Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a soul-warming bowl of Easy Chicken Taco Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
If you’re out of black beans, pinto beans make a great substitute. And for a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for extra beans or tofu.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step always reminds me of the aromas that would waft through our home, signaling that something delicious was on its way.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, cooking until they’re browned on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to bloom for about a minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International