Go Back

Chicken Taco Soup With Corn & Green Chiles - Cozy, Flavor-Packed, and Weeknight Easy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, mild or hot
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (frozen, canned and drained, or fresh)
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30–60 seconds to toast the spices. This step deepens the flavor.
  3. Build the base: Add the green chiles and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Stir in the hearty stuff: Add the black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Simmer another 8–10 minutes, until everything is heated through and the soup tastes cohesive.
  6. Finish and taste: Stir in lime juice and cilantro if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and garnish as you like—shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, more cilantro, or extra lime.