How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty bowl of soup after a busy day. Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for the best slow cooker chicken taco soup that’s perfect for quick family dinners and weeknight meals. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of tacos but wants a comforting, easy-to-make meal that simmers away in your slow cooker all day long. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and all the delicious flavors you’d expect from a taco, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for the whole family. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for easy pasta recipes or someone who enjoys 30-minute meals, this slow cooker chicken taco soup is sure to become a staple in your household. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can customize it to your taste preferences with your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken taco soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for quick family dinners and weeknight meals
• Prep time is just 10 minutes—yes, it’s that easy!
• Simmered to perfection in your slow cooker while you go about your day
• Packed with protein, fiber, and bold taco flavors
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker chicken taco soup:

• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 ounce) low-sodium taco seasoning
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili beans (or pinto beans), drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), drained
• 1 ½ lbs. raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Taco toppings: cheese, sour cream, cilantro, salsa, etc. (optional)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the simple steps to make this slow cooker chicken taco soup. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by greasing the insert of a large 7-quart slow cooker. This step ensures that your soup won’t stick to the bottom as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker except the chicken. Stir well to combine. Then, place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t worry about browning the chicken beforehand—your slow cooker will do all the work for you.

Step 3: Cook on Low Heat

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The long cooking time ensures that the chicken is tender and the flavors are fully developed.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a clean cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the soup into individual bowls and let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings. We love adding cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions, and fresh cilantro. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make this slow cooker chicken taco soup even better:

• Use low-sodium options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium taco seasoning and chicken broth.
• Customize the heat level: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add diced jalapeños or a bit more green chile to the mix.
• Meal prep: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Cook it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Serve

The beauty of this slow cooker chicken taco soup is that it’s completely customizable. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a creamy, indulgent treat.
• Add some crunch with tortilla chips or crushed Fritos.
• Include a side of warm flour or corn tortillas for dipping into the broth.
• For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple green salad or a side of diced avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

This slow cooker chicken taco soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and cook everything in the morning. Once cooked, the soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months and thaw it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

There you have it—a delicious, easy-to-make slow cooker chicken taco soup that’s perfect for quick family dinners, weeknight meals, or even meal prep. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let me know in the comments how you customize your soup and any other tips you have for making it your own!

Ready to get started? Click here to visit the full recipe and print your own copy to keep in the kitchen. Happy cooking!