Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup From Scratch: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Warm up with a bowl of hearty, homemade Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. This easy, from-scratch recipe delivers bold flavors, tender chicken, and a satisfying texture—all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nutritious and delicious. Learn how to make it step-by-step, plus pro tips for customization and storage.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Flavor-Packed: Aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a rich tomato broth create a depth of flavor.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or dietary preferences.
- One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot does all the work—no extra pots or pans required.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade chicken tortilla soup in your Instant Pot:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Toppings (Optional but Recommended)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Diced red onion
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for extra beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and let it heat for 30 seconds. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir to combine.
3. Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts or thighs. Stir to ensure the chicken is submerged.
4. Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “High Pressure” for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the black beans and frozen corn. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and let the soup simmer for 3-5 minutes until the corn is heated through.
7. Finish with Lime and Cilantro
Turn off the Instant Pot and stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup
Take your soup to the next level with these expert tips:
1. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
For deeper flavor, opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes. The smoky notes complement the spices beautifully.
2. Don’t Skip the Sauté Step
Sautéing the aromatics and toasting the spices is key to building layers of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
3. Customize the Heat
Adjust the spice level to your preference. For mild soup, omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
4. Make It Creamy
For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, coconut milk, or blended cashews after pressure cooking. This adds richness without overpowering the flavors.
5. Use Homemade Chicken Broth
If you have time, homemade chicken broth elevates the soup’s flavor. Store-bought works fine, but low-sodium broth is best for controlling salt levels.
6. Add a Secret Ingredient
For extra depth, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of chocolate or cocoa powder with the spices. It sounds unusual, but it adds a rich, complex flavor.
7. Garnish Like a Pro
Toppings make all the difference! For crispy tortilla strips, bake store-bought tortilla chips at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden. Or, fry thinly sliced tortillas in oil until crispy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time.
Freezer
Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick. For the Instant Pot, use the “Sauté” function for 5-10 minutes.
Note: If freezing, omit the toppings (like avocado or sour cream) until serving. Tortilla strips can be added fresh to maintain crispiness.
Delicious Variations to Try
Keep things exciting by trying these tasty variations:
1. White Chicken Tortilla Soup
Swap the diced tomatoes for white beans and add 1 cup of salsa verde. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and fresh pico de gallo.
2. Slow Cooker Version
No Instant Pot? No problem! Combine all ingredients (except lime and cilantro) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add lime and cilantro before serving.
3. Spicy Chipotle Soup
Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) with the spices for a smoky, spicy kick. Garnish with extra adobo sauce for heat lovers.
4. Creamy Avocado Tortilla Soup
Blend 1 ripe avocado with ½ cup of broth until smooth, then stir into the soup after pressure cooking. Top with extra avocado slices.
5. Seafood Tortilla Soup
Replace the chicken with shrimp or white fish. Add the seafood during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (without toppings):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg (varies based on broth and seasoning)
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Toppings will add additional calories and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add 1-2 extra minutes to the pressure cooking time if using frozen chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and toppings. Always check labels to be sure.
Can I make this soup in a stovetop pressure cooker?
Absolutely! Follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking time to 8-10 minutes at high pressure for a stovetop pressure cooker.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
For a thicker soup, blend 1 cup of the soup (without chicken) and stir it back in. Alternatively, mash some of the black beans before adding them.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the pressure cooking step and add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Ready to Make This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup?
This easy, flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a weeknight dinner hero. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later or share it with friends who love cozy, comforting meals. And if you try it, let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear how it turned out!
Hungry for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our Instant Pot Recipes Collection for more quick and delicious meals.
Happy cooking!