Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup delivers on all fronts. Bursting with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this creamy, hearty soup is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a stress-free, flavor-packed dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work—just set it and forget it.
- Creamy and Flavorful: A rich, velvety texture paired with zesty taco flavors.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels and add your favorite toppings.
- Family-Friendly: A meal everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the Vegetables: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse and Drain: Drain and rinse the black beans and corn to remove excess salt and starch.
Step 2: Assemble the Crockpot
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the onion, garlic, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies on top.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
- Pour the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Set the Timer: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. This will create a rich, creamy base.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring until fully incorporated. Let the soup cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into Bowls: Serve the soup hot in individual bowls.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese beforehand for easy melting and a smooth texture.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the chili powder and jalapeños based on your preferred heat level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lime juice, and cilantro enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the beans and corn and replace them with diced zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.
- Add More Veggies: Include diced bell peppers, spinach, or kale for added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add more diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh Bread: Serve with warm cornbread or a crusty baguette.
- Side Salad: A light salad with lime vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
- Rice: Add a scoop of steamed rice for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe is everything you want in a comforting meal: flavorful, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With its bold spices, tender chicken, and rich creaminess, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a holiday gathering, this soup will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the Liquids
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.
- Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook the Soup
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Add Creaminess
- Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Mix well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
6. Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or additional taco seasoning if needed.
7. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
- Serve with tortilla chips or warm cornbread on the side.