Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Dive into the delightful world of flavors with this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup, which brings together the much-loved taste of King Ranch Chicken in a comforting soup form. Perfect for those busy days when you want to throw everything into a slow cooker and come back to a delicious meal. This creamy chicken taco soup is sure to become a staple in your household. So, let’s get started!
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking retains the nutrients of the ingredients, making it a healthier choice. Therefore, as the soup cooks gently over hours, it allows the flavors to meld perfectly, leading to a deeply satisfying dish. Moreover, the convenience offered by slow cooking cannot be overstated—prep your ingredients, toss them in, and let time do the rest.
Yield and Prep Details
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious soup:
- 1 serving nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese, softened
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Firstly, prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion and bell pepper to ensure they are ready for cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Apply nonstick cooking spray to a skillet. Subsequently, add diced onion, bell pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté over medium heat until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, place the sautéed mixture in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes and green chiles, cream of mushroom soup, chopped green chiles, vegetable oil, taco seasoning, cumin, black pepper, and the remaining salt.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, submerging them in the liquid. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add Creaminess
After 2 hours, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the softened Neufchatel cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Let the mixture cook for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and flavors to blend. After that, your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is ready to serve!
Optional Healthier Cooking Tips
If you’re seeking a lighter soup, consider replacing the cream of mushroom with a low-fat version. Additionally, Neufchatel cheese can be substituted with a low-fat cream cheese alternative. These changes can help maintain the creamy texture while reducing calorie intake.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
This creamy chicken taco soup is not only delicious but also ridiculously easy to make. Above all, it’s perfect for meal preps and can be stored conveniently. The soup offers nutritious benefits without compromising on taste, and it is bound to satisfy your cravings. Try this comforting recipe today—it’s sure to make regular appearances in your meal rotation!
Moreover, if you happen to have leftovers, the flavors of the Creamy Chicken Taco Soup deepen in richness, making it even more savory the next day. This soup is destined to win the hearts of your family and friends, certainly earning a place in your favorite recipes.
