Why You’ll Love This Recipe
is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Flavorful & Hearty: A combination of tender chicken, tomatoes, and spices creates a satisfying soup.
- Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot makes cooking faster, and cleanup is a breeze.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast (or thighs), boneless and skinless
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado (optional toppings)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and cook the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
-
Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Pressure Cook: Return the chicken to the pot. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes.
-
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir in lime juice.
-
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Top with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeño to increase the heat.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding more beans and vegetables for a hearty soup.
- Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese into the soup for a creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
2. Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
3. Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños for more heat.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the soup on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker. Shred the chicken before serving.
5. What can I serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Serve with cornbread, a side salad, or extra tortilla chips for dipping.
6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
7. How can I make the soup creamier?
Stir in a little cream, half-and-half, or a spoonful of sour cream for a creamier texture.
8. Can I skip the lime juice?
While lime juice adds a fresh tang, you can skip it if preferred or replace it with lemon juice.
9. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the soup’s nutritional value.
10. How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure your tortilla chips are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and spicy broth makes it a comforting favorite that everyone will love.
