Effortless 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup: Your Ultimate Quick & Delicious Pantry Meal
Discover the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal with our 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup! This recipe is the epitome of convenience, requiring only shelf-stable ingredients readily available in your pantry. Forget complicated steps or extensive grocery lists; with this simple taco soup, your dinner dilemma transforms into a delightful culinary experience where the hardest part is merely opening a few cans. It’s truly a game-changer for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you crave comforting, hearty flavors without the fuss.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, this recipe does NOT call for seven cans of chicken! Rest assured, this easy 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is crafted entirely from a selection of canned goods you likely already have stocked away. It’s an incredibly quick and straightforward recipe, making it perfect for any busy evening. This particular 7 can chicken taco soup recipe stands out as a versatile staple that most home cooks, especially busy parents, will want to keep on hand. Beyond its convenience for your own family, it’s also an excellent dish to prepare for donation to a local food pantry or to share with a family in need, as anyone can make it regardless of their cooking skill level or available time. The process is genuinely foolproof: simply open the cans, combine your ingredients, heat the soup on the stove or in a slow cooker, and serve!
We all have those hectic days when relying on a dependable backup meal plan is essential to make it through the evening. But who says your emergency meal can’t be bursting with flavor and fun? Never underestimate the incredible power of a good taco seasoning blend! This recipe masterfully combines taco seasoning with chili beans and chili-spiced tomatoes, eliminating the need for any additional outside spices. The blend creates a perfectly balanced and zesty flavor profile that defines an authentic taco soup experience. You can customize each bowl to your heart’s content, topping it off with all your favorite taco garnishes like cool sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and more!
The Crucial Importance of Managing Sodium in Your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Because this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup recipe relies heavily on canned ingredients, paying close attention to the specific items is paramount. I strongly recommend adhering to the ingredient list provided, particularly noting the emphasis on low-sodium options. Canned foods are notoriously high in sodium, a necessary evil for preservation. If you overlook these guidelines and use standard canned goods, you risk ending up with a soup that is overwhelmingly salty and less enjoyable. Nobody wants a super salty soup, so choosing low-sodium broth, no-salt-added beans, and rinsing other canned vegetables is key to a perfectly balanced and delicious meal. This mindful selection ensures your taco soup is flavorful without being overly saline, making it healthier and more palatable for everyone.
The beauty of this delicious 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup extends to its cooking versatility. You can effortlessly prepare it on your stovetop for a quick meal or let it slow cook in your crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. This flexibility truly makes me appreciate this dish even more. Play your cards right, and this easy 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup will quickly become a cherished family favorite, a go-to for its simplicity and robust taste. To elevate your meal, consider pairing it with a classic side dish like my Mexican Spoon Bread, which brings an extra layer of flavor and texture to the table. This 7 can chicken taco soup offers a fantastic alternative to the often-messy experience of traditional Taco Tuesday, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner with your family without the usual cleanup.
Looking for more comforting and easy soup recipes? Here are some additional options you will surely love:
- Tomato Rice Soup
- Butter Bean Soup
- 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
Why You’ll Love This 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
This 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary lifesaver for so many reasons. Its inherent simplicity makes it incredibly appealing to anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Every ingredient is a pantry staple, meaning no last-minute trips to the store. It’s perfect for those busy days when cooking from scratch feels like a monumental task.
- Minimal Prep and Cleanup: With most ingredients coming from cans, chopping is virtually eliminated. This significantly cuts down on prep time and leaves you with fewer dishes to wash afterward, which is a win in any household.
- Budget-Friendly: Canned goods are often more economical than fresh ingredients, making this a cost-effective meal solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
- Versatility in Cooking: Whether you prefer the quick stovetop method or the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a slow cooker, this soup adapts to your schedule.
- Customizable to Your Taste: While the base is simple, the soup is a blank canvas for toppings. From extra cheese and sour cream to avocado and hot sauce, personalize each bowl to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar and beloved flavors of tacos translate perfectly into soup form, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual entertaining.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, corn, and chicken, this soup is substantial enough to be a complete meal, providing excellent protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied.
