Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese: A Creamy, Flavorful, and Cozy Meal 🥣🌮🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty chicken taco soup recipe that combines bold flavors with a creamy texture, look no further! This taco soup recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, quick weeknight dinners, or when you need a flavorful soup dinner that everyone will love. Loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of spices, all finished with a swirl of cream cheese, this homemade soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a fan of soup and sandwich combo or looking for a delicious dinner idea, this crockpot soup is easy to make and packed with flavor.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Chicken Taco Soup
- 1 lb cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese
3.1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, you can cook chicken breasts in advance or use pre-cooked shredded chicken for quick preparation. Diced onions and minced garlic are ready to add deep flavor to your easy soup recipe.
3.2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground cumin and chili powder, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
3.3. Add the Main Ingredients
Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, and corn. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
3.4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the simmering soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, giving the soup a luscious and creamy texture. This step elevates your taco soup recipe with a rich, velvety finish that pairs perfectly with the smoky spices.
3.5. Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. This makes for a fantastic soup dinner that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover chicken taco soup with cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly and reheat for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese
This versatile soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy tortilla chips, a slice of cornbread, or even a light fresh salad. For a comforting lunch or cozy dinner, serve with a warm bread roll and enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that makes this soups and sandwich combo a hit among all age groups.
6. Alternative Variations and Tips
Customize your crockpot soup recipes by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra freshness. Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist. Remember, the key to a flavorful homemade soup recipe is balancing spices and seasoning to your taste.
7. FAQs About Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese
Q1: Can I make this taco soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients (except cream cheese) in your crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes and stir until smooth. For more slow cooker ideas, check out our dinner recipes section.
Q2: Is this soups and sandwich meal suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in airtight containers and reheat thoroughly. The cream cheese may slightly change texture upon thawing, but stirring well restores creaminess.
Q3: What toppings go best with chicken taco soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips, adding extra flavor and texture to your bowl.
8. Final Thoughts
With this recipe for chicken taco soup with cream cheese, you’re equipped with a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that appeals to everyone. It combines the comforting elements of traditional soup and sandwich favorites with the zest of taco seasonings. Perfect for weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this crockpot soup recipes is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and variations to make it your own!
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this delightful chicken taco soup with cream cheese is a nourishing and crowd-pleasing homemade soup recipe that combines bold flavors with creamy goodness. Easy to prepare, versatile, and delicious, it is a perfect addition to your collection of simple soup recipes. Whether you serve it as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish will surely become a household staple!
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Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (if check ingredients)
Description
Discover the creamy and flavorful Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese, a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or quick weeknight dinners. This homemade soup combines tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, spices, and a swirl of cream cheese for a velvety texture and bold taco flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, cook chicken breasts in advance or use pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground cumin and chili powder, stirring well.
- Stir in shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, and corn. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the simmering soup. Stir until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra freshness.
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
- Dairy-free cream cheese can be used for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/3 cups)
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg