Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “ew” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count. The nightly dinner battle is real, and it can make you want to just order pizza again.
But what if I told you there’s a recipe that combines the fun of taco night with the cozy comfort of soup, all in one pot? Let me introduce you to our family’s secret weapon: Buffalo Chicken Taco Soup. It’s the hero of our easy weeknight dinners, and I promise it’s simpler than it sounds. If you love the idea of a quick and cozy one-pot chicken taco soup, you’re going to adore this buffalo twist.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (slow cooker)
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
This soup is a total game-changer for picky palates. First, the chicken gets so tender it practically melts. There are no weird chunks of meat to pick around.
Second, the flavors are familiar and fun. It tastes like the best parts of tacos and wings had a delicious baby. Kids recognize the taco seasoning and the creamy ranch.
The buffalo sauce adds a kick, but it’s mixed right in. It gives a gentle warmth without being too spicy for most kids. And the best part? It’s a deconstructed meal.
Buffalo Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
They can pick and choose their favorite toppings. My youngest just eats the chicken and corn from his bowl with some cheese. That’s a win in my book!
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep my pantry stocked for this. You probably have most of this already. No fancy trips to three different stores required!
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or 2 Tbsp homemade)
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix (or 2 Tbsp homemade)
- 1 (32 oz) box chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or frozen corn works great!)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel) – use mild for kids!
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more excited to eat the final product. Here are two super easy jobs they can handle.
Job 1: The Rinser. Give them the can of black beans and a colander in the sink. Let them rinse off the bean liquid. It’s a fun, sensory task that makes them feel helpful.
Job 2: The Topping Station Captain. When the soup is done, set out small bowls of shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and extra corn. Let your child be in charge of setting up the topping bar for the family.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
This is where the magic happens. I use my slow cooker for this 99% of the time. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal, much like our favorite slow cooker chicken taco soup recipe.
- Place your chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix over the top.
- Pour in the chicken broth, buffalo sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, and black beans. Give everything a gentle stir.
- Place the whole block of cream cheese right on top. Don’t stir it in yet! Just let it sit there.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- When the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. It should fall apart easily.
- Now, stir the soup well. The cream cheese will melt and blend in, making the broth creamy and dreamy. Give it a good taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve it up hot with all your favorite toppings!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this soup work for your crew’s unique tastes.
For the Spice-Sensitive Kid: Use only 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. You can always add more to individual bowls. Or, serve the buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
For the “No Beans, Please!” Kid: Simply leave the black beans out of the main pot. You can add them to adult bowls or serve them on the side as an optional topping.
For the Veggie Lovers: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts. Or add a diced zucchini or bell pepper with the other ingredients.
For the Adults: Top your bowl with crumbled blue cheese, sliced jalapeños, or crispy cooked bacon. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also amazing.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is maybe even better the next day. It’s my favorite make-ahead trick for crazy weeks.
Let the soup cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water as it thickens when chilled. It’s a lifesaver for lunch or a second dinner!
Nutrition Notes
- This soup is packed with lean protein from the chicken and black beans.
- Using low-sodium broth and seasoning packets can help control salt.
- The beans and corn add fiber, which is great for keeping everyone full.
- Toppings like cheese and sour cream add calcium and fat. Let everyone choose their own amount.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for topping.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! In a large pot, sauté a diced onion if you like. Then add all ingredients except the cream cheese. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked. Shred the chicken, add the cream cheese, and stir until melted and combined.
My soup is too thick! What do I do?
No problem at all. Just stir in a little extra chicken broth, some water, or even a bit of milk until it reaches your perfect soup consistency. It’s very forgiving.
What are the best toppings for this soup?
We love setting up a “taco bar” with bowls of shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and extra buffalo sauce. Let everyone build their own perfect bowl!
So there you have it. My not-so-secret secret to a peaceful, delicious dinner that everyone actually eats. It’s a one pot wonder that saves my sanity on busy nights. If you’re looking for another incredibly simple pantry-staple option, you must try this simple and savory 7-can chicken taco soup.
I truly hope this recipe brings as much joy (and fewer arguments) to your table as it has to mine. It’s a staple in our rotation for a very good reason.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater try it? What was their favorite topping? Please leave a comment and rating below!
