Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a comforting dish that combines spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables for a delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this soup is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Load it with your favorite toppings for a customizable dining experience that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this hearty soup in just about 50 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and spices creates a rich taste profile.
• Customizable Toppings: Add lime wedges, avocado, or cheese to personalize each bowl to your liking.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and beans, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup successfully, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time and allows for easy one-pot meals.
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: Essential for preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredient amounts for the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

This delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Load it up with toppings for a healthy one pot dinner!

Ingredients:
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– 1 cup chopped onion
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 4 ounce can mild fire roasted diced green chiles
– 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
– 15 ounces red enchilada sauce
– 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
– 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup canned or frozen corn (drained if canned)
– salt and pepper (to taste)
– For serving: lime wedges, crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and/or avocado

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Add olive oil to the Instant Pot insert and turn on the sauté function.
* Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring until softened (about 3 minutes).
* Turn off the Instant Pot then stir in the minced garlic.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients into the pot:
* Diced green chiles
* Fire roasted diced tomatoes
* Red enchilada sauce
* Chili powder
* Cumin
* Rinsed black beans
* Low sodium chicken broth

Stir well, ensuring to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breast into the liquid.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Place the lid on your Instant Pot making sure it’s closed properly.
* Move the steam valve to the sealing position.
* Set to manual/pressure cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.

The pot will take about 20 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully moving the steam valve to venting.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

When the float valve drops, indicating pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid.
* Take out the chicken breast onto a clean plate and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 5: Add Corn

Stir in corn into the soup mixture in the Instant Pot. Cover it and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes while shredding your chicken.

Step 6: Final Touches

Return shredded chicken back into the pot. Season soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve warm with desired toppings such as lime wedges, tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful experience, as there are numerous ways to enhance its flavors and textures with toppings. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dish.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick that complements the spices beautifully.

Crumbled Tortilla Chips

• Add crunchy tortilla chips on top for texture and an added layer of flavor.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the heat from the spices.

Shredded Cheese

• Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for extra richness and flavor.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices provide a delicious contrast and boost the nutritional value of your soup.

Fresh Cilantro

• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro to add brightness and a fresh herb flavor to each bowl.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder and adjust according to your taste.
• Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Shredding the chicken into small pieces allows it to absorb more flavors from the soup.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit after cooking helps meld all the flavors together, making it even tastier.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like jalapeños or diced onions for added flavor variations.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice
   A flavorful side that complements the spices in the soup while adding heartiness.
2. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread is perfect for dipping and balances out the spiciness of the soup.
3. Guacamole
   Creamy guacamole can be served alongside or on top of tortilla chips for an added treat.
4. Garden Salad
   A light garden salad with fresh veggies provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
5. Quesadillas
   Cheesy quesadillas filled with beans or veggies make a satisfying side that pairs well with soup.
6. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy and tasty appetizer before enjoying your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic first can lead to a bland soup. Sautéing enhances flavor, so always take this crucial step.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe’s quantities for best results.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Not tasting before serving may result in a bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using high-sodium broth: This can make your soup too salty. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the flavor level.
• Not allowing pressure release time: Rushing to open the Instant Pot can lead to unevenly cooked chicken. Let the pressure release naturally for better texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Use airtight containers for best results.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• The soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as it will expand when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot. Start with 1-2 minutes on high power.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until simmering and warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful, quick-cooking soup made with chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead, adding more beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added substance.

How do I customize my toppings?

You can add avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and fresh lime juice based on your preference.

How do I make it spicier?

To increase spiciness, add more chili powder or include jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in this recipe; just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes if needed.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It allows you to customize it with various toppings and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Give it a try for a quick yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

---