Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. The nightly dinner battle is real, and it can make you want to just order pizza again.
But what if I told you about a soup that’s more like a party in a bowl? My Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup is the secret weapon that finally got my kids excited about soup night. It’s packed with familiar taco flavors they love, but it’s all simmered together in one pot for the easiest clean-up ever. If you love a great one-pot taco soup, you have to try my Spicy Chicken Taco Soup for another flavor-packed option.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion
- Category: Soup / Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
This isn’t a quiet, subtle soup. It’s a flavor fiesta! The magic is in the familiar. Kids recognize the taste of tacos immediately. We use mild taco seasoning, so it’s flavorful but not spicy.
The chicken and shrimp are tender and fun to eat. Best of all, everything is customizable. They can pick out what they want and leave the rest in the broth. It turns dinner into a choose-your-own-adventure.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, no weird grocery store hunts here. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 2 tablespoons) mild taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For serving: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my top trick for making them more interested in the meal. It builds excitement and pride!
Younger kids can be great at rinsing the black beans and corn in a colander. They can also use clean hands to tear the cilantro leaves off the stems. Older kids can safely juice the limes with a handheld juicer and help measure out the taco seasoning.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the two proteins scare you. This comes together so fast and everything cooks in one pot. Let’s get started!
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink on the outside. We’re not cooking it all the way through yet.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the raw shrimp to the pot. They cook quickly! Simmer for 3-4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and most of the chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with all your favorite toppings!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different taste buds. Here’s how to make this soup work for everyone at your table.
Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
For super sensitive kids, serve the soup broth first with just chicken and corn. Let them add beans and shrimp later if they want. For the adults or spice lovers, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper. A dash of hot sauce on the side is always a good idea.
You can also swap the shrimp for more chicken, or use all shrimp! Crumbled bacon or sautéed ground turkey are also delicious add-ins. For a different take on a quick taco soup, this Hearty Chicken Taco Soup is another family favorite.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors get to know each other.
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or warm the whole pot on the stove over medium heat. The shrimp stay tender if you don’t over-boil it when reheating.
Nutrition Notes
As a parent, I love that this meal is tasty *and* gives us good stuff. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving (without toppings):
- High in Protein: From the chicken and shrimp, to help keep everyone full.
- Fiber-Rich: Thanks to the black beans and vegetables.
- Vitamin C: A great boost from the bell peppers and lime juice.
- Customizable: Toppings let you control added fat and sodium.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! It’s a great hands-off method. Add everything except the shrimp, lime juice, and cilantro to the pot. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4. Add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking, then stir in the lime and cilantro.
My child doesn’t like “chunks” in soup. What can I do?
I have one of those too! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup lightly, just enough to break up the big pieces. You can also chop the chicken and shrimp much smaller before cooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, and it’s so convenient. Just make sure to thaw them completely first. The best way is to place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the soup.
I really hope this recipe brings some peace, flavor, and fun to your family table. It’s been a game-changer for us on busy weeknights when I need a surefire win. And if you’re craving something extra rich and comforting, you must try this Creamy Cheddar Chicken Taco Soup.
Nothing makes me happier than hearing about a meal that got kids excited. I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
