Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and easy recipe that brings the warmth of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish can be customized with a variety of toppings, making it a delightful option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting aroma that fills your home as this soup cooks to perfection in your Instant Pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Flavorful Ingredients: With fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles, each bite is packed with bold flavor.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one pot!

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of this recipe, having the right tools will make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time while maximizing flavor through pressure cooking.
• Chef’s Knife: Ensures precision when chopping vegetables, which helps them cook evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

This delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Load it up with toppings for a healthy one pot dinner!

For the Soup

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 ounce can mild fire roasted diced green chiles
• 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces red enchilada sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 15 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup canned or frozen corn (drained if canned)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

For Serving

• lime wedges
• crumbled tortilla chips or tortilla strips
• sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• shredded cheese
• avocado

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Add olive oil to Instant Pot insert and turn on the sauté function.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Turn off the Instant Pot and stir in the minced garlic.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

1. Add the diced green chiles, fire roasted diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, black beans, and chicken broth to the pot.
2. Stir well to combine while scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
3. Nestle the chicken into the liquid.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

1. Place the lid on securely with the steam valve in sealing position.
2. Set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
3. Once cooking time completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully venting any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

1. When safe, remove the lid from your Instant Pot.
2. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks.

Step 6: Finish The Soup

1. Stir corn into the soup mixture in your Instant Pot.
2. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes to heat through.
3. Return shredded chicken back into the pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup topped with lime wedges, tortilla chips, sour cream or yogurt, cheese, and avocado!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. With a variety of toppings and accompaniments, you can personalize each bowl, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

Toppings

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling tortilla chips or strips on top.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices in the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, enhancing its richness.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to your serving.

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for an aromatic touch that complements the dish.
• Chopped Green Onions: Add a mild onion flavor with chopped green onions for an additional crunch.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste the broth before serving; adjust chili powder and cumin based on your heat preference.
• Shred Chicken Right Before Serving: For better texture, shred the chicken just before adding it back into the soup. This keeps it juicy.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit after cooking helps meld all flavors together, resulting in a more harmonious taste.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix different toppings based on your mood—variety keeps meals exciting!

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy cilantro-lime rice is perfect for soaking up extra broth and adding a flavorful base.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the spiciness of the soup; serve warm for best taste.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a rich texture that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s heat.
4. Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans add protein and fiber, complementing the chicken tortilla soup nicely.
5. Chips and Salsa: A classic pairing that provides crunch and freshness; choose your favorite salsa for varied flavors.
6. Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocados can balance out this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is vital for the best flavor and texture.

• Not sautéing the onions: Sautéing enhances the flavor. Always start by softening the onions before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking time for juicy, tender chicken.
• Using regular broth: Regular broth can be too salty. Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in your soup.
• Skipping toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor. Don’t forget to include toppings like avocado or tortilla strips for a complete dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful one-pot meal made with chicken, beans, and spices, perfect for a quick dinner.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To increase spiciness, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños during cooking. Adjust based on your heat preference.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.

What toppings are best for Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Great toppings include avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese, and lime wedges for added freshness.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with various toppings and spice levels to suit your taste. Give it a try for an easy and satisfying meal any night of the week!

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