Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Name: Queso Chicken Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded chicken; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 4 cups chicken broth; 15 ounces black beans (drained); 15 ounces kidney beans (drained); 15 ounces whole kernel corn (drained); 10 ounces diced tomatoes & green chiles (undrained); 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 pound cubed queso blanco; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Posted on January 1, 2026

Main Dishes

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This queso chicken taco soup is a delightful blend of creamy textures and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. With tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a cheesy twist, it’s a dish that caters to all occasions—whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Comforting Flavor: The creamy queso and taco spices create a rich flavor profile that warms you up inside.
Family Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the healthy ingredients like beans and chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with corn chips for a fun twist.
Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your queso chicken taco soup requires just a few essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large Pot
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large Pot: A must-have for simmering soups; its size allows for easy stirring and even heating.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot, ensuring longevity of your cookware.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results; using them helps keep your flavors balanced.
Measuring Spoons: Ideal for adding spices precisely, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

Ingredients

This queso chicken taco soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavors. Tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and taco spices come together in a rich, comforting soup.

For the Soup

3 cups Shredded Chicken
½ cup Yellow Onion (diced)
4 cups Chicken Broth
15 ounce Black Beans (drained)
15 ounce Kidney Beans (drained)
15 ounce Whole Kernel Corn (drained)
10 ounce Diced Tomatoes & Diced Green Chiles (undrained)
1 packet Taco Seasoning
1 pound Queso Blanco Velveeta (cubed)
3 tablespoons Corn Starch
3 tablespoons Cold Water
1 tablespoon Olive Oil

How to Make Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Melt the Cheese

Add the undrained diced tomatoes and cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. Stir occasionally as the cheese melts completely into a creamy mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the cheese is fully melted, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained black beans, drained corn, drained kidney beans, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix everything together well.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for about 10–15 minutes so that all flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

While simmering, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the soup and allow it to sit for a few minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve this delicious queso chicken taco soup warm alongside corn chips and your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream. Enjoy!

How to Serve Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Serving queso chicken taco soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit your tastes. This creamy, cheesy soup pairs perfectly with various toppings and sides, enhancing its rich flavors.

Toppings

Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
Sour Cream: A cool and creamy addition that balances the spices.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado brings richness and texture to each bite.
Shredded Cheese: Extra cheese on top makes every bowl indulgently cheesy.
Jalapeño Slices: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh jalapeños are perfect.

Accompaniments

Corn Chips: Crunchy corn chips are great for dipping into the soup.
Tortillas: Warm tortillas can be served on the side for scooping up the delicious soup.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness and acidity to balance flavors.

How to Perfect Queso Chicken Taco Soup

To ensure your queso chicken taco soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken will enhance flavor significantly.
Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the taco seasoning to your taste; add more for a spicier soup or less for a milder version.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Thicken Wisely: The cornstarch slurry should be mixed thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure even thickness.
Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Pairing side dishes with your queso chicken taco soup can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds a hearty base alongside the soup.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in cheese and spices creates a flavorful side.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa offers a refreshing contrast and adds crunch.
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
Refried Beans: Smooth beans provide an additional source of protein and pair well with Tex-Mex cuisine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Queso Chicken Taco Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

Ignoring Ingredient Prep: Failing to properly chop or measure ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always prep your ingredients before you start cooking.
Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use shredded cooked chicken and let it warm gently in the soup instead of overcooking it.
Not Adjusting Spice Levels: Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Start with less taco seasoning, and adjust to your taste as you cook.
Skipping the Thickening Step: Not adding the cornstarch slurry can result in a soupy consistency. Don’t forget this step for a creamy texture!
Using Low-Quality Cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well, leading to clumps. Opt for good-quality queso blanco for a smooth finish.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Queso Chicken Taco Soup?

You can easily customize your soup by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You could also swap out beans for lentils or add different spices based on your taste preferences.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and add it directly into the soup.

What toppings go well with Queso Chicken Taco Soup?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños.

Is Queso Chicken Taco Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans. You can also reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute shredded chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful mix of creamy textures and bold flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying leftovers for lunch, its versatility shines through. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it truly your own!