Creamy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This creamy crockpot chicken taco soup combines all the comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the incredible convenience of your slow cooker. It is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks. Get ready to enjoy a versatile and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, ideal for any hectic evening.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

This easy crockpot chicken taco soup will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: The addition of cream cheese makes this soup incredibly satisfying and luxurious.
• Customizable Toppings: Everyone can personalize their bowl with their favorite toppings, making mealtime fun.
• Family-Friendly Heartiness: It is packed with protein and vegetables, ensuring a filling and nutritious meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious crockpot chicken taco soup:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 (about 1.5 lbs total)
• Diced Yellow Onion: 1/2 cup
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups
• Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (Ro-tel): 2 cans (10 oz each), undrained
• Canned Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained
• Canned Corn: 1 can (15 oz), drained
• Diced Red Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Softened Cream Cheese: 8 oz, full-fat recommended
• Suggested Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor. If you do not have black beans, pinto beans work wonderfully too. Feel free to use fresh or frozen corn kernels in place of canned. Any color of bell pepper will add a nice crunch and sweetness. Adjust the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat. For a dairy-free version, look for plant-based cream cheese alternatives.

Equipment

For important tips on using your slow cooker safely and efficiently, review the USDA’s slow cooker food safety guidelines.

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic soup:

• 6-Quart Slow Cooker (Crockpot): This is essential for hands-off cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To prepare your vegetables and chicken.
• Large Spoon or Ladle: For stirring and serving your soup.
• Shredding Forks or Tongs: To easily shred the cooked chicken.

Instructions

Making this creamy crockpot chicken taco soup is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:

1. Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced yellow onion, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
3. Next, add both cans of undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles (Ro-tel) directly into the pot.
4. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and diced red bell pepper.
5. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the mixture.
6. Season generously with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7. Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine everything evenly.
8. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours.
9. Alternatively, if you are short on time, cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable.
10. Once the cooking time finishes, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. Shred them thoroughly using two forks on a cutting board.
11. Return all the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stirring it into the soup mixture.
12. Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller, manageable pieces for quicker melting.
13. Add the cream cheese pieces to the hot soup in the crockpot.
14. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture. Cook on high for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is fully combined and hot. Ladle the hot creamy crockpot chicken taco soup into bowls and add your desired toppings.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Achieve the best possible flavor and texture with these helpful tips:

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: It ensures the richest, creamiest texture for your soup. Low-fat options can sometimes curdle.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and stringy. Shred it as soon as it is tender.
• Stir Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Break the cream cheese into small pieces before adding it. Stir consistently until it is completely smooth.
• Adjust Spices: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. Add more chili powder, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne if you like.
• Browning Chicken First: For an extra layer of depth, quickly brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile crockpot chicken taco soup is perfect for any occasion!

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your creamy soup piping hot with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or warm cornbread. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
• Variations:
  • Add a can of diced green chiles for an extra mild kick.
  • Stir in a packet of your favorite taco seasoning for a bolder flavor profile.
  • Include a can of drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes for smoky depth.
  • For a true smoky flavor, add a touch of chipotle powder.
  • Make it spicier by adding finely diced jalapeños with the other vegetables.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
  • Mix in cooked rice or small pasta for a more substantial meal.

Nutrition Information

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. This creamy crockpot chicken taco soup is a great source of lean protein and dietary fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The Mayo Clinic highlights the impressive health benefits of black beans, including their rich fiber and protein content. Customizing ingredients, such as adding different toppings, will impact the overall nutritional content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
  Yes, you absolutely can! Simply add the frozen chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker, but note that the cooking time might increase by 1-2 hours.
• How do I make this soup spicier?
  For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. You can also stir in some hot sauce when serving.
• Can I use ground beef or turkey instead?
  Certainly! Brown and drain 1 lb of ground beef or turkey before adding it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  This recipe is generally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your chicken broth and seasonings to ensure they do not contain hidden gluten.
• Why is my soup not creamy enough?
  Ensure you vigorously stir the cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. If needed, you can add another ounce or two of cream cheese, or a splash of milk, and stir until smooth. This ensures a wonderfully creamy crockpot chicken taco soup.

Conclusion

This creamy crockpot chicken taco soup is the epitome of comfort and convenience. With minimal effort, you can create a deeply flavorful, hearty meal that the whole family will adore. It is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. So, embrace the simplicity of slow cooking and give this fantastic recipe a try tonight. We know you will love it! Share your creations and enjoy every spoonful!

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

This creamy crockpot chicken taco soup is an easy and flavorful meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, beans, corn, and a rich, creamy broth, it's a comforting dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 breasts chicken
• 1/2 diced onion
• 3 cup chicken broth
• 2 cans Ro-tel
• 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can corn drained
• 1/2 diced red bell pepper
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• salt & pepper to taste
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, etc.

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Non-stick spray
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Can Opener
• Measuring Spoons
• Spoon/Ladle
• Forks

Method

 

Instructions

1. Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick spray.
2. Combine chicken, soup ingredients, and seasonings (excluding cream cheese) in the crockpot and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the cooked chicken, return it to the soup, add diced cream cheese, and cook on high for 30 minutes, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Stir the cream cheese thoroughly to ensure it's fully incorporated into the soup for a smooth and creamy texture. Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings!