Easy 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup Recipe: Your Ultimate Quick & Hearty Weeknight Meal
Imagine a dinner that’s incredibly hearty, bursting with vibrant flavors, wonderfully filling, and requires almost no fresh ingredients or extensive prep work. That’s precisely what you get with this amazing 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup! It truly is the epitome of effortless cooking, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when time is a precious commodity. Every single ingredient you need for this comforting and delicious recipe is shelf-stable, meaning a well-stocked pantry is your secret weapon for culinary success. With this simple yet profoundly satisfying taco soup, the most challenging tasks on your dinner to-do list will be simply opening the cans and then, of course, tackling the dishes afterwards – though even those will feel less daunting after a warm, satisfying bowl of this incredible soup!
What Makes This 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup So Easy and Special?
Let’s clarify a common question right off the bat: this recipe does NOT require seven cans of chicken! I promise. The name “7 Can Chicken Taco Soup” refers to the seven different varieties of canned, shelf-stable ingredients that form the backbone of this incredibly convenient and comforting dish. This easy chicken taco soup is made almost entirely from pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, or can easily pick up during your next grocery run. It’s a remarkably quick and straightforward recipe that is absolutely perfect for any busy night when you’re craving a satisfying, home-cooked meal without the fuss. This makes it an essential, go-to recipe for busy parents, college students, or anyone looking for a no-fuss dinner solution.
Beyond its speed, this soup offers incredible versatility and is a wonderful option for various situations. Its simplicity means that virtually anyone can prepare it, regardless of their culinary skill level or how much time they have available. It’s also an excellent recipe for community support; you can easily package the ingredients as a care kit to donate to your local food pantry or offer it to a family in need. The process couldn’t be simpler: just open the cans, combine your ingredients in a pot, heat it up to a simmer, and serve! This minimal effort yields maximum flavor and warmth.
Some days, despite our best intentions, you just have to rely on a solid backup meal plan to make it through the evening without resorting to expensive takeout. But who says your backup plan can’t be incredibly flavorful, fun, and exciting? Never underestimate the transformative power of good taco seasoning! This recipe is brilliantly designed so it doesn’t require any additional outside spices. The carefully selected blend of low-sodium taco seasoning, combined with the inherent flavors and subtle heat of the chili beans and chili tomatoes, provides the perfect amount of authentic taco spice and warmth for a truly delicious and well-balanced soup. You can elevate it even further by topping it off with all your favorite taco accompaniments like a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla chips, or even some diced avocado. The possibilities are endless for customizing it to your taste!
Important Note: Mind the Sodium Content!
Because this convenient recipe primarily relies on several canned ingredients, I cannot stress enough the importance of sticking to the specific low-sodium or no-salt ingredients I have listed in the recipe card. Canned foods are notoriously high in sodium, which can quickly lead to an overly salty and unpleasant soup if you’re not careful. This isn’t just about taste; it’s also about health, as many people monitor their sodium intake.
If you decide to ignore these crucial guidelines and use regular versions of canned goods, you might end up with a much saltier soup than you anticipate, potentially overpowering all the delicious taco flavors. Nobody wants a super salty soup, especially when it’s so easy to prevent! By opting for low-sodium chicken broth, no-salt-added black beans, and a low-sodium taco seasoning packet, you’ll ensure a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and healthier meal that truly shines.
Versatility for Any Schedule: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
This delicious 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup recipe shines not only for its simplicity but also for its incredible flexibility in cooking methods. Whether you prefer the quick satisfaction of a stovetop meal, ready in under 30 minutes, or the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker that simmers all day, this soup adapts beautifully to your schedule and preferences. The versatility of this dish is truly one of its greatest assets – it perfectly fits into any busy lifestyle, offering a delicious and warm meal whenever you need it most.
If you play your cards right and embrace its ease and adaptability, this hearty soup will undoubtedly become a treasured family favorite in no time. For an even more complete and flavor-packed meal, you can easily pair it with my Mexican Spoon Bread, a classic side dish that complements the bold taco flavors wonderfully. This Chicken Taco soup offers a fantastic, mess-free alternative to traditional Taco Tuesday, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free and wonderfully flavorful dinner with your family, without all the usual fuss and cleanup.
