The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
Now let me tell you about the very first winter I spent in the U.S. ❄️ I thought I knew cold Paris winters can be gray and chilly but America introduced me to real winter. Snow piling up, icy winds, and that deep craving for something warm, bold, and comforting. That’s when Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup officially stole my heart.
I remember standing in my tiny kitchen, wrapped in a chunky sweater, simmering a pot of soup that smelled like cumin, garlic, and roasted tomatoes. I took one spoonful, closed my eyes, and instantly felt warm from the inside out. This Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup wasn’t just dinner it was survival food, comfort food, and joy in a bowl all at once.
What I love most about Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup is how it balances everything perfectly. It’s hearty but not heavy, cozy but vibrant, and simple enough for a busy weeknight while still feeling special. The shredded chicken, the slightly smoky broth, the crunchy tortilla strips every bite feels like a hug. 🤍
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup recipe to be extra cozy for cold months. I add warming spices, a richer broth, and plenty of toppings because toppings are non-negotiable in my kitchen. This soup has become a winter tradition in our home, especially on snowy nights when all we want to do is curl up and eat something soul-soothing.
So if you’re craving warmth, comfort, and bold flavor all in one bowl, this Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup is about to become your new cold-weather favorite. Let’s get cozy and cook together 🥣✨
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup. Nothing fancy just honest, flavorful ingredients that work magic together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Jalapeño (optional, for gentle heat)
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt and black pepper
For the tortilla strips
- Corn tortillas
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
Toppings (go wild!)
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
Making Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup is wonderfully simple. Grab your favorite soup pot and let’s do this step by step.
- Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and jalapeño and cook until fragrant. - Bloom the spices
Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds. This step wakes up the spices and deepens the flavor of your Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup. - Build the base
Stir in the tomato paste and fire-roasted tomatoes. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes until rich and slightly thickened. - Add chicken and broth
Nestle the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. - Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the chicken to the pot this is where the soup starts looking irresistible. - Add beans and corn
Stir in the black beans and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes so all the flavors can mingle beautifully. - Finish with lime
Add fresh lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup is officially ready.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup shines all on its own, but it also loves good company. I often serve it with warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or even a simple side salad for balance. For gatherings, set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowl it turns dinner into a cozy little event 🥑🧀
If you want to make it extra filling, serve it over a small scoop of rice or add extra beans. Trust me, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this soup.
🍲 Recipe Card
Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup (Cozy & Hearty)
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can black beans
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
- Add garlic, jalapeño, and spices.
- Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add chicken and broth; simmer.
- Shred chicken and return to pot.
- Add beans, corn, and lime juice.
- Season and serve with toppings.
📝 Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for shortcuts.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
🍽️ Nutrition
High protein, fiber-rich, and naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a pot of Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup simmering on the stove while the world outside feels cold and quiet. This soup brings warmth, comfort, and a little bit of joy to even the frostiest days ❄️❤️
From my French heart to your American kitchen, I hope this Chicken Tortilla Winter Soup becomes a recipe you return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this cozy bowl is always a good idea.
Bon appétit, my friends and stay warm 🥣✨
