Craving something warm, hearty, and full of flavor? You’re in the right place! My Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup packs a punch with tender chicken, zesty spices, and vibrant veggies—all in one bowl. This quick and easy recipe will delight your taste buds while also being a breeze to prepare. Join me as we dive into the steps to create this delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and delicious flavor profile.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more veggies or different proteins.
- Healthy Comfort Food: This soup is not only hearty and satisfying, but it's also packed with nutrients and low in calories.
Ingredients
To make your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here is the complete list:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with liquid)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
These ingredients create a soup packed with flavor and warmth. The chicken adds protein, while the beans boost fiber. The spices make this dish stand out, giving it a smoky and zesty kick.
When using fresh ingredients, always go for the best quality. Fresh herbs and ripe bell peppers will elevate your soup. This dish is not only hearty but also colorful, making it a feast for the eyes.
You can customize this list based on your taste. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a twist? Swap black beans for pinto beans. The possibilities are endless, making this soup a perfect base for your culinary creativity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
To start, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a splash of olive oil. Next, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until you can smell the garlic. This step builds a great flavor base for your soup.
Cooking the Soup
Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Then, add a can of diced tomatoes with its liquid. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth next. Now, mix in the black beans and diced green chilies. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Close the Instant Pot lid tightly. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Set it to cook on Manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This cooks the chicken and melds the flavors nicely.
Finishing Touches
When the cooking time is done, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and take out the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup and give it a good stir.
If you find the soup too thick, you can add more broth or water. Just stir until you reach your desired thickness. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
Enhancing flavors with spices To make your soup pop, use spices wisely. Ground cumin and chili powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky flavor. Adjust these spices to make the soup just right for your taste. If you want a kick, add more chili powder.
Choosing the right chicken For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and shred easily. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well, too. Just remember, thighs may need a bit more time to cook.
Serving Suggestions
What to pair with tortilla soup Tortilla soup is great on its own, but sides add fun. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty touch. Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Avocado slices bring creaminess. You can also serve it with rice or a side salad.
Homemade tortilla strips versus store-bought Homemade tortilla strips are crispy and fresh. Cut corn tortillas into strips, fry them until golden, and sprinkle with salt. Store-bought strips save time, but they may not be as tasty. Choose what fits your day best!
Pro Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For more flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add richness to the broth.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and green chilies to make the soup as spicy or mild as you prefer.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh herbs and lime juice will enhance the flavor profile of your soup. Don’t skip the garnishes!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and store leftovers for a quick meal later.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change the beans in your soup. Try pinto beans or kidney beans. They add new flavors and textures. You can also swap the red bell pepper with green or yellow peppers. These choices keep the soup fresh and fun.
Adding corn can make your soup sweeter. Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. It brings a nice crunch. You can also top your soup with cheese or sour cream. These add creaminess and flavor.
Dietary Modifications
To make the soup gluten-free, skip the tortilla strips. You can use corn tortillas instead. Just cut them into strips and bake or fry them until crispy.
If you want a vegan or vegetarian soup, leave out the chicken. Add more beans or some lentils for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the rich taste while making it plant-based.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After making your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you will want to store leftovers properly.
- Refrigerator Storage Tips: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Your soup will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to leave space for expansion. The soup will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Recommendations
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key.
- Best Methods to Reheat Soup: The microwave works well for quick reheating. You can also use a pot on the stove. Just heat gently until warm, stirring often.
- Maintaining Texture and Flavor: If the soup is too thick after freezing, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This keeps your soup tasty and creamy. Enjoy it with fresh toppings for the best flavor!
FAQs
How long does Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup last?
This tasty soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! To prep, you can cook the soup and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save time, chop the veggies a day earlier.
How to adjust spice levels?
You can easily adjust the spice levels. If you want it milder, use less chili powder and omit the green chilies. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you.
In this post, I covered how to make delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. We went through the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for great flavor, and variations to fit your needs. You can customize this soup with different beans or veggies, ensuring it suits your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any cook. Enjoy your soup-making adventure!
