When you need a warm, comforting meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and affordable, this Easy Chicken Taco Soup delivers on all fronts. Made with pantry staples, tender shredded chicken, beans, and plenty of Tex-Mex spices, this is one of the best cheap meals to make at home.
Whether you’re looking for a quick easy chicken taco soup recipe, a budget-friendly 6 can chicken taco soup, or even a variation like 8 can taco soup recipe chicken, this dish can be adapted to whatever you have on hand.
Below you’ll find everything you need to make a nourishing chicken taco soup recipe, with step-by-step instructions, variations like 7can chicken taco soup, and tips for making it ahead or freezing for later.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
This chicken taco soup is a favorite for so many reasons:
- Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples like beans, corn, and canned tomatoes.
- Ready in under 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Customizable — use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even ground turkey.
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Packed with flavor and perfect for topping with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla strips.
If you love a good taco soup recipe, this chicken version adds even more protein and a leaner twist.
Who Should Try This Chicken Taco Soup Recipe?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families who need cheap meals to make at home that everyone will enjoy.
- Meal preppers looking for a big batch recipe that freezes well.
- People looking for lighter alternatives to ground beef taco soup.
- Fans of Tex-Mex flavors who want a hearty, comforting dinner on the table fast.
If you’re looking for more affordable, easy dinner ideas, you might also enjoy slow cooker Greek chicken or creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup for other budget-friendly options.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Taco Soup Recipe
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (if shredding fresh chicken)
Ingredients: From 6 Can Chicken Taco Soup to 8 Can Taco Soup Recipe Chicken
Serves 6–8:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice blend)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro
This classic version of 6 can chicken taco soup is easily turned into 7can chicken taco soup or 8 can taco soup recipe chicken by adding canned green beans, pinto beans, or hominy.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Chicken Taco Soup at Home
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
If you’re using fresh chicken, cook and shred it ahead of time. Open and drain all the cans.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Chicken Taco Soup for Any Occasion
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can also serve it with:
- Warm cornbread or cornbread waffle bites for dipping.
- A side salad or cucumber dill salad for something fresh.
- Chips and salsa to round out your Tex-Mex spread.
- A slice of pumpkin bread with chocolate chips for a cozy finish.
Creative Variations: 6 Can Taco Soup With Chicken, 7can Chicken Taco Soup, and More
- 7can chicken taco soup: Add a can of hominy or green beans.
- 8 can taco soup recipe chicken: Add both extra cans mentioned above plus another type of bean.
- Make it creamy by stirring in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Use ground chicken, turkey, or beef instead of shredded chicken.
- Spice it up with fresh jalapeños or more chili powder.
These variations make it easy to adapt based on what’s already in your pantry — perfect for cheap meals to make at home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Easy Chicken Taco Soup
- Forgetting to drain and rinse canned beans — this can make your soup too salty and starchy.
- Skipping the simmer — letting it simmer helps develop a deeper flavor.
- Overseasoning — taste after adding taco seasoning and adjust carefully.
- Using too much broth — keep it hearty rather than watery.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taco Soup
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Best Occasions to Serve Taco Soup Recipes Like This
- Busy weeknight dinners.
- Game day gatherings.
- Meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Potlucks and casual get-togethers.
- Cozy weekend lunches.
Pro Tips for Success: Mastering This Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add more or less broth depending on how thick you want your soup.
- Prepare toppings in advance so everyone can customize their bowl.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
FAQs About Chicken Taco Soup Recipes and Cheap Meals To Make At Home
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes — combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Is this gluten-free? Yes, as long as your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free.
Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely — leave out the chicken and add an extra can of beans or veggies.
Can I use fresh tomatoes? You can, but canned tomatoes give more concentrated flavor.
Final Thoughts: Why Easy Chicken Taco Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Dinner Rotation
This Easy Chicken Taco Soup is one of the best cheap meals to make at home, loaded with flavor, healthy ingredients, and budget-friendly pantry staples. Whether you opt for a 6 can chicken taco soup, a hearty 8 can taco soup recipe chicken, or your own spin on this classic, it’s sure to become a favorite.
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Easy Chicken Taco Soup : The Perfect Cheap Meal to Make at Home
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
These Healthy & High Protein Korean Beef Burritos deliver bold, exciting flavors in a wholesome package. Featuring lean ground beef seasoned with Korean spices, crunchy fresh vegetables, and wrapped in a soft whole-wheat tortilla, this low-calorie, high-protein meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste 4 whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas 1 cup cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice (optional for low carb) 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1/4 cup chopped scallions 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook lean ground beef, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. 2. Add soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey. Stir and simmer 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. 3. Prepare shredded cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cook rice or cauliflower rice if using. Warm tortillas. 4. Lay a tortilla flat. Add rice or cauliflower rice, Korean beef, shredded vegetables, scallions, and sesame seeds. 5. Fold in sides, roll tightly from bottom up, and serve warm. Slice in half if desired.
Notes
• Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option. • Don’t overfill burritos to make rolling easier. • Warm tortillas just before filling to prevent cracking. • Adjust gochujang for desired heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: high protein burrito, korean beef burrito, low calorie burrito, healthy protein burrito, ground beef high protein, korean burrito recipe
