This Ground Chicken Taco Soup is a cozy bowl of yum! It’s packed with tasty spices, tender chicken, and colorful veggies. Who doesn’t love tacos in soup form?
Making this soup is super easy! Just cook everything in one pot and enjoy the warm, spicy goodness. I like to top mine with cheese and a few tortilla chips for crunch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the soup. Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. If you’re opting for vegetarian, try using lentils or black beans instead.
Olive Oil: Ideal for sautéing, but you can replace it with avocado oil or even unsalted butter for a different flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can work too—just peel and chop them. For added flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring out the flavors. If you don’t have these, taco seasoning mix works well as a substitute. Adjust according to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Taste in My Soup?
Getting the flavors just right is key. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is delicious:
- Sautéing Aromatics: Always start by cooking the onions and garlic. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Cook Ground Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure the chicken is nicely browned before adding other ingredients. This enhances the flavor.
- Blend Seasonings: Adding spices right after browning the meat helps release their flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer so all flavors meld together. Taste it at the end and feel free to adjust spices if needed.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a rich and hearty taco soup that everyone will love!
Delicious Ground Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Protein Base:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Canned Goods:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chile peppers
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Spices:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This scrumptious Ground Chicken Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes of cooking time for a total of 35 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Your Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for 30 seconds, just until you can smell that wonderful aroma!
2. Brown the Ground Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the chicken is completely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds great flavor!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, along with salt and pepper. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute, which helps enhance their flavors nicely.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced green chiles, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and water. Mix everything well to combine all those delicious flavors!
5. Simmer Your Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want more spice, feel free to add extra chili powder!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro for that vibrant finishing touch. Serve hot with tortilla chips if you love some crunch.
Enjoy the warm, spicy flavors of this hearty Ground Chicken Taco Soup! It’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your tummy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still give you a deliciously hearty soup. Just be aware that turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be less rich, so consider adding a little extra seasoning to boost it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
