This Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Soup is a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Inspired by the classic King Ranch casserole, this soup brings all the beloved flavors into a warm, comforting bowl. What’s better? You can toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. This dish is creamy, delicious, and ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping at the start of the week.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines convenience with flavor, this Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Soup is it. Not only is it packed with savory ingredients like shredded chicken, bell peppers, and cheese, but the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. This means that when dinner rolls around, you’ll have a rich, creamy soup that tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Plus, this soup is versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup yellow onion, peeled & chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, peeled & minced
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded & diced
20 ounces Rotel (2 cans)
18 ounces creamy mushroom soup (1 can)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet)
3 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
Shredded Mexican cheese blend for serving
Chopped cilantro for serving (optional)
Tortilla chips for serving

How To Make Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor to your soup that you won’t want to skip.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Once the aromatics are cooked, add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper starts to soften. The colors and textures of these vegetables will contribute greatly to the overall appeal of the soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Transfer the sautéed mixture into your crock pot. Then, add the two cans of Rotel, the creamy mushroom soup, shredded chicken, taco seasoning, chicken broth, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Dollop the room-temperature cream cheese on top of the soup mixture. There’s no need to mix it in yet; letting it melt during the cooking process will give your soup a rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your crock pot and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The longer you let it cook, the more flavor will develop. Trust us, this soup is well worth the wait!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once your soup is finished cooking, give it a good stir to mix in the melted cream cheese. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese, a handful of chopped cilantro if desired, and tortilla chips on the side for some crunchy goodness.

Expert Tips

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or your favorite hot sauce just before serving.
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to cook uncovered in the last hour to reduce liquid.
Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot Rotel, depending on your family’s preferences.

Variations and Customizations

Make it vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for black beans or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.
Add corn or diced zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
For a creamy twist, substitute half of the chicken broth with coconut milk.
Experiment with different types of cheeses for varying flavor profiles, like pepper jack for added spice.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature and then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the texture, as it may thicken upon cooling.

FAQ

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. Just make it as instructed and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating.

Is this soup healthy?

While it’s creamy and comforting, this soup can be made healthier by using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of cheese used for topping.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes! This soup works well with shredded turkey, beef or even sausage, depending on your preference.

What can I use instead of taco seasoning?

If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can mix your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a homemade version.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot King Ranch Chicken Soup is your new go-to recipe for cozy dinners. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this soup will warm you up and satisfy your hunger like nothing else. So grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits you. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe Save it for later