Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavor-packed dish that is perfect for any day of the week. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a robust blend of spices, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, warming you up from the inside out.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe for its incredible flavor and convenience. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade soup in just about 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips creates a delightful contrast that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, this recipe is easily adaptable for various diets, making it a perfect fit for families and busy lifestyles.
Tips and Tricks
- Sauté First: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot before adding the other ingredients. This will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Shred Chicken Easily: After cooking, use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken directly in the pot for a quick and effortless process.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a fresh jalapeño to suit your taste. You can always start with less and add more as needed.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken to speed up the process. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become tough if overcooked. Stick to the recommended cooking time and allow for natural pressure release to keep it moist.
- Incorrect Liquid Ratios: Ensure you are using enough broth or water; otherwise, your soup may turn out too thick. The right balance will yield a perfect consistency.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t skip the spices! They are essential for building flavor, so be generous with seasoning the soup as you go.
Make Ahead Tips
To simplify your cooking process, you can prep several components in advance. Chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also season the chicken and marinate it in the spices overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The soup itself can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the Proteins: Use turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
- Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, consider adding black beans or pinto beans to the pot.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken with diced zucchini and add extra veggies like corn and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it Up: Add chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat that complements the other flavors beautifully.
How to Serve
Serve your Chicken Tortilla Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. For added texture, top with crispy tortilla strips and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Pair it with warm corn tortillas or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy your soup with a chilled margarita or a light beer, such as a Mexican lager, which pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dish. A refreshing iced tea with lime or a light fruity cocktail also complements the soup beautifully. For dessert, a slice of tres leches cake or churros would be a delightful treat.
How to Store
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot: This is essential for making the soup quickly and efficiently.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your ingredients.
- Shredding Forks or Hand Mixer: Helpful for shredding the chicken after cooking, though not strictly necessary.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this soup vegan, substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or additional beans and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a dairy-free version, omit cheese and use non-dairy toppings like avocado. Ensure all packaged ingredients are labeled allergen-friendly if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider using fresh corn and tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste. In the winter, incorporate hearty root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots to add warmth and nutrition to the soup.
Cost Breakdown
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be made for approximately $10, yielding about 6 servings. That breaks down to around $1.67 per serving. To keep costs low, consider using seasonal produce and store-brand ingredients.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Garlic: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to easily remove the skins.
- Chopping Vegetables Quickly: Use a food processor for chopping onions and peppers to save time and tears.
- Quickly Soften Tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to soften them before cutting into strips.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cook time by 5 minutes.
- Can I substitute the broth? Yes, vegetable or even water can work, but broth will yield more flavor.
- What if the soup is too thick? Add additional broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavor-packed dish that is perfect for any day of the week. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a robust blend of spices, all cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortilla strips for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, avocado, and cheese for serving
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add a splash of olive oil.
- Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add lime juice, and stir until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 296Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1400mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 30g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With its quick preparation, rich flavors, and endless adaptability, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it on a busy weeknight or serve it at a gathering, it’s a delightful dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Give it a try, and watch as it warms your heart and home!
