7 Can Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate Easy and Flavorful Recipe for Beginner Cooks

There’s something special about a one-pot meal that combines hearty ingredients, bold flavors, and ease of preparation. For beginner cooks, the thought of preparing a delicious and nutritious dinner can often feel overwhelming. But what if you could throw together a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes with minimal effort and a handful of pantry staples? Enter the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup – the perfect recipe for those days when you want to enjoy a warm, comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Print

This soup is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences and make it as mild or spicy as you’d like. The simplicity of this dish makes it ideal for beginner cooks who are looking for a stress-free meal that still delivers on taste. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can make this comforting chicken taco soup at home!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

As a beginner cook, you might be intimidated by complex recipes with long ingredient lists and complicated techniques. But the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is the complete opposite. It’s an incredibly straightforward dish, perfect for someone who is just starting to explore the joys of cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of cans and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup in no time. It’s also incredibly forgiving – even if you’re still learning the ropes in the kitchen, you won’t have to worry about precise measurements or fancy cooking techniques. Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.

Additionally, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal. It’s a “dump and go” recipe, meaning you simply add all the ingredients to a pot and let it simmer. There’s minimal prep work involved, making it a stress-free dinner option.

Not only is this soup simple and easy to make, but it’s also packed with health benefits. With ingredients like beans, chicken, and fresh cilantro, you’re getting a good mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The addition of green enchilada sauce and taco seasoning gives the soup a burst of flavor, without relying on heavy cream or processed ingredients. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without sacrificing nutrition.

Ingredients and Preparation: A Beginner’s Guide

The ingredient list for this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup may look long at first glance, but don’t be intimidated. Many of the ingredients are canned, which makes it quick and convenient. Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can of southwest corn (with juice)
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (12.5-ounce) can of chunk chicken breast, drained (or fresh cooked chicken, if preferred)
• 1 (10-ounce) can of mild green enchilada sauce
• 1 (1-ounce) package of mild taco seasoning
• 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
• Sour cream (optional garnish)
• Tortilla chips (optional garnish)
• Shredded cheddar jack cheese (optional garnish)

Preparation:

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Open and drain the cans, rinse the beans, and chop the cilantro if you’re planning to garnish the soup. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster, especially if you’re a beginner cook. If you’re using fresh chicken breast, cook it beforehand and shred it into chunks to substitute for the canned chicken.

The beauty of this recipe is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples or canned, which means you don’t need to make a trip to a specialty grocery store. The pinto beans, black beans, and corn provide a good base for the soup, while the chicken broth, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce give it that rich, flavorful base that is both savory and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup

Here’s how to make the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup, broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Add all ingredients to the pot

Start by grabbing a large stockpot (about 5 to 6 quarts) to cook the soup. Add the drained pinto beans, black beans, and the southwest corn (don’t drain the corn). Then, pour in the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, chunk chicken breast, and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic, onion powder, cumin, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 2: Bring to a simmer

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the soup to a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated and don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the soup will thicken slightly as it cooks.

Step 3: Taste and adjust seasonings

After 20 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you like it spicier, you can add more taco seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to use less seasoning or choose a mild enchilada sauce. This recipe is flexible, and you can easily tailor it to your taste.

Step 4: Serve and garnish

Once the soup is ready, serve it hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, some crushed tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar jack cheese. These garnishes add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the soup, making it even more delicious!

Beginner Tips and Notes: Troubleshooting and Kitchen Advice

Cooking can be a bit daunting for beginners, but this recipe is simple and forgiving. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup turns out perfect every time.

1. What if the soup is too thick?

If your soup becomes too thick as it simmers, simply add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir and let it cook for a few more minutes.

2. What if the soup is too spicy?

If you accidentally made the soup too spicy, add a little bit of sour cream to help balance the heat. You can also add more cheese or a squeeze of lime juice to help cut through the spice.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

If you’re using fresh chicken, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using canned chicken, it’s already cooked, so you just need to heat it through in the soup.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serving Suggestions

While the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is a complete meal on its own, it’s always nice to serve it with a few complementary sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread goes perfectly with the soup and adds a comforting, slightly sweet element.
• Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.
• Side Salad: A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado provides a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully with the soup, giving it a rich and creamy texture.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply heat it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

Conclusion: Give This Recipe a Try!

The 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect dish for beginner cooks looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe guarantees a satisfying dinner without a lot of effort. With its simple ingredients, quick prep time, and customizable flavors, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. Whether you’ve added your own twist or followed the recipe to the letter, we’d love to hear how it turned out. Happy cooking!