Is it just me, or does the phrase “family dinner” sometimes feel like a battle cry? You’re trying to get something nutritious on the table, while navigating a minefield of “I don’t like that” and “eww, what’s that green thing?”. I feel you, I really do.
That’s why this Hearty Chicken & Bean Taco Soup – Weeknight Winner is my secret weapon. It’s the one-pot wonder that has saved my sanity on more weeknights than I can count. It’s basically a hug in a bowl, but with tacos. If you’re looking for another cozy, hands-off meal, you should try our crockpot chicken potatoes and green beans.
We all deserve a meal that everyone will actually eat without a fuss. This is that meal. It’s forgiving, fast, and packed with flavor that even the most skeptical tiny food critic will approve of.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the lowdown on this lifesaver. It’s the definition of easy.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4-6 hours low in a crockpot)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids are the kings of picking things out of their food. But this soup? They devour it. Here’s the magic.
The flavors are familiar and fun, just like taco night. Everything simmers together into a cozy, unified dish.
There are no scary, mysterious chunks. It’s a smooth, chunky texture that’s easy for little spoons (and palates). Best of all, they can customize their own bowl with toppings.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, nothing here is weird or hard to find. This is a pantry raid dream.
You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 (15 oz) can of black beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can of pinto beans (rinsed), 1 (15 oz) can of corn (drained), 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce, and 4 cups of chicken broth.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting them involved is half the battle to getting them to eat! It makes them feel proud and invested.
Hearty Chicken & Bean Taco Soup – Weeknight Winner Recipe
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Hearty Chicken & Bean Taco Soup – Weeknight Winner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Have them be the official “can opener” (with a safe, supervised tool) or “bean rinser.” They can also be in charge of setting up the topping bar. It’s a fantastic way to make dinner fun.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t be intimidated! This is as simple as it gets. You’ve got this.
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove and shred with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the taco seasoning and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. That’s it!
PREPARATION
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. For another easy one-pot meal that’s just as satisfying, check out our one pot chicken orzo.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it for your crew.
For sensitive kids, use mild diced tomatoes (no green chiles). For the adults, add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to your individual bowl.
Want to make it a “7 can chicken taco soup“? Swap the fresh chicken for 2 cans of shredded chicken! Feeling fancy? Stir in cream cheese at the end for a creamy version. The possibilities are endless.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is arguably even better the next day, making it a meal prep superstar.
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or the whole pot on the stove over medium heat.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Notes
As a parent, I love that this meal is both delicious and nourishing. It’s a well-rounded option.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the chicken and beans.
- Fiber-Rich: The beans and corn keep things moving smoothly.
- Packed with Vitamins: From the tomatoes and broth.
- Customizable: You control the sodium and toppings.
If your family loves this taco-inspired soup, they’ll adore our Cheesy Tex-Mex Taco Soup – Family Comfort Bowl too.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I really make this in a crockpot?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic crockpot taco soup. Just add all ingredients (with raw chicken) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4, then shred the chicken. It could not be easier.
My child only eats plain food. How can I adapt this?
No problem! Serve a “deconstructed” version. Give them a bowl of plain shredded chicken, some beans, corn, and cheese on the side. They can dip or eat separately, and you can enjoy the full-flavor soup.
What are the best toppings for this taco soup?
This is where the party starts! We love shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Let everyone build their own perfect bowl.
So there you have it, friends. Your new go-to for a stress-free, complaint-free dinner. This soup has brought peace to our table more times than I can remember.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters surprise you? Please leave a comment and rating below!