This comforting slow cooker chicken taco soup is a hearty, flavor-packed bowl of goodness made with simple pantry ingredients. It comes together with minimal effort and delivers tender shredded chicken, warm spices, and deliciously rich broth perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is incredibly easy to make—just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s balanced, nourishing, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for meal prep. The combination of beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and shredded chicken creates a satisfying and wholesome dish the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup (259 g) mild salsa
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups (16 ounces) chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
In the bowl of a slow cooker, stir together the salsa, black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or on high for 1 ½ hours.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Cook time: 3 hours on low or 1 ½ hours on high
Prep time: 1–2 minutes
Total time: about 3 hours (low) or 1 hour 32 minutes (high)
Variations
Add diced green chilies for a spicier kick.
Replace pinto beans with kidney beans for a different texture.
Use medium or hot salsa to boost heat levels.
Add 1 cup cooked rice at the end for a thicker, heartier soup.
Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How can I make this soup thicker?
You can mash some of the beans before cooking or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry at the end.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on low. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer all ingredients together for about 30–40 minutes, then shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely. Just replace the 3 tablespoons with your preferred homemade blend.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is mild as written. Use medium salsa or add chili powder if you want more heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced onions work well in this soup.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
You may use cooked shredded turkey or fully cooked shredded beef; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit dairy toppings like sour cream and cheese.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Portion into containers and refrigerate or freeze for easy meals throughout the week.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the seasoning to taste at the end.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken taco soup is a simple yet satisfying meal filled with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into busy schedules while still delivering comfort and nourishment. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl any day of the week.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish made with pantry staples like beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and tender shredded chicken. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and customizable with your favorite toppings.
