Description
This easy chicken taco soup brings together rotisserie chicken, pantry staples, and creamy cheese to create a bold, savory Mexican-inspired soup in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s as cozy as it is customizable.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred; avocado oil works too)
1/2 medium medium onion (yellow or white, finely chopped)
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended to control salt levels)
2 (10 oz) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes (contain green chilies; do not drain juices)
1 (14 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed thoroughly)
1 (12 oz) can corn (drained canned corn or frozen kernels)
1/2 red bell pepper (chopped into small dice for even cooking)
1 tablespoon chili powder (adds depth and warmth without extreme heat)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (can substitute with 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast)
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for smooth blending)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado, lime
Extra optional: cooked rice or tortillas for serving
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, and cook for 1 minute to release the aromatics.
Pour in chicken broth and stir to dissolve the spices into the liquid.
Add Ro-tel diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, corn, and red bell pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add the shredded cooked chicken and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime.
Notes
For a non-dairy version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative or skip it entirely. You can also blend part of the soup for a richer texture.
If using fresh corn, cook it beforehand or add it when the soup is simmering.
Storage: Let cooled soup sit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