More Easy Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love the simplicity, warmth, and comfort of this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other incredibly easy-to-make soup recipes that are perfect for busy days or cozy evenings. Here are a few more family-friendly options from our kitchen that you’re sure to enjoy, all designed with convenience and flavor in mind:
- Hearty Tomato Rice Soup
- Comforting Butter Bean Soup
- Super Simple 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
What Do I Need to Make the Best 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup?
Gathering your ingredients for this incredibly simple soup is perhaps the easiest part of the entire cooking process. Remember, we’re focusing on shelf-stable items to minimize shopping trips and maximize convenience, making this recipe a fantastic way to utilize your pantry stock. Here’s a detailed look at the 7 (plus one!) essential canned goods and seasoning packet you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. Pay close attention to the low sodium recommendations – they are key to a perfectly balanced soup!
- 1 (15 oz) can no salt black beans: Crucial for flavor and texture, but ensure they are rinsed and drained well to control sodium.
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans: These are undrained, as the flavorful sauce they come in adds body and a delicious chili kick to the soup.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn: Drained and rinsed, it adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 (15 oz) can chili tomatoes: Undrained, these tomatoes provide a rich, spicy tomato base that enhances the taco flavor profile.
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast in water: Drained and shredded, this is your lean protein source, adding substance without extra cooking.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low sodium chicken broth: The liquid base for your soup; choosing low sodium is vital for controlling the overall saltiness.
- 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce: This is truly the secret weapon ingredient that imparts a fantastic, authentic depth of flavor and color to your taco soup.
- 1 (1 oz) packet low sodium taco seasoning: Delivers that classic, unmistakable taco spice blend, again, opt for low sodium to manage salt levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Easy Taco Soup
Follow these incredibly simple steps to whip up a batch of this comforting chicken taco soup in no time. Whether you choose the stovetop for a quick simmer or the slow cooker for a hands-off approach, the process is straightforward and foolproof.
1. Prepare the Beans and Corn: First, thoroughly drain and rinse the canned black beans and corn. Rinsing the black beans is especially crucial for significantly reducing their sodium content and removing any excess starchy liquid. The corn just needs a quick rinse to remove canning liquid.
2. Shred the Chicken: Open and thoroughly drain any excess water from the canned chicken breast. Using a fork, gently break up the chicken chunks into convenient, bite-sized shreds. This ensures the chicken integrates seamlessly into the soup and that every spoonful has a good mix of ingredients.
3. Combine and Cook: Add all the prepared ingredients – the drained and rinsed black beans and corn, the chili beans (undrained), the chili tomatoes (undrained), the shredded chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, green enchilada sauce, and the low-sodium taco seasoning packet – to a large stockpot. Stir everything together until well combined. For the stovetop method, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing all the rich flavors to meld beautifully. Alternatively, for a truly hands-off approach, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until thoroughly warmed and flavors have developed.
4. Serve and Garnish: Once heated through and the rich flavors have fully developed, ladle your hearty chicken taco soup into individual bowls. Now comes the truly fun part – customize it to your heart’s content with your favorite toppings! Popular garnishes include a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend, crushed tortilla chips or strips for added crunch, a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of cooling sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, or even some sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for an extra kick. Enjoy your quick, satisfying, and delicious meal!
Pro Tips for the Best 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
- Always Taste and Adjust: Even when carefully following the low-sodium guidelines, individual preferences for salt can vary. Always taste the soup before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary. You can always add a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce, but it’s impossible to take it away!
- Consider Optional Fresh Add-ins: While the beauty of this soup is its reliance on pantry staples, don’t hesitate to incorporate fresh ingredients if you have them on hand. A diced onion and bell pepper, sautéed briefly before adding the canned ingredients, can add another wonderful layer of flavor and freshness. Fresh garlic or a pinch of cumin can also elevate the taste.
- Adjust Spice Level to Your Liking: The recipe as written provides a mild to medium spice level. If you prefer more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Cholula), or a small can of drained diced green chiles along with the other ingredients. For a milder soup, ensure all your canned ingredients are “mild” varieties and use only half a packet of taco seasoning, tasting before adding more.
