If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, then the Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup is a vibrant, creamy, and hearty blend of tender chicken, bold Mexican spices, fresh veggies, and that luscious cream cheese swirl that transforms simple ingredients into something unbelievably delicious. It’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss. Trust me, once you taste this, it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy meals that feed both your body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this soup is delightfully simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the savory base of chicken and broth to the punchy spices and creamy cheese, every item contributes to the magic of this dish.
- Olive oil: Provides the ideal base to sauté your onions and garlic, boosting flavor right from the start.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of aromatic warmth that wakes up the taste buds.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 pound): The hearty protein that absorbs all those savory spices beautifully.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Builds the flavorful, comforting liquid foundation of your soup.
- Can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces): Introduces juiciness and slight acidity to balance richness.
- Black beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): Offer creamy texture and fiber, making the soup even more satisfying.
- Corn (15-ounce can, drained): Adds a subtle sweetness and pops of color to brighten the bowl.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10-ounce can): Infuse the soup with a mild spicy kick and extra zest.
- Taco seasoning packet: The cornerstone seasoning mix that gives the soup its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and warmth layered into the spice profile.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings smokiness and a gentle heat to round out the taste.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors just right.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened and cubed): The secret ingredient that makes the soup irresistibly creamy and silky smooth.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup chopped, optional): A refreshing, herbal garnish that adds brightness and color at the end.
How to Make Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic so they’re ready to infuse flavor. Cube the softened cream cheese and set it aside to make melting into the soup seamless later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add your diced onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Throw in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Liquids
Place the chicken breasts in the pot, then pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This combination creates a beautiful, chunky soup base that’s bursting with color and texture.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Stir in the taco seasoning packet, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These spices transform the broth into a rich, flavorful fiesta that will tantalize your taste buds.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely and absorb all the vibrant flavors of the broth.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks—it’s so simple and instantly turns the soup into a hearty, meaty delight. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot to soak up even more flavor.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese
Gently stir in the cubed cream cheese, letting it melt slowly into the soup so it becomes creamy and luxurious. This step takes the soup from tasty to absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you want it spicier. Feel free to experiment here to tailor the heat and seasoning exactly to your liking.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if you like a burst of herbal freshness. Now, dig into this warm, creamy bowl of goodness that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can take your Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe to the next level. Crumbled tortilla chips or crushed taco shells add crunch, shredded cheese creates extra melty goodness, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole gives cool contrast to the warm spice. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or even a crunchy simple salad. These sides soak up any leftover soup and round out the meal perfectly for those satisfying gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in mini bread bowls for a delightful presentation that feels special. Another fun idea is to offer a DIY topping bar with various garnishes so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it. This makes serving both interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup sans cream cheese since dairy can change texture in the freezer. Freeze the base soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add fresh cream cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to reincorporate the cream cheese and prevent curdling. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make your soup even more tender and flavorful because of their higher fat content. Just cook them the same way as breasts and shred once tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Definitely. Substitute the chicken with extra beans or even a hearty vegetable like sweet potatoes or zucchini. Use vegetable broth and the same seasonings for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all the ingredients except the cream cheese in your slow cooker, cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3, then shred the chicken and stir in the cream cheese near the end of cooking.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No problem. You can make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This way you can control the flavors perfectly.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level is mild to moderate, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. The cream cheese also helps mellow out the heat while adding creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so cozy and satisfying about a bowl of Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of hearty and creamy with warm, vibrant spices that feel like a little fiesta in every bite. I promise this recipe will become your new favorite go-to when you want a quick, comforting meal with a touch of indulgence. Give it a try, and watch how it transforms your routine dinners into something truly special!
Print
Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This creamy and flavorful Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese is a comforting meal perfect for any day. Combining tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a blend of taco seasonings, this soup offers a wonderful balance of spicy, savory, and creamy textures. The addition of cream cheese creates a smooth, rich broth that enhances every bite, making it a delicious and hearty dish suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can corn, drained
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and set aside for later use.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Liquids: Place the chicken breasts in the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring to combine.
- Season the Soup: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste, ensuring the spices are well distributed throughout the soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup and mix well.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the cubed softened cream cheese to the soup. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, resulting in a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce if desired for extra spiciness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if using. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- The choice of chicken breasts or thighs depends on your preference; thighs yield a slightly richer flavor.
- For a spicier soup, consider adding extra chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Drain and rinse beans and corn to reduce excess sodium and improve taste.
- Softening cream cheese before adding helps it melt more evenly into the soup.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
