Fiesta Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

$- Chicken Breasts: You need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This is the heart of the dish. Use fresh or thawed chicken for best results. - Beans and Corn: Grab one can of black beans and one can of corn. These add texture and fiber. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans to remove extra salt. - Seasonings and Broth: Use 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 medium diced onion, and 2 minced cloves of garlic. For spices, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. These give the soup its warm, rich flavor. - Tortilla Strips: You can use 1 cup of tortilla strips. These add a crunchy texture. You can buy them or make your own at home. - Avocado and Cheese: Diced avocado and shredded cheese are great for topping. They add creaminess and flavor. Use your favorite cheese for a personal touch. - Fresh Herbs: Chop some fresh cilantro for garnish. This adds a fresh taste and bright color to the soup. You can also use green onions if you prefer. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sauté Onions and Garlic First, turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté setting. Add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté until the onion turns soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. This step builds a solid base for your soup. Seasoning the Chicken Now, take the chicken breasts and season them. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika on both sides. This adds lots of flavor. Place the seasoned chicken right into the pot with the onions and garlic. Adding Ingredients in Order Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Make sure to stir gently. This mix brings together all the tasty parts of the soup. Securing the Lid and Cooking Time Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to sealing. Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This will cook the chicken and meld all the flavors together. Shredding the Chicken When the timer beeps, do a quick release of the pressure. Once safe, open the lid and remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix it in. Adjusting Flavor and Serving Squeeze in the lime juice and stir. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, scoop the soup into bowls. Top with tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese if you like. This makes a beautiful and delicious meal! Best Chicken Cuts to Use I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender. Thighs work too if you want more flavor. Just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes. Adjusting Spice Levels If you want it spicy, add more chili powder. For a milder soup, skip the smoked paprika. You can also add fresh jalapeños for a kick or remove the seeds for less heat. Using the Sauté Function Effectively Start with the sauté setting. Heat oil and sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes. That brings out a great flavor. Add garlic next and cook for just one minute. This step builds a strong base for the soup. Troubleshooting Common Issues If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. For too much liquid, let it simmer without the lid for a few minutes. If your chicken isn’t shredding well, it may need a few more minutes in the pot. Just cook it longer and check again. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and onion for a more vibrant flavor in your soup. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste preference for a spicier or milder soup. Shred Chicken Easily: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding to retain moisture and flavor. Garnish Galore: Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or lime wedges for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} Using Different Beans You can switch black beans for pinto or kidney beans. Both add great flavor and texture to the soup. If you want a creamier texture, try using white beans. They blend well and still give you that hearty feel. Adding Vegetables Feel free to add more veggies. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots work well. They add color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the chicken. This step boosts the flavor of your soup. Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options To make the soup gluten-free, skip the tortilla strips or use gluten-free ones. For a low-carb version, replace corn with more beans or diced bell peppers. This keeps the soup filling without the extra carbs. Vegan Alternatives For a vegan option, use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for more depth. You can still enjoy the same spices and flavors, making it a hearty meal. How long does it last in the fridge? This soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Keep it in a sealed container to keep flavors strong. What are the best practices for storage? Always let the soup cool down before putting it in the fridge. If you want to keep it fresh longer, store the toppings separately. This way, they won't get soggy. What are some freezing tips? First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for the soup to expand. This will help avoid spills. How do I thaw and reheat? When ready to eat, pull the soup from the freezer. Move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in the microwave. To reheat, pour it into a pot and warm it on low heat. Stir often to help it heat evenly. Enjoy your tasty soup! Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cook it for about 20 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will still cook it well. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Sauté the onions and garlic in a pot first. Then, add the chicken and other ingredients. Simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes. How do I adjust cooking time for larger portions? For larger portions, you don’t need to adjust the cooking time. The Instant Pot cooks evenly, so the time stays the same. Just make sure not to overfill the pot above the max line. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious instant pot chicken soup. We discussed the main ingredients, from chicken breasts to tasty toppings. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can customize this soup with different beans and vegetables. With the right storage methods, your soup will stay fresh and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with this simple recipe, and make it your own!$

Fiesta Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

A flavorful and hearty chicken tortilla soup made quickly in the Instant Pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 can corn kernels, drained (15 oz)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lime juiced
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup tortilla strips
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
for garnish avocado, diced
optional shredded cheese

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Once hot, add a little oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Place the seasoned chicken in the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid.
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in the lime juice, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

Top with your favorite garnishes for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, instant pot, soup, tortilla