Easy Creamy Chicken Taco Soup (Printer-friendly)

Comforting soup with tender chicken, beans, and corn in a creamy taco-spiced broth. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)

→ Vegetables & Beans

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

→ Liquids & Dairy

07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
09 - 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 30 g) or 2 tablespoons homemade
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - Chopped fresh cilantro
15 - Sliced jalapeños
16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Crushed tortilla chips
18 - Lime wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all spices.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
05 - Lower heat and stir in cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Continue stirring until cream cheese melts completely and soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, about 5 minutes.
06 - Taste soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 40 minutes with almost zero active cooking time
  • The creamy broth creates the most comforting texture while still being packed with protein
02 -
  • Adding cold cream to hot soup can cause it to separate, so let the cream cheese soften first and add everything with the heat reduced
  • The soup continues thickening as it cools, so if it looks too thin initially, give it a few minutes off the heat
03 -
  • Use smoked paprika instead of regular for that subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret is
  • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to settle

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