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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can black beans (15 oz) - 1 can corn (15 oz) - 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz) - 1 can tomato paste (6 oz) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves - Sour cream - Shredded cheese Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a warm and tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. You can find these items at any grocery store. Using fresh ingredients makes the soup even better. The chicken breasts are key. They add protein and flavor. The black beans and corn bring fiber and sweetness. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. Tomato paste thickens the soup, making it hearty. For the added flavor, onion and garlic are must-haves. They create a strong base for the soup. Chicken broth adds richness and moisture. Taco seasoning and ground cumin bring spice and warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors. When serving, fresh cilantro adds brightness. Sour cream and shredded cheese bring creaminess and texture. These garnishments make the soup even more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they fit snugly. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Stir this mix well until everything combines nicely. Now, gently pour this tasty mixture over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is well covered. Next, add salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it, and adjust if needed. Secure the lid on the slow cooker. If you choose low, set it for 6 to 8 hours. For high, set it for 3 to 4 hours. Let the flavors blend and the chicken cook perfectly. Once cooking is done, take out the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together well, and your delicious soup is ready to serve! To keep the chicken moist, use chicken breasts with some fat. This fat helps keep the meat juicy. Cooking the chicken on low heat also helps. It cooks slowly and stays tender. You can also add a bit of chicken broth for extra moisture. Using frozen vegetables can save you time. They are quick to add and still taste great. Just toss them in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. They will cook down and blend well with the soup. You can boost the flavor by adding more spices. Try adding extra taco seasoning or cumin. A pinch of smoked paprika will also add depth. For a zesty kick, squeeze in some lime juice before serving. If you like spice, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. These will turn your soup into a spicy delight. This soup pairs well with a side of rice or cornbread. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Tortillas or chips make great add-ons. You can crush chips on top of the soup for crunch. Warm tortillas can be served on the side for dipping. Enjoy your meal with these tasty pairings! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken and organic vegetables to enhance the overall flavor of your soup. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and add fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick in your soup. Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld even more before serving. Perfect Toppings: Experiment with toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or tortilla strips for added texture and flavor. {{image_4}} To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free taco seasoning. Most canned beans and corn are gluten-free too. Always check labels to ensure safety. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or lentils for protein. You can also use extra beans or chickpeas. You can swap chicken for turkey or beef if you prefer. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. Just add it during the last hour of cooking. Feel free to mix in different beans like kidney or pinto beans. Adding zucchini or bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor. In summer, use fresh corn and diced tomatoes for a bright taste. You can add fresh herbs like basil for a twist. In winter, add warming spices like paprika and cayenne. This will give your soup a cozy kick. You can also toss in sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. To keep your slow cooker chicken taco soup fresh, store it in a sealed container. Place the soup in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This ensures it stays safe to eat. The best practice is to use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat on the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often until the soup is hot. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you use the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensure it's hot all the way through before serving. In the fridge, the soup lasts about 3-4 days. Always check for signs it has gone bad. If it smells sour or looks off, do not eat it. Signs that the soup has spoiled include: - Mold or unusual growth - A change in texture - A strong, unpleasant smell Following these tips will help you enjoy your slow cooker chicken taco soup longer! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just follow these tips: - Cooking time: Increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours if frozen. - Check doneness: Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. - No thawing needed: You can add the frozen chicken directly to your slow cooker. To add heat, try these methods: - Jalapeños: Chop fresh jalapeños and mix them in. - Hot sauce: Add your favorite hot sauce to the soup as it cooks. - Seasoning: Use spicier taco seasoning for an extra kick. Yes, you can prep this soup ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep ingredients: Chop veggies and mix spices the night before. - Store in fridge: Keep the mix in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Cook later: Just add it to the slow cooker when ready to cook. Here are some great pairings for your soup: - Tortilla chips: Crunchy and perfect for dipping. - Cornbread: A warm, sweet side to complement the soup. - Toppings: Add sour cream, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor. You now know how to make Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned about variations for different diets and ways to store leftovers. This soup is simple to prepare and great for any meal. Enjoy making it your own with spices or sides! I hope you find joy in cooking and sharing this tasty dish.

Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

A delicious and filling soup made with chicken, beans, corn, and spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 can corn, drained (15 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves
  • for topping sour cream and shredded cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are nestled securely.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and ground cumin. Stir the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Gently pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well covered by the delicious concoction.
  • Add salt and pepper to the soup according to your personal taste preferences, adjusting as necessary.
  • Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or to high for 3-4 hours, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring to combine.
  • Serve the hearty soup hot, garnished generously with fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an irresistible touch.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with toppings for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, hearty, slow cooker, soup, taco