Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup is packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The mix of spices, tomatoes, and green chiles adds depth to every spoonful.
• Versatile Toppings: Personalize your bowl with lime wedges, avocado, or tortilla chips for an extra crunch.
• Healthy One-Pot Meal: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious option for the whole family.
• Easy Cleanup: With just one pot to wash, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This versatile appliance cooks the soup quickly while preserving all the flavors.
• Chef’s Knife: A good knife ensures precise chopping of veggies, making prep faster and easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time.

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!

• 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, and/or avocado

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Seal the Cook

Place the lid on and set it to the closed position. Move the steam valve to the sealing position.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 20 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts. After cooking is done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully moving the steam valve to release remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

When the float valve drops down, it’s safe to open your Instant Pot. Remove the lid carefully. Take out the chicken and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes.

Step 6: Add Corn

Stir in corn into the soup mixture in the Instant Pot. Cover it again and let it sit for about 5 minutes while you shred the chicken.

Step 7: Final Touches

Return shredded chicken back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like lime wedges or avocado!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Serving Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is an opportunity to get creative with toppings and sides that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick.
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Add crunch and a salty flavor with crispy tortilla chips.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creaminess balances the spices.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese adds richness; try cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the soup beautifully.

Side Options

• Cornbread: A sweet, buttery cornbread pairs well with the spicy flavors of the soup.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices can be a filling side dish.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the Mexican flavors served alongside.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even more delicious outcome.

• Bold spices: Use fresh chili powder and cumin for a more vibrant flavor profile.
• Quality ingredients: Choose low-sodium broth and high-quality canned tomatoes for best results.
• Proper cooking time: Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and easy to shred.
• Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before returning the shredded chicken.
• Customize toppings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings based on your preference for texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can turn your meal into a satisfying feast. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful soup.

1. Tortilla Roll-Ups: Simple roll-ups filled with cheese, beans, or vegetables add variety without much effort.
2. Chips and Salsa: A classic combination that offers a crunchy contrast to the soup’s warmth; opt for fresh pico de gallo for added zest.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad: This tangy salad combines corn, lime juice, and cheese for a refreshing side.
4. Black Bean Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with black beans make for an easy-to-eat pairing.
5. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lime vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
6. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a colorful addition rich in nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic can lead to a flat taste. Take the time to soften them first; it enhances flavor.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once might prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe portions to ensure even cooking.
• Using regular chicken broth: Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. This helps in adjusting flavors without making your soup too salty.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows it to blend well with other ingredients and enhances each spoonful.
• Neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings can make your soup less exciting. Don’t forget lime wedges, tortilla chips, and avocado for added texture and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow soup to cool before sealing to avoid condensation inside the container.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until simmering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup take to cook?

The cooking time is just 9 minutes under pressure, but remember that it takes about 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before cooking begins.

Can I customize my Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or beans according to your preference. Corn, bell peppers, or even zucchini work well!

What toppings should I use for my Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?

Great options include lime wedges, crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and tastes even better after a day or two as flavors meld together.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings and ingredients, making it suitable for any occasion. Give this recipe a try today!

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