Hearty Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Soup
This Hearty Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with beans, corn, and a rich blend of spices in a zesty broth. Bursting with the tastes of classic Tex-Mex cuisine, this soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for any season. Top it with creamy Monterey Jack cheese and crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful texture and added flavor. This recipe is ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep, and it even tastes better the next day! Perfectly suited for serving 4-6 people, it’s a great choice for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Minced garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Vegetable oil
as needed (For sautéing)
Boiled chicken breast
1 lb (Shredded)
Taco seasoning mix
1 ounce (Packet or homemade)
Jarred salsa
8 ounces (Any variety)
Canned kernel corn
14 ounces (Drained)
Hominy
14 ounces (Drained and rinsed)
Ranch style beans
16 ounces (Canned)
Canned tomato paste
8 ounces (Regular or low sodium)
Canned chicken broth
28 ounces (Regular or low sodium)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Tortilla chips
as desired (For serving)
Grated Monterey Jack cheese
as desired (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Stir in the boiled and shredded chicken, taco seasoning mix, jarred salsa, canned kernel corn, hominy, ranch style beans, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3
Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking by adding more broth or water if necessary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
In a separate bowl, place the cream cheese. Carefully ladle some of the hot liquid from the pot over the cream cheese to help it melt. Stir until smooth, then add the melted cream cheese back into the soup, mixing until fully incorporated.
5
Continue to simmer the soup on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crunchy tortilla chips and grated Monterey Jack cheese. Enjoy with your favorite toppings such as avocado, tortilla strips, or sliced jalapeños for added spice.
Nutrition Information
12
Fat
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tex-Mex Chicken Taco Soup?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with beans, corn, and a rich blend of spices in a zesty broth.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 to 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The soup contains 12 grams of fat per serving.
What vegetables are used in the base?
The base uses diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breast should be boiled and then shredded before being added to the soup.
What is the first simmer duration?
After adding the main ingredients, let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the final simmer duration?
After incorporating the cream cheese, simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I properly add the cream cheese?
Ladle some hot liquid over the cream cheese in a separate bowl and stir until smooth before adding it back to the pot.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What amount of chicken is needed?
You will need 1 lb of boiled and shredded chicken breast.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use 8 ounces of any variety of jarred salsa.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 16 ounces of ranch style beans.
How much corn is added?
Add one 14-ounce can of kernel corn, drained.
How should the hominy be prepared?
Use 14 ounces of hominy that has been drained and rinsed.
What is the role of tomato paste in this soup?
Eight ounces of tomato paste are used to add richness and depth to the broth.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of canned chicken broth.
What size taco seasoning packet is needed?
Use a 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning mix or an equivalent amount of homemade seasoning.
How much garlic should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the measurement for the onion?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped diced onion.
What is the measurement for the green bell pepper?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped diced green bell pepper.
Which cheese is best for topping the soup?
Grated Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for topping.
What provides the crunchy texture in this dish?
Tortilla chips are served as a garnish to provide a delightful crunchy texture.
What other toppings can I add?
You can add avocado, tortilla strips, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
How can I adjust the soup's consistency?
You can add more broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it often tastes even better the next day.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste during the final 10 minutes of simmering.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
Vegetable oil is used as needed to sauté the initial vegetables.