High Protein Chicken Taco Soup (Print Version)

Protein-packed chicken soup with vibrant vegetables, beans, and bold taco spices for a wholesome, hearty dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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 and Oil

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 Make It:

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 another 3 minutes until beginning to soften.
04 - Add taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
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 salt, pepper, and spices as needed to achieve desired flavor profile.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and optional cheese or Greek yogurt.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Thirty-four grams of protein per bowl without feeling like you're eating a protein shake in disguise.
  • Colorful vegetables mean you can actually see what's going into your body, which somehow makes you feel better about it.
  • One pot, minimal cleanup, and somehow it tastes like you spent way more effort than you did.
02 -
  • If you skip rinsing your canned beans, you're serving your guests a sodium bomb in a bowl—take the thirty seconds and rinse them properly.
  • Diced chicken continues cooking after you add the broth, so if it looks slightly underdone when you stir it in around step four, that's actually correct timing.
03 -
  • Keep your knife sharp when dicing vegetables for soup—dull knives crush instead of slice, and crushed vegetables release more liquid and become mushy faster.
  • Taste as you go and understand that taco seasoning brands vary wildly in salt content, so don't dump the whole packet in and hope—add half, taste, then finish it.
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