This Crockpot Keto Chicken Taco Soup is a warm and tasty dish packed with juicy chicken, spicy taco flavors, and colorful veggies. It’s super easy to make—just toss everything in your slow cooker and relax!
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? I often make this when I want a cozy night in. A sprinkle of cheese on top makes it even better. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and tasty. If you’re in a pinch, you can use thighs for more flavor! Canned shredded chicken also works if you want to skip out on cooking.
Green Chilies: These add a mild heat. If you prefer more spice, try using jalapeños or even a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. For a milder version, you can skip the chilies altogether.
Spices: The combo of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives that classic taco flavor. Feel free to play around with the spices. Adding a pinch of cayenne can bring extra heat if you like it spicy!
Cheese: Cream cheese makes this soup creamy. You could substitute with sour cream for a tangy twist, but you won’t get the same thickness. Just remember to add it towards the end of cooking!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Tender and Shreddable?
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and easy to shred, follow these steps:
- Use a reliable slow cooker. Cooking on low for the full 6-8 hours really helps with tenderness.
- If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works too. Just keep an eye on it.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. It helps keep the juices in!
By following these tips, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken ready to mix back into your flavorful soup!
Crockpot Keto Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
For Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Keto Chicken Taco Soup requires about 10-15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a home-cooked meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors from the toppings!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth on top of the chicken. This mix will provide a great flavor base for your soup.
3. Season It Up:
Now, sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper over the vegetables and chicken. Stir gently to blend the spices a bit.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Your kitchen will smell amazing! 😊
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat and mix back into the soup.
6. Add the Creaminess:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Then add in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and thoroughly mixed in, making your soup creamy and delicious!
7. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want it a bit saltier or spicier, go ahead and add a touch more seasoning!
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, and some extra cheddar cheese. You can also add sliced green onions if you like. Enjoy this savory, low-carb meal!
Dig in and savor the flavors of this comforting Crockpot Keto Chicken Taco Soup! Perfect for any day of the week.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to adjust your cooking time—frozen chicken typically takes an extra 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure it’s completely cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a cashew cream that you blend until smooth. Both will give a creamy texture without the dairy, maintaining the rich flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrients. Just remember to add firmer veggies like bell peppers at the beginning so they cook through properly.
