Is the nightly dinner table a battlefield in your house too? I get it. One kid is pushing peas around the plate, another is declaring a lifelong hatred of onions, and you’re just trying to get a decent meal on the table before bedtime chaos erupts.
If this sounds familiar, I have a secret weapon for you: One-Pot Chicken Taco Soup. This is the meal that saved my sanity on more weeknights than I can count. It’s warm, filling, and magically pleases almost everyone at my table. If you love the convenience of one-pot meals, you should also try this spicy chicken taco soup for a flavor-packed twist.
Best of all, it all comes together in one pot. That means less time cooking and, the holy grail for parents, less time cleaning up. Let’s dig into this family favorite.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired
- Category: Soup / Stew
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (or 4-6 hours slow cooker)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. This soup works because it’s familiar but fun. We call it “taco soup,” and anything with “taco” in the name gets immediate interest from my crew.
The flavors are mild but tasty. The beans and corn are usually safe bets. And the best part? It’s a build-your-own-bowl situation. Kids love having control. They can pick what they want from a little topping bar and leave out what they don’t. It’s a game-changer.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep my pantry stocked with these basics. You probably have most of them already!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, diced (I promise it cooks down!)
- 1 bell pepper, any color, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more excited to eat. Here are two super easy jobs.
One-Pot Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade One-Pot Chicken Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
My youngest loves being the “Rinsing Boss.” They can drain and rinse the cans of beans in a colander. My older kid is in charge of the “Topping Station,” setting out little bowls of cheese, chips, and sour cream. It makes them feel proud and helpful.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the steps fool you—this is incredibly simple. I’ll walk you through it.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet. Remove it to a plate.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Stir for 1 minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Place the browned chicken back into the pot, nestling it into the soup.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken to a cutting board. Shred it with two forks, then stir it back into the pot.
- Serve hot with all your favorite toppings!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this soup work for yours.
For sensitive palates, use mild diced tomatoes (without green chiles) and a mild taco seasoning. You can even serve a plain bowl of broth, beans, and chicken with toppings on the side. If your family prefers a heartier, beef-based version, this savory ground beef taco soup is another fantastic one-pot option.
To power it up for adults, add a drained can of spicy chili beans or a diced jalapeño with the peppers. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day!
Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or warm the whole pot on the stove over medium heat.
It also freezes like a dream. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Notes
- This soup is packed with lean protein from the chicken and beans.
- It’s a great source of fiber, which helps keep everyone full.
- Using low-sodium broth and beans gives you control over the salt level.
- The veggie-packed broth is a sneaky way to get nutrients in.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in my slow cooker?
Absolutely! It’s one of my favorite crockpot recipes. Just add everything except the toppings to the pot. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
My child won’t eat beans. What can I use instead?
No problem! Try swapping the beans for an extra can of corn, or add a cup of cooked rice or small pasta (like ditalini) at the end of cooking. It’s all about making it work for your table.
What if I only have frozen chicken?
You can start with frozen chicken! Just add about 10-15 minutes to the simmering time in the pot, or an extra hour in the slow cooker, to make sure it cooks through completely.
So there you have it—my go-to, no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s the definition of an easy soup recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. On those nights when you need a win, I really hope this one-pot meal gives it to you. For another comforting and creamy option, this creamy chicken potato soup is always a hit.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater try a new topping? Please leave a comment and rating below!
