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This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the ultimate comfort meal, packed with tender chicken, robust spices, and vibrant flavors from fresh cilantro, lime, and green chilies. It’s an easy, one-pot dish that delivers a hearty meal in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
The combination of savory chicken broth, zesty lime, and crunchy tortilla strips makes this soup a family favorite. With optional toppings like creamy avocado and shredded cheese, this dish offers endless customization while still providing a satisfying and flavorful bowl every time. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh, it’s a guaranteed hit.
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Full Recipe:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips, for serving
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños
Directions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and cook for another minute to release the spices’ flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully doing a quick release.
- Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with tortilla strips and optional toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
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Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Origins and Inspiration
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a traditional Mexican-inspired dish that combines bold flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. The origins of tortilla soup are thought to come from central Mexico, particularly around Mexico City. This comforting soup highlights staple ingredients in Mexican cuisine, including tomatoes, chilies, corn, and beans, which are combined with tender chicken and crunchy tortilla strips to create a balanced, satisfying meal.
Using the Instant Pot for this recipe brings modern convenience to a classic dish. This method not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps to intensify the flavors as the soup pressure cooks, infusing the ingredients together in less time than traditional methods.
Health Benefits
This version of Chicken Tortilla Soup is not only packed with flavor but is also loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy and hearty meal:
- Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
- Black beans are an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
- Tomatoes and chilies are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, which help fight inflammation and boost your immune system.
- Corn adds sweetness to the soup while providing important vitamins like B6 and folate.
- Optional toppings like avocado offer heart-healthy fats, and cilantro brings freshness and additional antioxidants to the dish.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations you can suggest for your audience:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with additional beans or a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy green chilies. For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños as a garnish.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier version of this soup, stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- Toppings Galore: Experiment with toppings to suit your taste. Some popular additions include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Tortilla Soup is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides:
- Cornbread or Tortilla Chips are great for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- For a lighter accompaniment, serve with a side salad featuring fresh greens, sliced radishes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- If you’re hosting a meal, consider pairing the soup with Mexican street corn (elote) or cheese quesadillas for a full, satisfying spread.
Cooking Tips
- Sauté for Extra Flavor: Sautéing the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking helps build a richer flavor base for the soup.
- Shredding the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, or if you want a finer shred, remove the chicken, shred it on a cutting board, and return it to the soup.
- Storage and Freezing: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. It also freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch and store portions in the freezer for up to 3 months.
History and Cultural Significance
Chicken Tortilla Soup, known as “Sopa de Tortilla” in Spanish, has deep roots in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, this dish was a way to use up leftover tortillas, transforming them into a crispy garnish to accompany the flavorful broth. Over time, this simple yet nourishing dish evolved, incorporating ingredients like chicken, beans, and fresh vegetables to enhance both the taste and nutritional value.
This soup is often served during the colder months in Mexico as a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a popular dish in both family households and restaurants, showcasing the vibrant flavors and diverse ingredients of Mexican cooking. The combination of spices, fresh produce, and tortillas represents the essence of Mexican cuisine, which balances bold flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The traditional method of making Chicken Tortilla Soup involves simmering the broth for a long time to fully develop the flavors, especially when making a homemade broth from scratch. However, with the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing quality. The pressure-cooking function enhances the richness of the broth and softens the chicken to the perfect shredding consistency in just a few minutes. This method is ideal for busy individuals who want a delicious, homemade meal in a short amount of time.
How to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is to different preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to modify the recipe:
- Low Carb/Keto-Friendly Option: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can omit the corn and beans and replace them with extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower. You can also substitute traditional tortilla strips with cheese crisps or pork rinds for a low-carb crunch.
- Gluten-Free: The base recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free tortilla strips or make your own at home to ensure there’s no cross-contamination. This makes the dish perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Vegan or Vegetarian Version: By simply swapping the chicken for extra vegetables, beans, or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, you can make this a satisfying vegetarian or vegan soup. You can also add vegan cheese or sour cream as toppings for extra creaminess.
- Rich and Creamy Variation: If you prefer a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a can of coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will add a rich, velvety consistency without overpowering the traditional flavors.
- Use of Leftovers: This soup is also a great way to use up leftover ingredients you may have in your kitchen. Shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled veggies, or even different types of beans can be easily incorporated into the recipe. It’s a perfect “clean out the fridge” kind of meal!
Popularity in the U.S. and Beyond
In the U.S., Chicken Tortilla Soup has become a popular menu item in many Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. Its popularity can be attributed to the growing appreciation for Mexican cuisine and its flavorful, yet healthy, components. Many home cooks love it because it offers all the deliciousness of traditional Mexican food with minimal effort when made in the Instant Pot. The soup’s versatility, from spicy to mild and with a wide range of toppings, makes it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Nutritional Breakdown
This soup is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s why it can be part of a balanced, healthy diet:
- Lean Protein: The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and maintaining healthy skin.
- Fiber: Black beans are high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer, making this a satisfying meal.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes, chilies, and cilantro are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamins A and C, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Healthy Fats: If you add avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese as a topping, you’ll be including healthy fats that support heart health and brain function.
Cooking Techniques and Best Practices
To get the best flavor and texture out of your Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, keep these techniques in mind:
- Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices at the beginning of the recipe helps to deepen the flavor of the soup. This step allows the spices to bloom, creating a rich base for the broth.
- Shredding the Chicken: After pressure cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. For a finer shred, you can also use a hand mixer to make the process quicker.
- Garnishing for Texture: Adding tortilla strips, avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds different textures, making each bite more enjoyable.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the great advantages of this soup is how well it stores and how easy it is to prepare in advance:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, too. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
Suggested Pairings for a Full Meal
While this soup is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal, you can pair it with some traditional Mexican side dishes for a full dining experience:
- Mexican Rice: Serve a side of fluffy Mexican rice, seasoned with tomatoes and spices, to soak up the soup’s broth.
- Quesadillas: A simple cheese quesadilla or one filled with beans and veggies can complement the soup’s flavors.
- Churros: Finish off your meal with a sweet treat like churros, which provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is the perfect blend of traditional Mexican flavors and modern convenience. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a foodie looking for an easy but impressive dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s adaptable, full of fresh ingredients, and offers a hearty, wholesome meal that’s sure to satisfy.