Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
This Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is a family favorite that combines all the delightful flavors of tacos in a warm and comforting soup. The simplicity of throwing everything into the slow cooker makes it an ideal weeknight meal. Packed with protein from chicken and beans, as well as vibrant veggies, it offers a wholesome, delicious option that's perfect for chilly evenings. Top it off with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy a bowl on its own or serve it as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (chopped)
chili beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
corn
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
beer
1 (12 ounce) bottle (none)
diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (10 ounce) cans (undrained)
taco seasoning
1 1/4 ounces (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 whole (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (optional for serving)
sour cream
to taste (optional for serving)
crushed tortilla chips
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, chili beans, black beans, drained corn, tomato sauce, beer, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the taco seasoning until well blended.
2
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture, gently pressing them down until they are mostly covered by the other ingredients.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
After 5 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts and let them cool slightly before shredding the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
5
Continue cooking the soup on low for an additional 2 hours to let the flavors deepen.
6
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup?
It is a warm and comforting family favorite soup that combines taco flavors with chicken, beans, and vegetables in a slow cooker.
How many chicken breasts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How long does the soup cook initially?
The soup should be cooked on low heat for 5 hours before the chicken is removed for shredding.
What is the total cooking time for this recipe?
The total cooking time is 7 hours on low heat, consisting of an initial 5-hour cook and a secondary 2-hour cook after shredding the chicken.
Do I need to drain the chili beans?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 16 ounce can of drained chili beans.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, use one 15 ounce can of drained black beans.
Is the corn drained for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires one 15 ounce can of drained corn.
Do I drain the diced tomatoes with green chilies?
No, the recipe specifically calls for two 10 ounce cans of undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How much beer is added to the soup?
One 12 ounce bottle of beer is added to the mixture.
What amount of taco seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 ounces of taco seasoning.
How should the onion be prepared?
One onion should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for one 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.
When do I add the taco seasoning?
Stir the taco seasoning into the initial mixture of beans, vegetables, sauce, and beer until well blended.
How do I place the chicken in the slow cooker?
Place the chicken breasts on top of the bean and vegetable mixture and gently press them down until mostly covered.
When is the chicken shredded?
After the first 5 hours of cooking, remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, and then shred it.
Do I put the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker?
Yes, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine before the final 2 hours of cooking.
What are the recommended toppings for this soup?
The soup is best topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting option that is perfect for chilly evenings.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served either as a main bowl or as a delightful appetizer at gatherings.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a weeknight meal due to the simplicity of using a slow cooker.
Does this soup contain a lot of protein?
Yes, it is packed with protein from both the chicken and the various beans.
What type of cheese is suggested?
Shredded cheddar cheese is suggested for serving.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, the tags indicate that a vegetarian option is available for this recipe.
What makes the flavors deep in this soup?
The long slow-cooking process and the addition of beer and taco seasoning help the flavors meld and deepen.
Should the slow cooker be set to high or low?
The instructions specify setting the slow cooker to low heat.
How many cans of diced tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses two 10 ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Can I add the toppings directly into the slow cooker?
Toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chips are generally added to individual bowls when serving.
Is the tomato sauce drained or undrained?
Tomato sauce is used as a liquid base and does not require draining.
What kind of beans are in the soup?
The soup contains both chili beans and black beans.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that combines popular taco flavors in a soup format.