Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I feel you. The nightly dinner battle is real, and I’ve been right there with you.

That’s why I’m so excited to share our family’s secret weapon: Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup. It’s the ultimate compromise that somehow pleases everyone at the table. It’s cozy, flavorful, and packed with protein, but it’s also incredibly simple to throw together. If you love the classic flavors of a ranch-style chicken taco soup, you’ll adore this easy version.

Best of all? It uses that magical packet of ranch seasoning we all have in the pantry. It adds a creamy, herby flavor that makes even the most skeptical kid take a second spoonful. Let’s dig into this lifesaver of a recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Category: Soup
• 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!

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. This soup checks all the boxes for kid appeal.

First, the flavors are familiar. It tastes like tacos, which is usually a win. The ranch packet makes it taste creamy and comforting without any actual cream. Second, you can control the texture. If your kids hate “chunks,” you can shred the chicken finely and even blend some of the beans. Third, it’s a build-your-own situation. They get to add their own toppings, which gives them a sense of control. That makes all the difference!

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I promise, nothing fancy here. You probably have most of this already.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix (the star!)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, diced (you can skip this if it’s a hard no)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting them involved is my number one tip for reducing dinnertime resistance. It builds excitement!

For little ones, let them be the “can opener” or “bean rinser.” They can use the can opener (under close watch) or rinse the beans in a colander. Older kids can measure and pour all the canned goods and broth into the pot. It’s satisfying and nearly foolproof. This creamy ranch chicken taco soup made in the crockpot is perfect for letting them help with the simple dump-and-start steps.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the easy part. You truly just dump and go. I’ll give you the slow cooker method, which is my weeknight hero.

Recipe

Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Make Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Olyvia Thompson

Prep: 10 min | Cook: - | Total: 4 hours

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix (the star!)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, diced (you can skip this if it’s a hard no)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Place the raw chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2

Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch packet directly over the chicken.

3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic.

4

Pour in all the canned goods (beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce). No need to stir yet!

5

Add the chicken broth and water. Now, give everything a gentle stir.

6

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

7

When cooking is done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily.

8

Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir. Let it warm through for 10 more minutes. That’s it!

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Ranch Packet Chicken Taco Soup Recipe!

Nutrition Information

This soup is high in protein from the chicken and beans.:

It’s a good source of fiber from the beans and vegetables.:

Using low-sodium broth and beans helps control the salt level.:

Topping with avocado adds healthy fats.:

You can boost the veggies by adding a handful of spinach at the end.:

Did You Make This?

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1. Place the raw chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch packet directly over the chicken.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
4. Pour in all the canned goods (beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce). No need to stir yet!
5. Add the chicken broth and water. Now, give everything a gentle stir.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
7. When cooking is done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir. Let it warm through for 10 more minutes. That’s it!

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

This recipe is a fantastic base. You can easily tweak it for your crew.

For sensitive palates, serve the soup more plain. You can even blend a portion of it smooth. For kids who like it mild, use plain diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chiles.

For the adults or adventurous eaters, this is where you power up the flavor! Set out toppings like sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also stir in a block of cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy version.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This soup is arguably even better the next day. It’s a meal prep dream.

Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm a portion in a pot on the stove over medium heat, or microwave it in a bowl. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Notes

• This soup is high in protein from the chicken and beans.
• It’s a good source of fiber from the beans and vegetables.
• Using low-sodium broth and beans helps control the salt level.
• Topping with avocado adds healthy fats.
• You can boost the veggies by adding a handful of spinach at the end.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil. Add everything else except the chicken. Bring to a boil, then add the chicken. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked. Shred and return to pot. For a faster stovetop option, check out this quick chicken taco soup for a cozy one-pot dinner.

My store was out of ranch packets. What can I use?

You can make a quick substitute! Mix 2 tbsp dried parsley, 1.5 tsp dried dill, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Use about 2 tablespoons of this mix.

What are the best kid-friendly toppings?

We love setting up a topping bar with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and diced avocado. Letting them decorate their own bowl is half the fun!

So there you have it. My go-to, no-fuss, picky-eater-approved dinner that saves the day. It fills our bellies and makes my life so much easier. I hope it brings a little peace and a lot of flavor to your family table, too.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids go back for seconds? What were their favorite toppings? Please leave a comment and rating below!