Winter chicken tortilla soup

This soup is one of those cold-weather meals that feels comforting the moment it hits the bowl. It’s warm, lightly spiced, and full of simple ingredients that come together without stress. Winter chicken tortilla soup is loved because it’s filling but not heavy, easy to adjust, and perfect for nights when everyone wants something cozy. It works just as well for busy evenings as it does for slow family dinners, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. I usually let it simmer while I get the toppings ready, letting the broth turn rich and fragrant. It’s the kind of soup that makes winter cooking feel easy and familiar.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe fits right into real life. The flavors are comforting and balanced, with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a warm broth that feels soothing on cold nights. It’s cozy, weeknight-friendly, and made mostly in one pot, which keeps cleanup simple. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it budget-friendly without feeling basic. Leftovers hold up well, so it’s freezer-friendly and great for meal prep. Winter chicken tortilla soup is also flexible—you can adjust spice, toppings, or protein without changing the heart of the dish. It’s crowd-pleasing, practical, and the kind of recipe worth saving for later.

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Ingredients

Tip: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra tender, but chicken breast works just as well.

  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Drain and rinse the beans and corn so everything is ready to add once cooking begins and the pot is warm.

See also  Winter Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and no longer pink. Stir in onion and garlic until soft and the kitchen smells warm and savory.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth. The soup should look colorful and begin to gently steam.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is tender and the broth deepens in flavor. Stir in crushed tortilla chips to slightly thicken the soup. Rest briefly before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is forgiving and easy to plan ahead. You can prep ingredients earlier, cook everything in one pot, and store it without losing flavor. It reheats well and stays comforting, which makes it ideal for Pinterest cooks who save recipes for later. It’s simple, reliable, and fits busy winter schedules.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cut the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same speed. Large pieces stay chewy while smaller ones dry out, which changes the texture of the soup.
  • Add spices before liquids. This helps release their aroma and keeps the broth from tasting flat or weak.
  • Don’t overdo the tortilla chips. Too many can make the soup overly thick. Add a little at a time and stir gently.
  • Let the soup rest before serving. Even five minutes allows flavors to settle and improves the overall taste.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked shredded chicken or a small amount of cooked ground meat along with the chicken pieces. This makes the soup extra filling and works well for bigger appetites during colder weeks.

See also  Winter chicken pot pie soup

Vegetarian Option
Skip the chicken and add extra beans or diced zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup stays hearty and comforting without losing its warm flavor.

Ingredient Swap
Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans. Each gives a slightly different texture but works well with the broth and spices.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Stir in fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving. They add freshness and color without overpowering the cozy base of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Toppings Bar – Serve with extra tortilla chips, lemon wedges, and chopped herbs so everyone can build their own bowl.
  • Family Dinner Bowls – Pair with warm bread or simple rice for a relaxed, filling family meal.
  • Cozy Lunch Leftovers – Reheat and enjoy with crackers for a quick, satisfying midday break.
  • Casual Winter Night – Serve in deep bowls with a light sprinkle of cheese for extra comfort.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage – Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better.
  • Reheating – Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
  • Freezing – Freeze in portion-size containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating for best texture.
  • Make-Ahead Tips – Cook fully, cool completely, and store. Add tortilla chips after reheating if you prefer a lighter broth.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 320–380 calories, depending on toppings and portions. Protein ranges from 22–28 grams per serving. The soup provides fiber from beans and corn, plus iron from chicken. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and serving size.

See also  Winter Chicken Noodle Soup

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Overcooking the chicken until it dries out.

Yes, any mild bean works well.

Add extra broth and stir gently.

Up to three days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This soup is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your winter routine. It’s easy to make, easy to store, and flexible enough to change based on what you have. You can keep it simple or dress it up with toppings, and it still feels comforting every time. Winter chicken tortilla soup works for busy nights, cozy weekends, and planned leftovers. Save it for later, return to it often, and let it be one of those meals that makes cold evenings feel warmer and easier.

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Winter chicken tortilla soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Winter chicken soup recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A warm, cozy soup made with tender chicken, beans, corn, and gentle spices. Easy to cook, filling, and perfect for cold winter days.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed

  • 1 cup corn

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Directions

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook until lightly golden.
  • Stir in onion and garlic until soft.
  • Add spices, tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth.
  • Simmer until chicken is tender.
  • Stir in tortilla chips, rest briefly, and serve warm.

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