Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Simmer and build the soup
- In a Dutch oven, simmer the chicken breast in 4 cups chicken broth with taco seasoning for 18-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. You should see gentle bubbling around the edges of the pot.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and reserve the seasoned broth. Keep the broth in the pot for the next step so the flavors stay concentrated.
- Return the seasoned broth to the pot, then add corn, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing mix, and cumin. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, bring the soup to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes. The broth should continue to bubble gently while the flavors meld.
Finish and serve
- Stir in heavy cream if using, then simmer for 3 more minutes. The soup should look slightly richer and more cohesive.
- Season to taste with salt and squeeze in lime. Finish with a bright, fresh flavor that balances the tomatoes.
- Serve the soup with sour cream, shredded cheddar, tortilla chips, lime wedges, cilantro, and avocado. Add toppings right before eating for the best texture contrast.
Notes
Pro tip: shred the chicken while it’s still warm so the pieces stay tender and mix into the soup evenly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Freezing is not ideal because the soup may thin and dairy toppings can separate after thawing. For a dairy-free swap, omit the heavy cream and use dairy-free sour cream if desired.