- Don’t Skimp on Toppings: Toppings aren’t just for decoration; they add essential texture, freshness, and contrasting flavors that complete the taco soup experience. Encourage everyone to load up their bowls!
Customizing Your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
One of the best things about this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is how easily it can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or simply what you happen to have stocked in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: Easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping the canned chicken breast for an extra can of rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. For more substance, you can also add a can of diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully plant-based.
- Boost the Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Stir in a can of drained diced green chiles (for extra flavor and mild heat), a can of Rotel (drained, for a spicier tomato kick), or even a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots) during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Fresh spinach or kale can also be stirred in at the very end until wilted.
- Creamy Texture: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a block of softened cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt and combine. A splash of heavy cream, a can of cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup, or even some coconut milk can also add a delicious creamy texture.
- Alternative Proteins: If canned chicken isn’t your preference, you have many options. Use cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken, or brown 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey and drain the fat before adding it to the pot with the other ingredients. Cooked and shredded pork carnitas would also be fantastic!
- Extra Heat: If you love spicy food, consider adding a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the canned ingredients, or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the table can also add a customizable kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through. This soup also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (leaving some headspace for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe emphasizes convenience with canned chicken, you can certainly use about 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded fresh chicken breast or thigh. Just make sure it’s fully cooked through and shredded before adding it to the soup to simmer with the other ingredients. A rotisserie chicken is another fantastic time-saving option.
Q: Do I really need all 7 canned ingredients? What if I’m missing one or two?
A: The “7 Can” designation highlights the ease of using pantry staples, but it’s okay if you need to make a substitution or omit one! For example, if you don’t have chili beans, you could use regular pinto beans or kidney beans and add a bit more chili powder or cumin to compensate for the lost flavor. Missing corn? Add an extra can of beans or diced tomatoes. The key is the overall taco-inspired flavor profile, which is quite forgiving and adaptable.
Q: What are the best toppings for this chicken taco soup?
A: The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to toppings! Our favorites for enhancing this taco soup include a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or a healthier Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips or strips for satisfying crunch, a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced or sliced avocado for creamy richness, sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for an extra kick, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors. Don’t be shy to experiment and create your perfect bowl!
Q: Is this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup spicy?
A: The recipe as written typically provides a mild to medium spice level, primarily deriving its warmth from the chili beans, chili tomatoes, and the taco seasoning packet. It’s designed to be flavorful and comforting, but generally not overly hot, making it palatable for most families. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can easily customize it by adding extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, ensure all your canned ingredients are “mild” varieties and consider using only half a packet of taco seasoning initially, tasting before adding more.
Pin this delicious 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup recipe or click the ❤️ to save it for later! You won’t regret having this easy, flavorful meal in your weeknight rotation!
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can no salt black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 15 oz can chili beans (undrained)
- 1 15 oz can corn (rinsed and drained)
- 1 15 oz can chili tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 12.5 oz can chicken breast in water (drained and shredded)
- 1 14.5 oz can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 28 oz can green enchilada sauce
- 1 1 oz packet low sodium taco seasoning
Instructions
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Drain and Rinse Beans and Corn: Thoroughly drain and rinse the canned black beans and corn.
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Shred Chicken: Drain any excess water from the canned chicken breast. Use a fork to gently break up the chicken chunks into shreds.
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Combine and Cook (Stovetop or Slow Cooker): Add all the ingredients (rinsed black beans and corn, undrained chili beans, undrained chili tomatoes, shredded chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, green enchilada sauce, and low-sodium taco seasoning) to a large stockpot. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and heat on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
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Serve with Garnishes: Ladle your warm chicken taco soup into bowls. Serve with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, or sliced jalapeños. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- It is extremely important to stick to the ingredients listed, particularly the low-sodium or no-salt versions. Canned foods are inherently high in sodium, and using regular versions can result in an overly salty soup that is not as enjoyable.
- No additional spices are typically needed beyond the taco seasoning! The chili beans, chili tomatoes, and taco seasoning packet provide all the necessary flavor and warmth for a delicious taco soup. Feel free to adjust to taste if you prefer more heat.
- This versatile recipe can be prepared efficiently on the stovetop for a quick meal or with minimal hands-on effort in a slow cooker, making it perfect for any schedule.
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