Chicken Taco Soup (The Best Easy Mexican-Style Recipe for Every Diet)

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy chicken taco soup, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re craving a warm meal after a long day, looking for a family-friendly recipe, or trying to stick to your Weight Watchers goals, this chicken taco soup checks all the boxes. It’s loaded with protein, customizable with simple pantry ingredients, and easy to cook in one pot, a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything from how to make chicken taco soup the easy way, to tips for storing it, WW-friendly variations, and even authentic Mexican-inspired twists.

Check out our guide to Sous Vide Frozen Chicken Breast for more juicy and tender chicken ideas that go great with soups and bowls.

Easy Chicken Taco Soup

What Makes Chicken Taco Soup So Popular?

Chicken taco soup is a mash-up of two comfort food champions: soup and tacos. That combination means it’s warm, savory, spiced just right, and full of ingredients that are familiar, satisfying, and affordable. It’s the kind of soup that doesn’t just warm your belly—it gets people excited about dinner.

Beyond flavor, the appeal lies in how flexible and foolproof this dish is. You can make it with rotisserie chicken, shredded breast, or even leftover grilled pieces. You can also throw everything in a slow cooker and walk away. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or batch cooking.

Simple Ingredients You Already Have

One of the best things about this soup? You likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen. Here’s a standard lineup:

If you’re short on time, go canned with the beans, tomatoes, and corn. If you’re watching your sodium or prefer clean eating, opt for low-salt or organic versions.

Why This Version Is The Easiest Ever

Here’s what sets this easy chicken taco soup apart:

• No fancy techniques – everything is dumped and simmered
• Minimal chopping – onion and garlic are optional if using powders
• Ready in 25 minutes or less
• One pot = less mess
• Easy to freeze for future meals

Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, this recipe saves time and delivers every single time.

Easy Chicken Taco Soup

Brooklyn

A comforting, protein-packed, one-pot chicken taco soup that comes together fast with pantry staples. Great for busy nights, WW-friendly, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

• large pot
• wooden spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board
• chef’s knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thigh
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 small onion, diced (or 1 tsp onion powder)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices).
• Sprinkle in taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to coat ingredients evenly with spices.
• Pour in chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

For a zero-point WW version, skip oil and cheese. Want a smoky twist? Add chipotle in adobo. This soup freezes beautifully — store flat in freezer bags for easy reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2.1mg

Keyword chicken taco soup WW chicken soup easy chicken soup one pot soup healthy taco soup high protein soup Weight Watchers recipe

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Tips For Chicken Taco Soup

Choosing the Right Chicken: Breast vs. Thigh

When it comes to building bold flavor and the perfect texture, the type of chicken you use makes a big difference. Both chicken breast and thigh have their merits:

• Chicken breast: Leaner, higher in protein, and a great option for Weight Watchers or anyone looking to cut fat. It shreds beautifully but can dry out if overcooked.
• Chicken thigh: More forgiving and flavorful thanks to higher fat content. It stays juicy and tender, especially in slow-cooked versions.

Pro Tip: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat by hand for the perfect pulled texture.

Don’t miss our guide on Chicken Tenderloin Nutrition to explore leaner protein options that still pack taste.

Using Fresh, Canned, or Frozen Veggies

Your choice of veggies can streamline your cooking process or elevate your dish:

For an ultra-easy version, go with canned corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Want more depth? Roast your fresh tomatoes and corn before adding them.

Balancing Spices Without Overpowering Flavor

The key to taco soup is that signature smoky-spicy flavor that hits all the right notes. A good taco seasoning includes:

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Avoid over-salting. If your broth and canned goods contain sodium, skip extra salt until the end. Want heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño. Want smoky depth? Stir in ½ tsp of chipotle in adobo.

Discover great ideas like the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich for bold, spicy flavor profiles that complement Mexican-inspired dishes like this one.

How To Make Chicken Taco Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop, Crockpot, Instant Pot)

No matter your kitchen setup, making chicken taco soup is easy and foolproof. Here’s how to make it three ways.

STOVETOP METHOD (30 min total):

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
2. Add chicken & veggies: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, canned black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
3. Spice it up: Add taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), chili powder, and cumin.
4. Pour in broth: Add 4 cups chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer & serve: Reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stir occasionally.

CROCKPOT METHOD (Set it & forget it):

1. Dump all ingredients into your slow cooker (use raw chicken if preferred).
2. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot before serving.

INSTANT POT METHOD (Quick & easy):

1. Use the sauté mode to cook onions and garlic.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
3. Close the lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
4. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

Pro Tips for Prepping in Under 10 Minutes

Time-saving doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to skip cooking meat.
• Choose pre-diced onions and garlic paste for zero chopping.
• Go for low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to control salt.
• Freeze pre-measured taco seasoning in small jars or bags.
• Add all ingredients to a freezer bag and store flat—dump and go on busy nights.

With all these easy methods, chicken taco soup becomes not only quick but part of your regular weekly rotation.

Serving Chicken Taco Soup

Classic Toppings That Add a Punch

The right toppings can elevate your chicken taco soup from tasty to unforgettable. Whether you’re going for creamy, crunchy, or spicy, here are some of the best choices:

Mix and match based on your preferences. Want low-carb toppings? Skip the chips and double up on avocado and cilantro. Hosting a party? Set up a topping bar so everyone can customize their own bowl of chicken taco soup.

