Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (Printable)

Hearty Mexican-inspired soup with tender chicken, beans, and spices, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
06 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
07 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Beans

08 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings

18 - Tortilla strips or chips
19 - Sliced avocado
20 - Chopped fresh cilantro
21 - Shredded cheese
22 - Sour cream
23 - Extra lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chicken, diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all components.
04 - Secure the lid and ensure the valve is set to Sealing. Set to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.
05 - Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
06 - Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
07 - Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, and lime as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The Instant Pot transforms what would be an hour-long simmering process into a 35-minute miracle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or tenderness.
  • You can customize the heat level and toppings based on who youre serving, making it perfect for both spice-lovers and those with more sensitive palates.
02 -
  • Never skip the natural pressure release phase, as quick-releasing immediately can make the chicken tough and cause the hot liquid to sputter through the valve.
  • Adding the corn frozen rather than thawing it first actually helps cool the soup to serving temperature faster while preserving its sweet crunch.
03 -
  • Toast your tortilla strips in the oven while the soup cooks, rather than using store-bought, for an incredible fresh crunch and deeper corn flavor.
  • Reserve a tablespoon of the tomato juices from the can to swirl on top of the finished soup just before serving for an extra burst of acidity that balances the rich broth.
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