Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Are you searching for an incredibly simple yet supremely satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup. It’s the quintessential “dump-and-go” recipe, designed to save you time and effort without compromising on flavor. Imagine tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. This isn’t just soup; it’s a vibrant, comforting, and utterly delicious experience that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Perfect for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this crockpot chicken taco soup brings all the beloved flavors of tacos into a warm, inviting bowl. The beauty of slow cooking means you can simply add your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it, returning later to a kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma and a ready-to-eat dinner. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal fuss.

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Choosing the Best Chicken for Your Taco Soup

The foundation of any great chicken soup is, of course, the chicken itself. For this creamy taco soup, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to choice. They cook down beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming incredibly tender and easy to shred, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth and spices.

However, don’t feel limited! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Dark meat generally boasts a richer flavor profile and tends to be even more tender and forgiving during long cooking times. Whether you opt for breasts or thighs, the cooking duration outlined in the recipe remains consistent, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.

For those days when you need an even faster solution, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. If using cooked chicken, simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker or Instant Pot and heat through until everything is warm and the flavors have melded. This drastically cuts down on active cooking time, making it an ideal option for last-minute meals.

The Secret to Flavorful Chicken Taco Soup: Mastering Your Seasoning

The key to transforming simple ingredients into a fiesta of flavors lies in the seasoning. While a store-bought packet of taco seasoning is certainly convenient, I highly recommend making your own homemade blend. Not only is it a more economical choice, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, avoiding unnecessary sugars, preservatives, and excessive sodium often found in pre-packaged mixes.

My Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is a vibrant mix that includes essential spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a dash of cayenne pepper adds the perfect amount of heat. Customizing your seasoning means you can adjust the spice level to your family’s preference, ensuring everyone enjoys every spoonful of this hearty soup. Feel free to experiment with other additions like onion powder, garlic powder, or even a pinch of dried oregano for an extra layer of authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this creamy chicken taco soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, living up to its “dump-and-go” promise. The detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of the simple process:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add your raw chicken (breasts or thighs), chicken broth, black beans, red beans, corn, chopped onions, minced garlic, and your chosen taco spices to the slow cooker pot. Give everything a quick stir to ensure the spices are well distributed.
2. Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on the “High” setting for 4 hours or on the “Low” setting for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
3. Shred and Cream: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully open the pot. Using two forks, remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them on a cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Add Creaminess: Now, for the secret to that irresistible creaminess! Add the softened cream cheese to the soup. Stir gently until the cream cheese fully melts and incorporates into the broth, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cream cheese has melted and the soup is uniformly creamy, it’s ready to be served hot with your favorite toppings!

Can You Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in Your Crockpot Taco Soup?

Absolutely! One of the great advantages of slow cooking is its flexibility with ingredients, including frozen chicken. If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, you can typically add them directly to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

While the cook time generally remains similar, it’s a good practice to check for doneness towards the end. Depending on the size and thickness of your frozen chicken, it might require an additional hour of cooking time. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding and serving. Using frozen chicken is another fantastic way this recipe adapts to your busy schedule, minimizing prep work and making dinner effortless.

Customize Your Taco Soup: Other Vegetables and Substitution Ideas

This creamy chicken taco soup is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your additions!

Beyond the classic corn and beans, consider adding a nutritional boost and fresh flavors with these vegetables:

• Fresh Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added greens and a healthy boost. They will wilt beautifully into the soup.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can add an earthy depth. Add them at the beginning with the other vegetables.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower: Small florets can be added for extra texture and nutrients. Add them towards the end of the cooking cycle to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Potatoes: Diced potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes, will make the soup even heartier. Add them raw at the beginning of the cook time.
• Peas or Green Beans: These frozen or canned options are easy additions for extra color and nutrition. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Chickpeas: For another protein-packed legume, swap out or add chickpeas alongside the black and red beans.

Other Substitution Ideas:

• Beans: Any type of canned beans will work well in this recipe. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even kidney beans can be used interchangeably or in combination. Just remember to drain and rinse them well.
• Creaminess Factor: If you prefer an even creamier soup, feel free to increase the amount of cream cheese. For a lighter version, you can substitute cream cheese with a splash of milk or even a dairy-free cream alternative, though the texture will be less rich. For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese along with the cream cheese.
• Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a different flavor profile, or if you’re adapting the recipe for a vegetarian version (omitting chicken).
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or chili powder to control the heat. For a milder soup, omit cayenne. For more heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Perfect Cook Time: How Long to Cook Your Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Achieving perfectly tender, shreddable chicken and a well-melded flavor profile is key to this slow cooker creamy chicken taco soup. The beauty of the slow cooker is its forgiving nature, allowing you to choose a cooking duration that best fits your schedule:

• On High: Cook the soup for 4 hours. This is ideal if you’re starting the soup a bit later in the day and need it ready by dinner time.
• On Low: For a longer, more gentle simmer that allows flavors to deepen even further, cook for 8 hours. This is perfect for setting it in the morning before work and coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Both settings will yield succulent, easy-to-shred chicken and a rich, flavorful soup. The prolonged cooking ensures that all the ingredients combine harmoniously, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.

