Tired of spending hours in the kitchen getting dinner ready? Imagine whipping up a warm, flavorful meal in just 10 minutes. That’s exactly what our 7-can chicken taco soup offers: a quick and easy fix for those hectic weeknights.
This recipe is not only fast but also packed with nutrition, combining chicken, beans, and vegetables for a balanced meal. Simply open the required cans, add some seasonings, and let the pot do the work. Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? This soup is your answer, providing a flavorful and nutritious meal without the fuss.
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The Ultimate Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
You’re just a few minutes away from a hearty, homemade-tasting chicken taco soup. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re short on time. It transforms dinner preparation by eliminating the need for chopping, measuring, or extensive cooking time.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
This soup recipe is a game-changer because it comes together in under 10 minutes of active preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The convenience factor makes this recipe accessible even to novice cooks or those who typically avoid cooking due to time constraints.
Benefits of Using Canned Ingredients
Using canned ingredients, such as canned chicken and cans of beans and vegetables, means you can keep all components in your pantry for months. This approach not only saves time but also provides consistent results every time you make the soup. Despite using canned ingredients, this taco-inspired soup delivers remarkable flavor.
What You’ll Need: The 7 Essential Cans
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just seven canned ingredients. To make this delicious 7-can chicken taco soup, you’ll need to gather a few essential items from your pantry.
Canned Proteins and Beans
The foundation of this taco soup is canned chicken, which provides convenient protein without the need to cook chicken separately. Two types of beans (black beans and pinto beans) add protein, fiber, and hearty texture to the soup.
Canned Vegetables and Sauces
Canned corn and diced tomatoes contribute vegetables, color, and sweetness to balance the savory elements of the soup. Green enchilada sauce delivers instant flavor complexity that would typically require multiple ingredients and significant cooking time.
Seasonings and Spices
A taco seasoning packet provides a perfectly balanced blend of Mexican spices without measuring individual seasonings. Additional spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder can be adjusted to customize the flavor profile to your preference.
How to Make 7-Can Chicken Taco Soup
Now that we have covered the essential ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process. Making 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is a straightforward task that can be accomplished using either the stovetop or slow cooker method.
Stovetop Method – Ready in 10 Minutes
The stovetop method is quick and easy. Just toss all the ingredients into a large soup pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. The whole prep takes just 5 minutes—super quick and easy!
- Open all cans and drain and rinse beans.
- Combine everything in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Slow Cooker Alternative
For a slow cooker version, add all the soup ingredients except the canned chicken to the cooker. Let it cook on low for about 6 hours, then stir in the canned chicken during the last 20 minutes. This method yields delicious results with slightly deeper flavors.
You may also like: Classic Chicken Taco SoupCustomising Your Soup
You can easily customise this chicken taco soup to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The recipe serves as a versatile base that can be modified in several ways.
Protein Substitutions
If you’re not fond of canned chicken, you can substitute it with 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked chicken. This could be rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or freshly prepared chicken breast, offering a fresh twist on the chicken taco flavor.
Adjusting the Heat Level
If you’d like to turn up the heat in your taco soup, try using hot enchilada sauce or adding a can of diced green chilies. The base recipe is mild, so feel free to spice it up to match your taste!
Making It Vegetarian
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can also increase the amount of beans for additional protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
The versatility of 7-can chicken taco soup shines when you customize it with your favorite toppings and accompaniments. This flexibility is what makes the dish so appealing to a wide range of palates.
Classic Toppings
Classic tortilla soup toppings include crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to add texture and richness. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also provide a satisfying contrast in textures.
- Crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture
- Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, for an extra burst of flavor
- A dollop of sour cream to cool down the palate
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly
To round out your meal, consider pairing your chicken tortilla soup with complementary side dishes. Options like warm cornbread, cheese quesadillas, or simple garlic breadsticks not only complement the soup’s flavours but also add variety to the meal.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm Cornbread | A classic Southern comfort food that pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors of chicken tortilla soup. |
| Cheese Quesadillas | Melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, soupy texture. |
| Garlic Breadsticks | Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and infused with garlic, these breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the soup. |
By incorporating these serving suggestions and toppings, you can elevate your 7-can chicken taco soup into a fulfilling and enjoyable meal that’s sure to please both family and friends.
Storage Tips and Meal Prep Ideas
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your chicken taco soup for days to come. To store, place the soup in an airtight container or plastic sealable bag and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the tortilla soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider portioning into individual servings and leaving out toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese to add fresh when reheating.
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is ideal for meal prep as the flavors improve after a day. You can also double the recipe using extra canned chicken, taco seasoning, and other pantry staples for future meals. Reheat frozen soup by thawing overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
