High-Protein Chicken Taco Soup (Printable)

A hearty chicken soup packed with vegetables, beans, and bold, savory taco-inspired flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 lbs), diced
02 - 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
08 - 1 medium red onion, diced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
11 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Liquids

12 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnishes

17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Avocado slices
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Shredded cheese or Greek yogurt (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned on the surface.
03 - Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, and jalapeño; cook for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Add taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly to coat the chicken and vegetables with spices.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
07 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and shredded cheese or Greek yogurt if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like restaurant-quality taco night but takes barely half an hour and won't leave you feeling sluggish.
  • The protein-to-veggie ratio means you're genuinely full afterward, not just temporarily satisfied.
  • Every bowl tastes different depending on how you garnish it, so it never gets boring even on repeat weeks.
02 -
  • Don't skip dicing the chicken into consistent sizes, or you'll end up with some pieces that are still slightly raw while others are tough and stringy.
  • If the broth tastes too salty after adding the seasoning and beans, a squeeze of fresh lime juice will balance it out without requiring water that dilutes everything else.
03 -
  • If you're short on time, buy pre-diced bell peppers from the grocery store; it's not cheating, it's smart kitchen strategy.
  • Keep the garnish situation abundant and visible so people get excited about customizing their bowls—the act of building your own meal makes it taste better, somehow.
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