30-Minute Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines tender chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles in a rich, creamy base. The cream cheese creates a velvety texture while taco seasoning adds bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this one-pot meal comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro for a customizable and satisfying meal that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 3 cups low sodium chicken brothregular chicken broth1:1standard
Reduce taco seasoning salt
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and cubed or shredded
- shredded cheese(optional)
- sliced avocado(optional)
- tortilla strips(optional)
- cilantro(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a heavy bottom pot or dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil
- 2
Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened
- 3
Add the tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and corn to the pot and mix until combined
- 4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil
- 5
Add the cream cheese and reduce the heat to medium-low
- 6
Stir until cream cheese has melted into the soup
- 7
Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally
- 8
Serve when heated through
Tips
Soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to prevent lumps in the soup.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook chicken breasts in advance and shred or cube.
Adjust thickness by simmering uncovered longer to reduce, or add more broth if too thick.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container.
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently, adding broth if needed.
Serve hot with optional toppings like cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips.
Common Mistakes
Add cream cheese gradually while stirring to avoid lumps forming in the soup.
Substitutions
Reduce taco seasoning salt
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes plus 1 diced jalapeño. Add a pinch of salt to compensate for the seasoning in canned versions.
What if I don't have taco seasoning packets?
Make your own with 1 teaspoon each cumin and chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon each paprika and garlic powder, and salt to taste.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add broth if the soup has thickened too much.