When it comes to quick and easy meals, nothing beats a bowl of delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Packed with flavorful spices, tender chicken, and topped with crispy tortilla strips, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have a hearty and comforting meal ready in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this mouthwatering soup that will leave you craving for more.
Exploring the World of Instant Pot
Ingredients
To make our delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, we will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breasts
Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will be the star of our soup. They will provide us with tender, juicy pieces of chicken that will be the perfect addition to our flavorful broth.
Vegetable oil
A small amount of vegetable oil will be used to sauté our vegetables and chicken, adding a depth of flavor to our soup.
Onion
We will chop up an onion to add a savory and slightly sweet taste to our soup. It will also provide a nice texture to each bite.
Garlic
A few cloves of garlic will work wonders in enhancing the flavors of our soup. The aroma and taste of garlic will add a delicious element to our dish.
Bell pepper
A vibrant bell pepper will bring a pop of color to our soup. Its slight sweetness and crunchy texture will complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Tomatoes
We will be using diced tomatoes in our soup to provide a rich and tangy base. The tomatoes will add a delicious depth of flavor to every spoonful.
Black beans
Black beans are a staple in traditional tortilla soup. They are packed with protein and fiber, and their creamy texture will make our soup extra hearty.
Corn
Sweet corn kernels will add a burst of freshness and a subtle sweetness to our soup. The combination of corn and black beans will create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Chicken broth
A rich and flavorful chicken broth will serve as the base of our soup. It will create a warm and comforting taste that will tie all the ingredients together.
Lime juice
A squeeze of lime juice will brighten up our soup and add a tangy kick to each bite. It will bring a refreshing element to the overall flavor profile.
Spices
To give our soup its signature Mexican-inspired taste, we will be using a combination of spices such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. These spices will add depth, warmth, and a hint of smokiness to our dish.
Tortilla chips
Crunchy tortilla chips will be the perfect garnish for our soup. They will add texture and a fun element to every bite. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of soup and chips?
Garnish
To finish off our soup, we can top each serving with a variety of garnishes. Some popular options include freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of diced jalapeños. These garnishes will add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to our dish.
Instructions
Saute the chicken
First, we will heat a small amount of vegetable oil in our Instant Pot using the Saute function. Then, we will add the chicken breasts and cook them until they are browned on both sides. This will help seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Add the vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, we will add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. We will sauté them for a few minutes until they are slightly softened and fragrant. The combination of these vegetables will create a delicious base for our soup.
Stir in the tomatoes
Next, we will add the diced tomatoes to the pot and give everything a good stir. The tomatoes will release their juices and infuse our soup with a rich, tangy flavor.
Add beans and corn
After the tomatoes, we will add in the black beans and corn. These ingredients will provide a satisfying combination of texture and taste to our soup. The beans will add creaminess, while the corn will bring a burst of freshness.
Pour in the broth and lime juice
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth and squeeze in the lime juice. The broth will create a flavorful base for our soup, while the lime juice will add a zesty and refreshing twist. Be sure to use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
Season with spices
To give our soup its unique and delicious taste, we will season it with a combination of spices. Sprinkle in some cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add a pinch of salt and black pepper as well.
Pressure cook
Once all the ingredients are added and seasoned, it’s time to lock the lid on our Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook. Cook the soup on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken
Once the pressure has released naturally, carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be tender enough to easily shred, creating juicy morsels that will blend perfectly with the other ingredients in our soup.
Serve with toppings
Now that our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a handful of tortilla chips. For an extra burst of flavor and freshness, top each bowl with your choice of garnishes such as freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced jalapeños. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Using pre-cooked chicken
If you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, you can definitely use it in this recipe. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the Instant Pot after sautéing the vegetables. This will cut down on cooking time while still providing the delicious flavor and texture of chicken in our soup.
Adjusting the spice level
The spice level of our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the diced jalapeños as a garnish. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Adding other vegetables
While our recipe already includes onions, garlic, and bell pepper, you can feel free to add other vegetables to make our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup even more colorful and nutritious. Consider tossing in diced zucchini, carrots, or celery for added flavor and texture.
Lightening up the soup
If you’d like to make a lighter version of our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you can use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce the amount of oil, and opt for baked tortilla chips instead of the traditional fried ones. These small changes will help cut down on the overall calories and fat content without compromising on flavor.
Making it vegetarian
For our vegetarian friends, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the chicken and swapping the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use an assortment of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to create a hearty and flavorful vegetarian tortilla soup.
Freezing and reheating
Our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date the containers, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to making our delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. With its flavorful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and Mexican-inspired spices, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe has got you covered. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup that will leave everyone wanting seconds.
