. You can always adjust the seasoning to fit your taste! When you’re ready to serve, garnish each bowl with chopped cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Serving Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a breeze, and the presentation can elevate the experience. Start by ladling the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of the chicken, beans, and vegetables. To add an extra layer of flavor and color, consider topping each bowl with additional ingredients. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, while diced avocado brings creaminess and a contrast in texture.
If you want to enhance the dish even more, offer lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the flavors and add a zesty kick. You could also provide tortilla chips for a crunchy side; they make a perfect accompaniment for dipping into the soup. Some people enjoy adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of jalapeños for an added spice kick. Whatever toppings you choose, make sure they complement the soup and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup, consider these expert tips. First, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, especially the chicken and spices. Fresh and high-quality products will greatly enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Second, don’t skip the garnishes! While the soup is delicious on its own, fresh garnishes like cilantro, avocado, and lime are essential to brighten the dish. They can truly transform how your soup tastes and looks.
Third, be mindful of the cooking time. If you place it on low, resist the urge to peek too often, as this releases heat and extends cooking time. Trust your crockpot to do its job!
Lastly, feel free to customize the ingredients. You can swap out the beans or vegetables according to what you have on hand. If you like it spicy, kick it up a notch by adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. This dish is a blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch!
How to Store Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Storing your leftover Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is simple and effective, helping you enjoy the meal beyond the initial serving. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Make sure to portion it out based on how much you’d like to consume over the next few days. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Place your cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top. This allows for expansion as the soup freezes. Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan until it’s warmed through. This makes for a quick and convenient meal that tastes just as good as when it was freshly made.
Variation of Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
There are several exciting variations to consider that can enhance your Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup! One variation is to introduce different types of proteins. If you’re not keen on chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring a different flavor and texture to the dish.
You can also explore different beans. Instead of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans could be delicious choices that add variety. For a more hearty soup, consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making the soup spicy by including diced green chilies or jalapeños right in the crockpot. Additionally, for a southwestern twist, you might incorporate corn tortillas, cutting them into strips and adding them about 30 minutes before serving, giving the soup a delightful texture.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings as well—try crumbled tortilla chips, diced red onions, or even a sprinkle of queso fresco for a unique finish. Each of these variations can elevate the dish to match whatever craving you might have.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup?
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a robust dish made from chicken breasts, seasoned black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all simmered in a creamy broth. It’s a flavorful, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare.
How long does it take to cook?
Typically, you can cook this delicious soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, cooking times may vary slightly since the chicken will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature.
What can I serve with Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, fresh avocado, or a side salad. Don’t forget the lime wedges and cilantro for a fresh garnish!
How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To control the spiciness, opt for mild taco seasoning, and consider adding jalapeños directly into the pot. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy it hotter.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still keep the flavors authentic with the right spices!
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Place at the bottom of the crockpot.
- 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
- 1 can corn Drained.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning Generously sprinkle over ingredients.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese Add 30 minutes before serving.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add just before serving.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Chopped cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Layer black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the layered ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken in the pot.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted into the soup.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with chopped cilantro and any additional toppings like avocado or lime.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!