Don’t miss our twist on the perfect base-to-topper ratio with this Chicken Patty Sandwich — the layering strategy can apply to toppings too.

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Best With Taco Soup

While chicken taco soup is hearty enough to stand alone, it also pairs well with simple sides. Try any of these:

• Mexican-style cornbread – sweet, crumbly, and perfect for soaking
• Simple side salad – something crisp to balance the warmth of the soup
• Cheese quesadilla – great for dipping and loved by kids
• Grilled street corn – adds smoky flavor and crunch
• Brown rice or cauliflower rice – turns it into a burrito bowl vibe

For drinks, go with sparkling lime water, chilled horchata, or a light lager to cut through the heat.

Storing Chicken Taco Soup

Fridge and Freezer Storage Tips

One of the best parts of chicken taco soup is how well it stores. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or stashing leftovers for a busy night, this soup holds up beautifully.

Refrigerator Storage

• Cool your soup to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it into an airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For individual servings, use mason jars or portioned glass bowls with lids.

Freezer Storage

• Let soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers.
• Lay bags flat to freeze and save space.
• Label with date and contents.
• Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Freeze in 1-2 cup portions so you can thaw only what you need. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor or Texture

Whether you’re reheating from the fridge or freezer, you want to keep that same comforting flavor and texture in every bite.

Microwave Method (Quick)

• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
• Cover with a paper towel to prevent splatter.
• Heat for 1–2 minutes, stir, then heat in 30-second intervals.

Stovetop Method (Best Flavor)

• Pour soup into a small pot.
• Add 1–2 tbsp of water or broth to refresh the soup.
• Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warm.

Avoid boiling during reheating—especially if your chicken taco soup includes dairy or sour cream, as high heat can cause separation.

Weight Watchers Chicken Taco Soup

Zero Point Chicken Taco Soup Breakdown

If you’re following Weight Watchers, this is where chicken taco soup becomes your new best friend. Thanks to zero-point ingredients like chicken breast, beans, tomatoes, corn, and broth, you can easily make a soup that’s hearty, satisfying, and still points-free on many WW plans.

Here’s a simple breakdown of zero-point ingredients to use:

Key Tip: Avoid using cheese, sour cream, or oil if you want to keep the soup at zero points. Instead, try topping it with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or a small spoon of fat-free Greek yogurt.

This version is not only budget-friendly and meal-prep friendly, but also super satisfying thanks to its high fiber and protein content.

WW-Friendly Substitutes and Tracking Points

Need to adjust based on your specific WW plan? Here’s how to modify without losing flavor:

• Replace sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt
• Skip the cheese or use fat-free shredded cheese
• Use water + bouillon instead of full-sodium broth
• Saute onion and garlic in broth instead of oil

Looking to add points? Add ¼ avocado (2 pts), 1 oz shredded cheddar (4 pts), or serve it with baked tortilla chips.

If you’re following the WW Blue, Green, or Purple plan, this Weight Watchers chicken taco soup adapts beautifully to all of them—just log your ingredients and portion sizes.

Authentic Mexican Chicken Taco Soup Twist

Traditional Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup vs Chicken Taco Soup

While chicken taco soup is often an American-inspired, simplified version of Mexican flavors, it has roots in the traditional Mexican chicken tortilla soup—known as sopa de tortilla. Here’s how they compare:

Authentic tortilla soup typically has a deeper, smokier flavor thanks to roasted ingredients and dried chiles. While both soups use similar proteins and toppings, chicken taco soup is designed to be a faster, one-pot solution for busy home cooks.

Adding Authentic Flavors (like chipotle, epazote, or masa harina)

Want to give your chicken taco soup a real Mexican twist without making a full traditional tortilla soup? Try incorporating some of these authentic ingredients:

• Chipotle peppers in adobo: Adds smokiness and heat
• Epazote: A classic Mexican herb with a unique flavor (use sparingly)
• Masa harina: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons to thicken and add a subtle corn flavor
• Dried guajillo or pasilla chiles: Rehydrate, blend, and stir into your broth
• Lime zest and juice: Brightens the soup and enhances aromatics

These small touches can transform a weeknight chicken taco soup into something that tastes like it came from an abuela’s kitchen.

Discover more spicy, protein-rich options like our Cajun Fried Chicken that cater to low-carb needs while staying true to bold flavors.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Taco Soup

Calories, Protein, and Fiber per Serving

One of the biggest benefits of enjoying a hearty bowl of chicken taco soup is its outstanding nutritional profile. It’s filling without being heavy, and perfect for meal preppers, health-conscious eaters, and those watching their macros.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 1½ cup serving (varies slightly based on ingredients):

This soup is naturally high in fiber and protein, making it satisfying and blood-sugar friendly. The beans and corn contribute fiber, while chicken brings the protein punch.

It’s also a much healthier option compared to creamy or canned alternatives—and with smart swaps, you can keep it light without losing flavor.

Keto, Low Carb, and Gluten-Free Modifications

Want to adapt chicken taco soup for specific diets or allergies? Here’s how:

KETO / LOW CARB VERSION

• Replace corn and beans with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers
• Use full-fat chicken thighs for satiety
• Skip tomato paste (high in sugar) and go light on onions

GLUTEN-FREE MOD

• Use homemade taco seasoning without fillers
• Always check canned goods for hidden wheat ingredients
• Add a dash of masa harina (naturally gluten-free) for authentic flavor

Follow Easy Protein Kitchen on Pinterest for daily ideas!

FAQs About Chicken Taco Soup