Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

$- Chicken and Vegetables - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup frozen corn - Spices and Seasonings - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Toppings and Garnishes - Juice of 1 lime - Tortilla strips or chips, for garnish - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Avocado slices, for garnish Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. The chicken gives the soup its heartiness. The veggies add color and flavor. The spices bring warmth and depth. The garnishes make it look bright and fresh. Each component plays a role in making a tasty soup. Enjoy choosing your ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sauté the Vegetables Start by setting your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add a splash of water or oil. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. - Seasoning the Chicken Once the veggies are soft, it’s time to season. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the veggies. Add the chicken breasts and mix until the chicken gets covered in spices. - Combining and Pressure Cooking Now, it's time to add more flavor. Pour in the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 10 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. - Pressure Cooking the Soup Let the Instant Pot work its magic. It will build pressure and cook the soup in just 10 minutes. This is where all the flavors come together. - Natural and Quick Pressure Release Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can do a quick release for any remaining steam. This method keeps the soup nice and warm. - Shredding the Chicken Carefully take the chicken breasts out of the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. This adds texture and heartiness to your dish. - Stirring in Lime Juice Now, for a burst of flavor! Squeeze the juice of one lime into the soup and stir well. This adds a refreshing zing that brightens the dish. - Adjusting Seasoning Taste your soup. If it needs more flavor, feel free to add salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. Each bite should taste just right. - Serving the Soup Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips or chips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices for a rich finish. Serve it up with a smile, and enjoy your savory Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! For the best flavor, I recommend sautéing your vegetables first. Use the 'Sauté' mode on your Instant Pot. Add a splash of water or oil. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they are soft. This step builds a rich base for your soup. When it comes to shredding chicken, let it cool a bit first. This helps you avoid burns. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Shredding it well adds to the texture of the soup. Adjusting the spice levels can make a big difference. For a mild soup, use less chili powder and cumin. If you like heat, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste as you go to find your perfect mix. For serving, choose vibrant bowls that show off your soup. Arrange toppings in small dishes. This way, everyone can customize their bowl. Adding queso fresco can enhance the flavor. Just sprinkle it on top of each serving. It adds a creamy touch that pairs well with the soup. To make your soup visually appealing, include colorful toppings. Fresh cilantro and avocado slices add brightness. You can also use tortilla strips or chips for crunch. This will make your dish not only tasty but also beautiful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They will enhance the taste of your soup significantly! Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat of your soup. Add more for a spicier kick! Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy meals. Garnish Creatively: Don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture! {{image_2}} You can change the chicken if you like. Turkey works well in this soup. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian twist. It adds protein while keeping it plant-based. For beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans. Both add a different taste and texture. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. When it comes to broth, switch it up with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth is also a smart choice. It helps control the saltiness of the soup. Fresh herbs can boost the flavor of your soup. Oregano gives it a nice earthy note. Thyme adds a hint of sweetness. You can add them at the end for a fresh taste. Using different peppers can change the heat and flavor. Jalapeños bring heat, while poblanos add a smoky touch. You can mix them in with your bell peppers for a spicy kick. Tortillas also offer options. You can use crispy tortilla strips for crunch. Soft tortillas can be added directly to the soup for a different texture. Try both to see which you prefer! To keep your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Your soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your containers with the date. Here’s how to warm up your soup without losing its great taste: - Best Methods for Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot. You can also use the microwave. Place your soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: To keep the soup yummy, avoid boiling it. Gentle heating helps keep the flavors intact. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. This keeps the soup smooth and tasty. Can I make Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup in advance? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. What can I serve with Chicken Tortilla Soup? I love pairing this soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side salad or chips for a nice crunch. Toppings like sour cream and cheese add extra flavor. How can I make this soup spicier or milder? To spice it up, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder or skip the spicy toppings. Adjust to your taste! Why is my soup too watery? If your soup is too watery, you may have added too much broth. Next time, cut back a little. You can also let it simmer for a bit to reduce the liquid. What to do if the chicken is dry? If your chicken turns out dry, it may have cooked too long. To fix this, shred the chicken and mix it back into the broth. This will help moisten it. How can I thicken the soup? To thicken your soup, try adding a cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in while the soup simmers. You can also add more beans or corn for extra body. We covered how to make a great Chicken Tortilla Soup, from ingredients to storage. Key steps are sautéing veggies, seasoning the chicken, and pressure cooking. Remember to adjust spices to your taste and have fun with toppings. You can switch ingredients to fit your needs and be creative with flavors. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade soup that warms the soul. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking!$

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

A flavorful and hearty chicken tortilla soup made quickly in the Instant Pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 green bell pepper diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1 lime Juice of
as needed Tortilla strips or chips, for garnish
as needed Fresh cilantro, for garnish
as needed Avocado slices, for garnish

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Add a splash of water or oil and sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the onion and bell pepper mixture with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chicken breasts, coating them with the spices.
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and chicken broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 10 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'.
After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Stir in the lime juice for brightness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips or chips, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices for added richness.

Notes

Serve the soup in vibrant bowls and arrange the toppings in small dishes on the side to allow guests to customize their servings! Adjust the garnish by adding a sprinkle of queso fresco for an extra layer of flavor.

Keyword chicken, Instant Pot, soup, tortilla