If you crave a heartwarming bowl of something both comforting and packed with bold flavors, this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s a vibrant, soul-soothing soup where tender chicken, smoky spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes mingle with creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla strips. Perfect for a busy weeknight or anytime you want a bowl full of zest and warmth, this recipe is as straightforward as it is satisfying, bringing bold Tex-Mex flair to your kitchen with just a few simple steps in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe lies in its list of straightforward ingredients—nothing fancy, just a handful of pantry staples and fresh touches that come together to create stunning depth of flavor. Each item plays an important role, whether contributing rich texture, smoky warmth, or the perfect balance of acidity and creaminess.
- Olive oil: A splash for sautéing the onion and building the soup’s base flavor.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and a little bite when sautéed until tender.
- Chicken breasts (3, boneless and skinless): The hearty protein that becomes tender and shreddable, soaking up all the spices.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers earthy and slightly smoky undertones.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a deep, sweet smokiness that lifts the whole dish.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a touch of complexity.
- Corn (1 can, drained): Provides a touch of sweetness and a lovely pop of texture.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Boosts protein and helps round out the body of the soup.
- Diced green chiles (4 oz can): Introduces a mild, tangy kick for authentic flavor.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (2 cans, 13.5 oz each with juices): The smoky, rich tomato base that makes this soup uniquely bright.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid that melds all ingredients together.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing every flavor.
- Chopped avocado, shredded Mexican cheese blend, cilantro, tortilla chips or strips, lime wedges, sour cream: These garnishes add fresh, creamy, crunchy, and tangy notes that elevate every spoonful.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and stir it gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step creates a sweet and flavorful base that enhances the depth of the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Your Main Ingredients
Next, add the chicken breasts, minced garlic, spices (cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder), corn, black beans, diced green chiles, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those spices and ingredients beautifully. Don’t add salt and pepper just yet; it’s better to season after cooking.
Step 3: Seal and Pressure Cook
Cancel the sauté function, lock the lid in place, and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes—it’ll take about 10-15 minutes to come up to pressure, which gives you enough time to prep those garnishes or grab something to drink.
Step 4: Release the Pressure
Once the cooking time ends, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully switch the valve to venting for a quick pressure release. This method ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy within the soup.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Take the chicken breasts out with tongs and shred them using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup and mix well. Now it’s ready to plate—ladle your homemade Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe into bowls and prepare to garnish it with all your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this soup comes alive at the very end with garnishes. Bright diced avocado lends freshness and creaminess; shredded Mexican cheese blend melts into velvety goodness; crisp tortilla chips or strips add a satisfying crunch; a squeeze of lime offers tangy brightness; and a dollop of sour cream cools down the spice. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to tie it all together!
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside warm corn tortillas or crispy roasted veggies to make the meal even more complete. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. When you keep your sides uncomplicated, your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe remains the showstopper.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning your soup into a fun interactive experience by setting up a little taco bar with all the garnishes and letting everyone customize their bowl. Serve the soup in small mason jars for a casual party or drizzle some chipotle crema on top for an extra smoky twist. Presentation is a great way to highlight just how special this classic recipe can be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors often deepen overnight, making your second serving just as delightful as the first. Make sure to store the crunchy tortilla chips separately to keep them crisp.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is freezer-friendly! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months frozen. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to keep the flavors fresh and textures vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a little more fat and tenderness, which some people prefer. Cooking times remain the same, and you’ll get a slightly richer flavor in this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken breasts and broth for plant-based alternatives like vegetable broth and add extra beans or veggies for protein. The spices and fire-roasted tomatoes will keep the flavor lively.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. The chili powder and green chiles provide mild heat, but you can dial it up or down by adding more chili powder, jalapeños, or reducing the spices to your taste. This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can still make this soup on the stovetop! Follow the same steps, just simmer the soup covered for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The Instant Pot just speeds up the process.
Can I prepare this soup ahead for a party?
Yes! Cook the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When it’s party time, warm it up, shred the chicken, and set up a garnish station so guests can personalize their bowls.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something nourishing on a busy evening, it’s a recipe worth keeping close. So grab your Instant Pot, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with a soup that truly delivers on both taste and convenience!
