7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is a yummy meal that mixes strong taco flavor with filling, healthy stuff all in one easy dish. Its base is made of chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes that makes it tasty and a bit healthy too. What makes this recipe cool is how fast it comes together-perfect for those hectic weeknights or when you get surprise guests. You can make a delicious dinner in almost no time with just a few things you have in your pantry.
Nowadays, we all are busy so we really need recipes that dont take long to cook. Home cooks are always looking for meals that dont need much work but still taste great and have good nutrition. This is where the 7 can method comes in handy, letting you make a filling soup using just seven cans. It not only makes cooking faster but also makes the clean up easier, so its loved by a lot of people.
Using the 7 can method not only makes cooking simpler but also lets you be creative in the kitchen. When you get your ingredients together, you'll see how many ways you can change it to suit what you like or what you have. Whether its switching out bean types or adding cool toppings, the options are plenty and give you the freedom to adjust the flavors to your taste.
What is 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup?
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is a simple and heartwarming meal that mixes convenience with flavor. Like the name says, it uses just seven canned ingredients to make a rich and tasty soup fit for any occasion. The main parts of this soup are canned chicken, different kinds of beans, corn, diced tomatoes and some taco seasoning, all coming together into a meal thats full of flavor.
Quick and easy meals have always been a fav in home cooking, but the 7 can idea has become really popular again in recent times. Its great for people who dont have a lot of time, since it cuts down on cooking time a lot. The idea started from using what you already got in your pantry, and this soup is a smart way to put together a filling dish without a lot of extra work.
This recipe is getting more and more popular as cooks share their own versions online, showing off different tweaks that match their own taste or diet. Whether its using different beans or switching up the spice level, this soup is easy to change and remains a top choice for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The ease of using canned ingredients is a big reason why 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is a hit with many home cooks. Canned food lasts long and cuts down on prep time, letting you have a good meal ready in about half an hour or less even on super busy days. Relying on these easy ingredients means you get a healthy meal without fuss.
Its also got some good health benefits. Beans, corn, and tomatoes give you protein, fiber, and important vitamins in every bowl. The soup is filling and has lots of nutrition, making it a solid option for families or anyone wanting a quick healthy meal.
Plus, the chance to change it up lets you put your own spin on the dish. You might like black beans instead of pinto, add extra veggies, or top it with avocado and cilantro. The 7 can method is fun and flexible so everyone can enjoy it just the way they like.
Ingredients List
To make the yummy 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup, you need these seven canned ingredients along with some extra fresh toppings if you want to make it even better:
- Chicken: You can use canned chicken for a fast option or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you want extra flavor.
- Broth: Use chicken broth for a stronger taste or vegetable broth if you want something lighter.
- Beans: Different types of canned beans work great; black beans and pinto beans are favorites.
- Tomato Products: Diced tomatoes, salsa, or tomato sauce give the soup its base flavor.
- Corn: You can choose canned corn to keep things easy or frozen corn if you want a fresher taste.
- Taco Seasoning: Store bought seasoning is super quick though making your own lets you adjust the spiciness.
- Optional Toppings: Add extra flair with toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Directions to Prepare 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start cooking, make sure you got all your ingredients and tools ready. Having everything in place makes the process smoother and you dont have to keep stopping to search around.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Open up and drain the canned items if needed. In a big pot or a slow cooker, mix together your pre-cooked chicken, drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Pour in the broth and stir well so everything gets combined.
Step 3: Cooking the Soup
If you are cooking on the stovetop, bring the mix to a gentle boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring sometimes. For slow cooker fans, set it to low and let it cook for about 4 hours, or high for 2 hours. And if you have an Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5-7 minutes then let the pressure release naturally. This gives you options on how to cook it best for you.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
After its cooked, serve the soup while its hot and top it with whatever you like-maybe diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squirt of lime juice. Let everyone add extra spice or even a bit of sour cream if they want it creamier.
Cooking Tips and Modifications
When making 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup, here are some tips that might help:
- Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions: If you need things to be a bit healthier, use low-sodium canned goods or gluten-free taco seasoning instead.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: To turn up the heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo.
- Suggestions for Storage and Reheating: If theres leftovers, put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you wanna eat it again, just heat it on the stove or in the microwave until its warm.
Nutrition Breakdown
Not only does 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup tastes good, but it also gives you some good nutrition. Here is a rough idea:
- Estimated Calories per Serving: About 250 calories, but it may change a bit depending on the ingredients.
- Macros: Each bowl usually has around 20g of protein, 30g of carbs, and 5g of fat.
- Health Benefits: Beans give protein and fiber while corn and tomatoes offer vitamins, making it a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup turns out awesome, watch out for these mistakes:
- Overcooking or Undercooking Ingredients: Make sure you dont cook too long or too short so everything keeps a good texture.
- Choosing Non-Compatible Canned Ingredients: Stick with the suggested items for the best mix of flavors.
- Skipping the Seasoning Step: Don't forget the taco seasoning 'cause its what gives the soup its kick.
Pairing Ideas
You can make your meal even better by thinking about these pairing ideas:
- Suggested Sides: Serve it with some rice, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to go with the soup.
- Beverage Pairings: Enjoy your soup with a cold beer, a soda, or just a nice glass of water to wash it down.
FAQs
What can I do if I don't have all seven cans?
If you are missing one or two stuff, dont worry! You can swap canned items with fresh ones or use others that fit the flavor. For example, use fresh cooked and shredded chicken, or try a different kind of bean.
Can I freeze the 7 Can Chicken Taco Soup?
Yea, this soup freezes real good! Let it cool down completely before putting it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep for up to three months.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The cooking time will change based on how you do it: its around 30 minutes on the stovetop, 2-4 hours in the slow cooker, or 7-10 minutes when using an Instant Pot.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Sure thing! Just swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What are the best toppings for this soup?
Popular toppings are avocado slices, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced onion, a dollop of sour cream, and lime wedges for a citrus punch.
Conclusion
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup is really an easy and fast meal that is both tasty and nutritious. Its flexibility and bold flavors let everyone add their own twist to it. Try it out and see how fun it is to make, then share your version with your friends and family!
7 Can Chicken Taco Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 can opener
- 1 ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn 15 oz, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 15 oz
- 1 can diced tomatoes 10 oz, undrained
- 1 can chunk chicken breast 12.5 oz, drained
- 1 can chicken broth 10 oz
- 1 packet taco seasoning 1 oz
- 1 cup water optional, depending on desired thickness
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced tomatoes, chunk chicken, chicken broth, taco seasoning, and water (if using).
- Stir all ingredients together until well mixed.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot, ladling the soup into bowls.
