Healthy Ground Chicken Taco Soup
A healthy ground chicken taco soup doesn’t have to be bland or boring. This taco soup is made with lean ground chicken, organic black beans, a rich bone broth, a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes, frozen sweet corn, caramelized onion, a bit of fresh garlic, and rich spices.
The soup takes less than an hour to make and it’s delicious. Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese if you love the combo, and freshly squeezed lime juice. It’s so perfect, it warms my heart.
Ingredients You'll Need
Base and Protein
- Extra virgin live oil – Just enough to coat the bottom of the pot. Avocado oil works too.
- Sweet onion – Medium size, diced small so it softens quickly. Yellow onion will work in a pinch.
- Ground chicken – Mild and lean. Ground turkey or beef both work here.
Spices and Seasoning
- Cumin powder – Warm and earthy, the main taco flavor.
- Coriander – Light citrusy flavor. Skip if you don’t have it.
- Onion powder – Adds depth to the broth.
- Garlic powder – Boosts savory flavor.
- Cracked black pepper – Freshly ground if possible.
- Salt – Add to taste at the end.
Vegetables and Beans
- Garlic – Minced fresh and added at the end for brightness.
- Diced tomatoes – Canned is easiest, but fresh ripe tomatoes work too.
- Tomato sauce – Gives the soup body and a touch of sweetness.
- Black beans – Drained and rinsed. Pinto beans also work.
- Frozen roasted sweet corn – Adds sweetness and texture. Regular frozen corn works too.
Liquids
- Chicken bone broth – Bone broth is cooked longer than a traditional chicken broth, and my pick when i want to add tons of flavor to a soup. You can also go with a low sodium broth.
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro – Chopped.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly grated melts best.
- Lime – A quick squeeze over the top brightens the whole bowl.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by warming olive oil in a large stock pot or dutch oven over medium heat. The diced onions go in first, and they need a little time to soften and turn golden. Letting them caramelize here builds a sweeter base for the soup, and since the ground chicken is so lean, the olive oil also gives the broth a touch of richness.
Once the onions are ready, add the ground chicken and break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Browning it well at this stage makes a big difference in flavor later.
Next, sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir so the chicken is coated and let the spices heat for about 30 seconds. That quick bloom in the hot pot helps bring out their full flavor.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. This is where the base starts to come together. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes so the tomatoes mellow out and deepen in flavor.
Now stir in the black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Give everything a good mix, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Medium heat is enough here, it needs about 20 minutes for the flavors to blend into that classic taco soup taste.
Right at the end, add the fresh minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for just a minute so it keeps its bright, fresh bite.
Taste and add salt until it’s balanced to your liking. Serve the soup hot, topped with chopped cilantro, a handful of shredded cheddar, and a quick squeeze of lime.
Tips For The Best Healthy Ground Chicken Taco Soup
Caramelizing the onions slowly at the start makes the broth taste richer and sweeter.
Letting the spices heat in the pot for about 30 seconds before adding liquids helps release more flavor.
Adding the fresh garlic right at the end keeps it bright and punchy instead of mellowing into the background.
If you want more heat, stir in a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeño with the spices.
This soup tastes even better the next day once the spices and broth have time to meld.
What To Serve With This Ground Chicken Taco Soup
I love to serve cilantro lime rice or a traditonal white rice with this taco soup.
If You Like This, You’ll Love These
Here are a few others I’ve made and loved:
- Taco rice with seasoned ground beef
- Black beans and rice with green chiles
- Rotisserie chicken blue corn tostadas
- Mini crispy baked ground beef tacos
If you make this healthy ground chicken taco soup, leave a comment. I love reading your comments and will try to get back to every single one.
Healthy Ground Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice onion and mince garlic, keeping garlic set aside for later.
- Drain the black beans.
- Chop cilantro and shred cheddar cheese for topping.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until caramelized.
- Add ground chicken and brown, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in cumin, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the drained black beans, corn, and chicken bone broth. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Taste and season with salt.
- Serve hot with cilantro, cheddar, and lime.
