Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww”? I feel you. The nightly dinner battle is real in my house, too.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our absolute favorite solution: Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup. It’s the hero of our weeknight dinner rotation. If you love easy crockpot meals, you have to try this Ranch Chicken Taco Soup recipe.
This recipe is a magical blend of familiar flavors that somehow pleases everyone. It’s hearty, incredibly easy, and the best part? It comes together with almost no effort.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker)
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve learned the secret to winning over picky palates. It’s all about familiar flavors and letting them build their own bowl.
This soup tastes like a deconstructed taco. Kids recognize the taste of ranch and taco seasoning right away. They feel safe with it.
Plus, I serve all the toppings on the side. My kids can load up on cheese and chips and skip the beans. They feel in control, and I get veggies into them without a fight. It’s a total win.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, nothing fancy here! You probably have most of this in your pantry right now.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or use frozen!)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- 1 cup water
For serving: Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids involved makes them more likely to try the food. Here are two super easy jobs they can handle.
Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Job 1: The Rinser. Give them a colander and let them rinse the canned beans and corn. It’s a fun, splashy task.
Job 2: The Dump Master. Once everything is in the slow cooker pot, let your child be the one to pour in the broth and water. They love being the helper!
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
I make this in my slow cooker 99% of the time. It’s true hands-off cooking. I’ll give you the stovetop method, too!
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the raw chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco and ranch seasoning packets over the chicken.
- Add all the canned goods (beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce) on top. Do not stir.
- Pour the chicken broth and water over everything. Now you can give it one gentle stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir. Let it warm through.
- Stovetop Method: In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the chicken. Bring to a boil.
- Add the whole chicken breasts. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
This recipe is a fantastic base. You can easily tweak it for different needs in your family.
For the Sensitive Eater: Use mild diced tomatoes (no green chiles) and mild taco seasoning. Serve the broth separately from the “chunky” parts if texture is an issue.
For the Veggie Lover: Stir in a bag of fresh spinach at the end, or add diced zucchini with the other cans.
For the Adults: Top with sliced jalapeños, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of hot sauce. A dollop of cool sour cream balances it perfectly. If your family prefers a kick, you’ll love this Spicy Chicken Taco Soup for a one-pot flavor explosion.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for leftovers! It tastes even better the next day.
Let the soup cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, just warm a portion in a pot on the stove over medium heat, or microwave it in a bowl. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up.
Nutrition Notes
- This soup is a great source of lean protein from the chicken and beans.
- Beans and corn provide fiber to keep everyone full.
- Using low-sodium broth and beans helps control the salt. The seasoning packets do add sodium, so balance it with fresh toppings.
- Toppings like cheese and sour cream add fat and calories, so let everyone add their own amount.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the “Sauté” function to brown the chicken if you like (optional). Then add everything except toppings. Seal the lid, set to Manual/High Pressure for 15 minutes. Do a quick release, shred the chicken, and serve.
My kids hate beans. What can I do?
No problem! Simply leave the beans out. The soup will still be delicious and hearty. You could add an extra can of corn or some cooked rice at the end instead.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but I recommend thawing it first for even cooking. If you must use frozen, add 1-2 hours to your slow cooker time and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
So there you have it, friend. Our family’s secret weapon against the dinnertime grind. It’s cozy, filling, and most importantly, it gets eaten. For another fantastic version of this family favorite, check out this easy Ranch Chicken Taco Soup recipe.
I truly hope this Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup brings a little peace and a lot of flavor to your table. It’s a recipe I rely on again and again.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
