Instant Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 150g (1 cup) chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 15g (1 tbsp) ground cumin
- 10g (2 tbsp) chili powder
- 5g (1 tsp) smoked paprika
- 400g (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 700ml (3 cups) chicken broth
- 200g (1 cup) corn kernels, canned or frozen
- 400g (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 5g (1 tsp) black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime (approximately 45ml or 3 tbsp)
- Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 50g (2 oz) tortilla strips, for garnish
- 100g (1 cup) shredded cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot or pressure cooker to the sauté function. Once it indicates ‘hot,’ add the olive oil and allow it to heat for a minute. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Seasoning the Meat
Add the chicken breasts directly into the pot, along with ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly coat the chicken with the spices. Cook for another 2 minutes, searing slightly but not cooking through.
Step 3: Building the Soup Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together to combine. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before flipping the valve to quick release. Carefully remove the lid. Use two forks to shred the chicken inside the pot. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro to brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheese for an extra touch of comfort. Serve immediately and enjoy the layers of flavor in each bite.
Conclusion
This Instant Chicken Tortilla Soup is a shining example of how a seemingly intricate dish can be unbelievably easy to prepare with modern kitchen tools and bold spices. As steaming bowls of this zesty soup gather your loved ones around the table, you’re not just serving food—you’re creating memories and celebrating the joy of simple, delicious home-cooked meals. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and may each taste bring warmth and joy!
