Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in one pot with minimal effort. This hearty soup combines tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes in a rich, creamy broth that tastes like your favorite tacos in soup form. I love making this recipe on hectic weeknights when I need something satisfying but don’t have time for complicated cooking.

There’s something magical about a soup that requires zero chopping and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I discovered this creamy chicken taco soup during a particularly busy week when I needed to feed my family something more exciting than sandwiches. The combination of green enchilada sauce and cream cheese creates an unexpectedly delicious base that’s become a regular request in my house. This easy taco soup recipe is perfect for meal prep since it actually tastes better the next day, and you can customize the toppings to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this soup delivers bold Mexican flavors without any fuss.

What Goes Into This Easy Taco Soup

I always keep these pantry staples on hand because this soup comes together so quickly when you have everything ready. Pro tip: let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding it to the soup for smoother melting.

• 2½ cups (350 grams) rotisserie chicken, shredded (or canned chicken in a pinch)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (I prefer pinto for their creamy texture)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained (or use frozen corn)
• 1 can (28 ounces) green enchilada sauce (this is the secret ingredient)
• 1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 packet (2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, room temperature

Topping options:

• 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• Jalapeño, sliced for garnish
• Cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Sour cream for garnish
• Tortilla chips for serving

How I Make This Chicken Taco Soup

I recommend using a 5-6 quart heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the cooking process.

Step 1: Add the shredded chicken, black beans, pinto beans, petite diced tomatoes, corn, green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to your large pot over medium-high heat. Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the creamy chicken taco soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll notice the colors deepening and the aroma filling your kitchen. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: During the final 10 minutes of cooking, add the cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture throughout the soup. The soup will transform from a bright red-orange color to a pale peachy-tan as the cream cheese incorporates. If you see any cream cheese lumps, keep stirring gently until they disappear.

Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Step 5: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and set up a topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips. Let everyone customize their bowl.

Best Sides for Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, but these pairings take it to the next level.

Cornbread: The slightly sweet, buttery flavor of cornbread complements the spicy, savory soup perfectly and is ideal for soaking up every last drop.

Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice adds extra heartiness and makes this meal even more filling for hungry families.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chicken taco soup.

Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas cut into wedges work great for dipping and add extra protein for growing kids.

Guacamole and Chips: Fresh guacamole with tortilla chips on the side adds healthy fats and makes this feel like a fiesta.

More Satisfying Soup Recipes to Expand Your Dinner Rotation

This Mexican-inspired chicken taco soup pairs wonderfully with other one-pot favorites that deliver bold flavors. For another addictive chicken option, the Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Chili combines ranch seasoning, bacon, and cream cheese for that irresistible quality both recipes share. If preferring Italian flavors, the Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup offers ricotta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy, herb-filled broth.

For classic comfort without the spice, try the Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with its silky texture and tender egg noodles. These soups complement each other beautifully for weekly meal planning, offering variety in flavors while maintaining that hands-off cooking convenience everyone appreciates.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh

Store your cooled creamy chicken taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making leftovers even better than the first serving.

When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

Pro tip: If you want to freeze this soup, don’t add the cream cheese before freezing. Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months, then add the cream cheese when you reheat it. This prevents the cream cheese from separating and maintains that silky texture you love.

Common Questions About Chicken Taco Soup

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