Storage Tips for Leftover Taco Soup

One of the many benefits of making a big batch of this slow cooker creamy chicken taco soup is having delicious leftovers! Proper storage ensures your soup remains fresh and flavorful for days to come.

Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, avoid leaving the soup at room temperature for extended periods after cooking. Glass containers are excellent for storage as they don’t stain or retain odors, and they allow you to easily see the contents.

Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

Reheating this creamy chicken taco soup is a breeze, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. You have a couple of convenient options:

• Microwave: For individual servings, transfer your desired amount of soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop: For larger quantities or a more even reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer and is heated through. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Freezer-Friendly Chicken Taco Soup for Meal Prep

This creamy chicken taco soup is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Freezing portions means you always have a wholesome, homemade meal ready to go, perfect for those extra busy days.

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. I particularly love using Souper Cube soup molds, which create perfect individual portions that are easy to store and thaw. The soup will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired portion from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave on a defrost setting followed by regular heating until warmed through.

More Delicious Taco-Inspired Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors of this Creamy Chicken Taco Soup, you’re in for a treat! The world of taco-inspired cuisine is vast and exciting. Explore these other fantastic recipes that bring the spice and zest of Mexican flavors to your table, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:

• Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap Copycat
• Homemade Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
• Keto-Friendly Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
• Gourmet Pork Belly Tacos
• Flavorful Blackened Fish Tacos
• Easy Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

More Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and easy to make. If you’re a soup enthusiast, be sure to check out these other comforting and delicious soup recipes that are perfect for any season and occasion:

• Slow Cooker Crockpot Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
• Hearty Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Creamy Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
• Velvety Sweet Potato Soup
• Wholesome Ham and Vegetable Soup
• Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
• Quick Instant Pot Tomato Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Ramen Soup
• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Crockpot Shredded Chicken Taco Soup

By Brandi Crawford

This Easy Slow Cooker Crockpot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect dump-and-go recipe for a delicious and hassle-free meal. Simply combine your chicken breasts, a colorful mix of beans and vegetables, and savory broth in your slow cooker, and let it create a wonderfully flavorful and creamy soup. Ideal for convenient meal prep and satisfying weeknight dinners, this soup is a family favorite that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 8 votes

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 8 hrs

Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 245 kcal

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Essential Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Freezer Soup Molds (optional, for meal prep)

Ingredients

(Amounts below are for 8 servings)

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 15.5 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15.5 oz canned red beans, drained and rinsed
• 15.5 oz diced chilies and tomatoes (undrained for extra flavor)
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (important for smooth melting)

Homemade Taco Seasoning (You can use a store-bought packet if you wish).

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional, for a spicy kick)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Add all of the main ingredients (chicken, broth, beans, corn, onions, garlic, and homemade taco seasoning spices, salt, and pepper) to your slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid for even cooking. You can adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the HIGH setting for 4 hours, or on the LOW setting for 8 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable.
3. Once cooking is complete, carefully open the pot. Remove the cooked chicken breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir gently and continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy and delicious broth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite optional toppings.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Place your Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Add a tablespoon of olive oil (optional) then add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Turn off the Sauté function. Add all of the ingredients (except for the corn and cream cheese) to the Instant Pot. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
3. Secure the lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Cook on Manual High-Pressure for 20 minutes.
4. Once the cooking cycle is finished, allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes (Natural Release) before carefully moving the valve to the Venting position for a Quick Release of any remaining pressure.
5. Open the pot. Remove the cooked chicken and shred it on a cutting board using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Add the softened cream cheese and the corn to the Instant Pot. Turn on the Sauté function again. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the cream cheese has fully melted and integrated into the soup, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Serve immediately with your preferred toppings.

Chef’s Notes and Variations

Flavor Boost: If using the slow cooker method, you can optionally sauté your onions and garlic in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances their flavor and aroma, adding more depth to your soup.

Stovetop Adaptation: To make this recipe on the stovetop, chop your chicken into cubes and sear them in a large pot or Dutch oven before adding the remaining ingredients. Alternatively, use fully cooked store-bought chicken and simply heat all ingredients through until warmed.

Creaminess Control: For an extra creamy soup, increase the amount of cream cheese. You can also stir in some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese at the end until melted. If you prefer a lighter consistency, cream cheese can be partially substituted with milk or omitted entirely for a brothy soup.

Bean Varieties: Any type of canned beans, such as pinto, cannellini, or kidney beans, will work beautifully in this recipe. Ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding.

Chicken Options: This recipe is flexible with chicken types. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent. If using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you won’t need to slow cook it; simply add the shredded chicken along with other ingredients and warm the soup until heated through.

Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level. For a milder soup, reduce or omit the cayenne. For more heat, consider adding a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 cup

Calories: 245 kcal

Carbohydrates: 19 g

Protein: 21 g

Fat: 6 g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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