- Meal Prep Dream: This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for several days and freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Gathering your ingredients for this easy 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup couldn’t be simpler. Remember to prioritize low-sodium and no-salt-added varieties where specified to ensure the best flavor balance.
- 1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added black beans
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn
- 1 (15 oz) can chili-style diced tomatoes
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chunk chicken breast in water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce
- 1 (1 oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
1. Prepare the beans and corn: Open and thoroughly drain, then rinse the canned black beans and corn under cold water. This step helps to reduce excess sodium and remove any canning liquid.
2. Prepare the chicken: Open the can of chunk chicken breast. Drain off any excess water or liquid, then use a fork to easily break up the chicken chunks into desired shreds. You can also lightly mash it for a finer texture.
3. Combine and cook: Add all of the prepared ingredients – the drained black beans and corn, shredded chicken, chili beans, chili tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, green enchilada sauce, and low-sodium taco seasoning – into a large stockpot. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, for a slow-cooked approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve and garnish: Ladle your hot 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite taco toppings. Popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, lime wedges for a fresh zest, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Enjoy your easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal!
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7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Hearty, flavorful, and filling, this 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is the epitome of easy cooking! Everything you need for this recipe is shelf-stable. With this easy recipe, the hardest part of dinner is opening up the cans and then washing the dishes!
5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
8
171kcal
A H
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can no-salt-added black beans
- 1 15 oz can chili beans
- 1 15 oz can corn
- 1 15 oz can chili tomatoes
- 1 12.5 oz can chicken breast in water
- 1 14.5 oz can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 28 oz can green enchilada sauce
- 1 1 oz packet low-sodium taco seasoning
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned black beans and corn.
- Drain the excess water from the chicken and break up the chicken chunks into shreds with a fork.
- Add all the ingredients to a stock pot and simmer for 20 minutes. Or, optionally, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve your chicken taco soup with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, or jalapenos to garnish.
Notes
- It is extremely important to stick to the ingredients listed. Canned foods are notorious for being high in sodium; that’s why some of the ingredients used in this recipe are for low sodium or no salt versions. If you don’t use these low sodium ingredients, you’ll end up with a soup that is way too salty.
- No extra spices are needed because we’re adding chili beans and chili tomatoes which already have those extra spices in them.
- This can be made on the stovetop or in the crockpot.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 473mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Creative Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings for Your Taco Soup
While the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is fantastic on its own, it truly shines with a variety of toppings and side dishes. Think of your bowl of soup as a canvas for customization, allowing everyone at the table to create their perfect meal. Go beyond the basics and experiment with different flavors and textures to make each serving unique and exciting.
Elevate Your Toppings:
- Cheese, Please: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are classic choices. For a creamier texture, crumble some Cotija cheese.
- Cool & Creamy: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a delightful tang and cools down any spice.
- Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped cilantro is essential for that authentic taco flavor. Chopped green onions or chives also add a mild oniony bite.
- Crunch Factor: Crushed tortilla chips or strips are a must! For extra crunch, try Fritos or even a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Avocado Goodness: Diced or sliced avocado adds a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats, balancing the soup’s robust flavors.
- A Zesty Squeeze: Fresh lime wedges are indispensable. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the entire dish.
- Heat It Up: If you love spice, add sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Other Ideas: Consider a spoonful of salsa, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or even some crumbled cooked bacon for added depth.
Complementary Side Dishes:
- Cornbread or Mexican Spoon Bread: A warm, fluffy piece of cornbread or Mexican Spoon Bread is the quintessential companion to any chili or taco soup, perfect for soaking up every last drop.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Rice: A small side of plain white or brown rice can be added directly to the soup for extra heartiness, or served alongside.
- Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas make for a fun, kid-friendly pairing that complements the Mexican theme.
This 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It transforms a simple collection of pantry items into a vibrant, satisfying dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re dodging a messy Taco Tuesday or simply seeking a quick, wholesome dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Enjoy the ease, embrace the flavor, and make it your own!
