Some days I just need dinner to make itself. My kids are loud, someone is probably crying (maybe me), and I do not want to do dishes or think hard. That is why I love easy dump crockpot soups like this one.
This crockpot chicken taco soup is one of those chicken dishes in crockpot that saves my night. It is warm, filling, and everybody in the house actually eats it without complaining. It is one of my favorite chicken soup crockpot recipes because I can dump it all in and walk away.
I am always on the lookout for chicken based soups crock pot style that do not take forever. This one is super simple and packed with flavor. It is kind of like taco night, but easier and without the mess. If you love hearty dinner recipes crock pot style or chicken soups crockpot meals that feel like comfort food, this is it.
You can also make this as an instapot soups with chicken version if you are running behind, which happens a lot around here. Whether you call it soup chicken, crockpot soup with chicken, or slow cooker chicken soup, this one hits every time.
If your life is busy and your kids are picky and your brain is tired, this recipe is for you. Add it to your list of easy chicken soups to make and slow cooker chicken soup recipes that actually work on real-life weeknights.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 small onion, chopped (I use half if the kids are watching)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped or squished
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Add everything to the crockpot
Put the chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and taco seasoning into the crockpot. Stir it a little. It will not look pretty yet, but trust the process.
Step 2: Let it cook
Put the lid on. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. I do low if I remember early enough, but sometimes I am late and we do high. Both work.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Take the chicken out with tongs or a spoon. Shred it with two forks on a plate. Then toss it back in the soup and stir it all together.
Step 4: Serve and add toppings
Scoop into bowls and let everyone top it how they like. We do shredded cheese and tortilla chips most days. I like to put avocado on mine when I feel fancy.
Tips From My Very Real Life
- If you do not want it too spicy, use plain diced tomatoes instead of the green chili ones.
- This is even better the next day. It gets thicker, kind of like chili.
- If you want to freeze it, just leave out the toppings and add those when you eat it later.
- You can also make this in the Instapot if you forgot to start it in the morning. Do 15 minutes on high pressure, then shred the chicken and stir.
Why I Love This Soup So Much
It tastes like tacos, but I do not have to clean up taco shells or deal with lettuce on the floor. It is warm, it fills everyone up, and I usually have all the stuff for it already in the pantry.
There are nights when the baby is screaming, the middle kid lost his homework, and someone spilled something on the couch. But this soup still comes out good.
That is why I keep making it. It is easy, it is good, and it makes me feel like I did something right. You can eat it on the couch in sweats or at the table with the whole family. Either way, it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, I do it all the time when I forget to defrost. Just toss it in frozen. Make sure it is fully cooked before shredding. Might need a little extra time in the crockpot.
Is this soup spicy?
A little bit, but not crazy. I use the canned tomatoes with green chilies, but you can swap that for regular diced tomatoes if your kids are drama about spice. Mine are.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Tastes even better the next day. Sometimes I eat it cold standing in front of the fridge. No shame.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze without toppings in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add cheese and chips after.
What toppings go best with it?
We love shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, and lime juice. You can keep it simple or go big.
Recipe Card: Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn , drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies like Rotel
- 1 small onion , chopped optional
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Optional toppings:
- shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Dump everything into the crockpot
- Add chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and taco seasoning. Stir a little to mix.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. No need to stir during cooking.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Add it back into the soup and stir everything together.
Step 4: Serve and add toppings
- Scoop into bowls and top with whatever you like — cheese, chips, sour cream, avocado, or all of it.
Notes
Tips
- No taco seasoning? Use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Want it less spicy? Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
- Got picky eaters? Blend some of the soup or mash the beans for a smoother texture.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for extra flavor.
Variations
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or bell peppers.
- Instapot Version: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, natural release for 10, then shred chicken.
This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup has been on repeat at my house. It is one of those chicken crockpot recipes that just makes life easier. You dump stuff in the pot, go do your million things, and come back to soup that smells like you tried really hard. But you really did not.
I love all kinds of chicken soups crockpot style, but this one is fun cause it tastes like taco night without the mess. It is also one of the easiest dump crockpot soups ever. No weird steps. Just throw it in and let the slow cooker do the work.
This works if you are into pot recipes easy or need chicken dishes in crockpot that do not make your kitchen explode. It is warm, filling, and picky-eater approved (most days). It is also perfect if you are craving soup chicken but want a little kick.
Sometimes I switch it up and use this in my list of hearty dinner recipes crock pot style or even treat it like a slow cooker chicken soup with a taco twist. If I am in a rush, I use my instapot for it too. That is why I love it. It fits all the moods.
Add this to your collection of easy chicken soups to make, chicken soup in slow cooker ideas, and even hearty slow cooker chicken stew swaps when you want something different. It is one of those chicken soup crockpot recipes that saves the day, even when the day is chaos.
Try it once. You will be making it again, promise.
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