Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “eww” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there. The nightly dinner table standoff is real, and I feel it in my bones.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite fix: Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup. It’s the ultimate peace treaty in a bowl. It has all the fun flavors of taco night, but it’s a cozy, comforting soup that comes together in one pot. If you love easy one-pot dinners, you should definitely try our quick chicken taco soup for another fast weeknight option.
I know how tough weeknight dinners can be. You want something healthy and tasty, but you also need it to be fast and friendly. This recipe is my answer. It’s a game-changer for busy nights, and I think your crew is going to gobble it up.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion
- Category: Soup / Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids surprised me with this one. Here’s the magic. The broth is so flavorful and bright, but it’s not spicy. The chicken and shrimp are familiar proteins they usually like.
Best of all? It’s a build-your-own-bowl situation. They get to pick their own toppings. This sense of control is everything for a picky eater. A little cheese here, some chips there—it feels fun, not forced.
Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Lime & Cilantro Chicken Shrimp Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. No fancy, hard-to-find items here!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 2 tablespoons) mild taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or use frozen!)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Toppings for fun: Shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, extra lime wedges.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more likely to try the final product. Here are two super easy jobs.
My youngest loves to be the “rinsing expert.” They can rinse the black beans in a colander. My older kid is in charge of the “topping station,” setting out all the bowls of cheese, chips, and sour cream.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the list scare you. This is a simple, one-pot flow. You’ll be done before you know it!
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove to a plate and let it rest.
- In the same pot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and most of the chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with all your favorite toppings!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this soup work for your table’s unique tastes.
For sensitive kids, serve the soup broth-first. Ladle just the broth, chicken, and their favorite veggies into their bowl. Let them add mix-ins from there.
Want to power it up? Add a can of drained pinto beans. For the adults, a diced jalapeño with the onions adds a nice kick. A dollop of hot sauce on top is always a good idea! For a truly hands-off approach, our slow cooker chicken taco soup is the ultimate set-and-forget comfort meal.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for leftovers. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors melt together.
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the broth thickens, just add a splash of water or broth when warming.
Nutrition Notes
This is a meal you can feel good about serving. It’s packed with protein and veggies!
- High in protein from chicken and shrimp.
- Good source of fiber from black beans and veggies.
- Vitamin C from bell peppers and lime juice.
- Toppings add fun, so you can control the extras.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook it completely, let it cool, and store it. I recommend adding the shrimp when you reheat it so they don’t get rubbery. Just warm the soup, then add the raw shrimp for the last few minutes of cooking.
My family doesn’t like shrimp. Can I leave it out?
Of course! This is a very flexible taco soup recipe. Just use a full 2 pounds of chicken instead. Or, try swapping in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans for a different texture. If you’re looking for a super simple pantry-based version, our Tex-Mex 7 can chicken taco soup is incredibly easy and savory.
Is there a substitute for fresh cilantro?
I know cilantro can be a divisive herb. If your family isn’t a fan, just leave it out. The soup will still be delicious. You could stir in a little fresh parsley at the end for a similar green freshness.
There you have it! My secret weapon for a happy, quiet(er) dinner table. This soup is warm, filling, and packed with flavor that everyone can customize. It’s the kind of one pot meal that makes you feel like you’ve won the weeknight.
I really hope it becomes a regular in your rotation like it is in ours. Nothing makes me happier than hearing about a family meal that actually worked.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters find a new favorite topping? Please leave a comment and rating below!
