Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (Print version)

Flavorful Mexican-inspired soup with tender chicken, beans, and vegetables. Ready in 35 minutes using your Instant Pot.

# 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 or frozen
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 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

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 to combine thoroughly.
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 wedges as desired.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot makes this a hands-off meal, requiring only 10 minutes of active prep time.
  • Deep Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses the chicken and broth with smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a slow-simmered taste.
  • Family Friendly: This easy-to-make soup is perfect for large groups and can be customized with a variety of toppings.
02 -
  • Natural Release: Always wait 5 minutes before releasing pressure to ensure the chicken remains tender and easy to shred.
  • Fresh Citrus: The juice of a lime added at the end is essential for brightening the spices and balancing the savory broth.
  • Texture Check: Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces so every spoonful has the perfect balance of protein and vegetables.
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