Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Name: Queso Chicken Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 cups Shredded Chicken; ½ cup Yellow Onion (diced); 4 cups Chicken Broth; 15 ounces Black Beans (drained); 15 ounces Kidney Beans (drained); 15 ounces Whole Kernel Corn (drained); 10 ounces 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

Posted on January 5, 2026

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This queso chicken taco soup is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this soup brings comfort and satisfaction in every bowl. Its standout qualities include tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a rich velvety texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe makes weeknight dinners stress-free.
Flavor Packed: The combination of cheese, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a robust taste that satisfies all palates.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a tasty appetizer; it pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
Comfort Food: Its creamy texture and warm spices make it the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days.
Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, this soup is sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need for making queso chicken taco soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large Pot
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large Pot: A large pot allows for even cooking and ample space to combine all ingredients without overflow.
Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring that your soup remains smooth and well-mixed.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your soup.
Measuring Spoons: Essential for precise seasoning, ensuring each bite is perfectly flavored.

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 until they soften.

Step 2: Melt the Cheese

Add the undrained diced tomatoes along with cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir occasionally until the cheese is fully melted into a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once melted, stir in the drained black beans, drained corn, drained kidney beans, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly until combined.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors together.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it sit for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with corn chips and your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro. Enjoy your delicious queso chicken taco soup!

How to Serve Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Serving Queso Chicken Taco Soup is an enjoyable experience that allows you to customize each bowl. This rich and creamy soup pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.
Shredded Cheese: Extra cheese on top enhances the cheesy goodness of the soup.
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love heat, jalapeños are a great addition.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the spices beautifully.

Accompaniments

Corn Chips: Crunchy chips provide a delightful texture contrast when dipped in the soup.
Warm Tortillas: Soft tortillas can be used to scoop up the soup or served on the side.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors in each bowl.

How to Perfect Queso Chicken Taco Soup

To achieve the best Queso Chicken Taco Soup, focus on a few key techniques that enhance flavor and texture.

Bold seasoning: Use high-quality taco seasoning for robust flavors. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Quality chicken broth: A rich broth makes all the difference in creating a hearty base for your soup.
Slow simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer lets flavors meld together beautifully. Don’t rush this step!
Thickening technique: Use cornstarch slurry effectively to achieve your desired consistency without lumps.

Best Side Dishes for Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Pairing side dishes with Queso Chicken Taco Soup elevates your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices provides a filling side.
Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa make for a classic combo.
Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances out the warm, creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies enhance nutritional value and add depth.
Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be cut into wedges for easy dipping alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your Queso Chicken Taco Soup. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Always use cooked, shredded chicken and add it towards the end.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings accordingly. Every palate is different, so don’t hesitate to add more taco seasoning or salt if needed.
Neglecting to drain beans and corn: Failing to drain canned beans and corn can make your soup too watery. Always drain them before adding to the pot.
Using low-quality cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Choose a high-quality queso blanco for a creamy texture that blends beautifully into the soup.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the soup. Don’t skip this step if you want a satisfying, hearty consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Portion into single servings for easy reheating later.

Reheating Queso Chicken Taco Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm throughout.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated evenly, about 3-5 minutes.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Queso Chicken Taco Soup creamy?

The creaminess comes from the melted queso blanco Velveeta cheese mixed into the broth, creating a rich texture that’s irresistible.

Can I customize my Queso Chicken Taco Soup?

Absolutely! You can add more veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños, or switch up the protein with turkey or lamb for different flavors.

How do I serve Queso Chicken Taco Soup?

Serve warm with corn chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and crunch.

Is Queso Chicken Taco Soup healthy?

This soup can be part of a balanced diet. It’s packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans while being rich in vitamins from vegetables.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Queso Chicken Taco Soup is not only creamy and cheesy but also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion—give it a try today!