Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Taco Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that fits your low-carb lifestyle, you’ll love this taco soup recipe. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the spices and fresh ingredients, making every spoonful a delight.
Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—just toss everything in a slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. I appreciate how filling it is, satisfying my cravings without the carbs.
The creamy texture from the cream cheese adds richness that you won’t want to miss. Trust me, this soup is a tasty way to enjoy comfort food while sticking to your dietary goals!
Ingredients of Low Carb Taco Soup
When it comes to cooking, having the right ingredients on hand is half the battle. For this Low Carb Taco Soup, you’ll want to gather some fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together to create a comforting, satisfying dish. You might be surprised at how simple and accessible these items are. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this scrumptious soup that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chile in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a little more. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein and makes this soup both filling and satisfying. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, though I recommend thawing it first for even cooking.
The spices—like cumin and chipotle—bring a delightful kick, while the cream cheese makes it creamy and luxurious. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to swap it out for parsley or omit it entirely. Cooking is all about personal preference, after all.
And let’s be honest, if you accidentally add a little too much chili powder, it just means you’ll have a spicier soup to warm you up on those chilly evenings. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra spice in their life?
How to Make Low Carb Taco Soup
Making Low Carb Taco Soup is as easy as pie—well, maybe not pie, but definitely easier than you think. First things first, grab your slow cooker because that’s where the magic happens. Start by tossing in 1 pound of chicken breast, which is going to be the star of our show. Then, add in 1/2 cup of diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Can you smell that already? If you’re anything like me, the aroma of onion and garlic sautéing is one of the best things in the world.
Next up, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced chipotle chile in adobo for a smoky kick, followed by 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and a sprinkle of 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Remember, spices are your best friends in the kitchen, and this combination is going to create a flavor explosion.
Now, we can’t forget the zesty part! Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. These citrusy notes will brighten the whole dish and complement the spices beautifully. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth to bring it all together. Now, cover the slow cooker and let it do its thing on low heat for about 4 hours. You can take a nap, binge-watch your favorite show, or even tackle that laundry pile you’ve been avoiding.
When the time’s up, whip out the chicken and shred it using two forks. It’s like a mini workout; who knew cooking could be so good for you?
Now comes the creamy goodness that really takes this soup to the next level. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese to the slow cooker and whisk it in like you mean it. Go on, channel your inner chef. You want that cream cheese to melt and blend seamlessly with all those flavors.
Once that’s done, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for that fresh touch. Stir it all together and let the flavors mingle for a few minutes before you serve it up.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a comforting bowl of Low Carb Taco Soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Enjoy every warm, spicy spoonful!
Low Carb Taco Soup Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious Low Carb Taco Soup, you might find yourself wondering how to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
For a meat swap, try ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils.
Want extra veggies? Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. For a creamier texture, add more cream cheese or even some avocado.
You can also spice things up with jalapeños or hot sauce. Feel free to play around with the seasonings to find your perfect flavor profile!
Additional Tips & Notes
One thing I’ve learned is that a few simple tips can elevate your Low Carb Taco Soup experience.
First, consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker prep; it adds great flavor, too. If you like a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream cheese. Don’t forget to garnish with avocado or sour cream for extra creaminess.
Finally, this soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and enjoy it later. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver on busy days!