Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup brings the bold, familiar flavors of chicken enchiladas into a comforting, spoonable bowl. This quick, family-friendly recipe gets a hearty homemade meal on the table even on busy weeknights.
The Instant Pot is especially useful for soups: it drastically shortens cooking time while developing deep, slow-simmered flavors. That makes it my go-to for favorites like this chicken tortilla soup — and my kids are always happy when I make it.
This soup features a zesty, slightly creamy broth loaded with classic taco-inspired seasonings, tender shredded chicken, and corn tortillas that naturally thicken the broth.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following:
- Oil – canola or olive oil for sautéing.
- Onion – one large yellow onion, peeled and diced.
- Chicken broth – about 8 cups.
- Carrots and celery – diced for body and sweetness.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes – one 14 oz can, drained.
- Diced green chiles – one 7 oz can, drained.
- Spices – taco seasoning (divided), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Chicken breasts – 2 lbs boneless, skinless, trimmed.
- Corn tortillas – 6-inch tortillas, sliced into quarters (they thicken the soup).
- Sour cream – 1 cup, brought to room temperature.
- Cheese – 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar.
How to Make
This Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup is straightforward and fast:
- Place the Instant Pot liner inside and select Sauté. When it reads HOT, add oil and the diced onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add diced celery, carrots, drained tomatoes, drained green chiles, 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, the chicken breasts, and the quartered corn tortillas.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealed. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- When cooking finishes, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch to quick release to vent remaining steam, then open the pot.
- Use tongs to transfer the hot chicken to a cutting board. Shred or chop the chicken, then return it to the pot.
- Whisk 1 cup sour cream with one ladle of hot broth in a small bowl until smooth, then stir it into the soup to temper and add creaminess.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of taco seasoning if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.
Topping Ideas
Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings. Popular options:
- Pico de gallo
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Diced avocado
- More sour cream
- Taco sauce or hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
How the Soup Thickens (No Slurry Needed)
This recipe doesn’t use a flour or cornstarch slurry. The corn tortillas you add during cooking break down and release starch, naturally thickening the broth. Because of that, do not substitute flour tortillas — they won’t produce the same texture.
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the Instant Pot until warmed through. If the soup thickens in the fridge, thin with a splash of broth when reheating.
Tips and Tricks
- You can make this in a 6-quart Instant Pot, but it will be quite full. An 8-quart model provides more room; either size uses the same cook time.
- Do not replace corn tortillas with flour tortillas — corn is what thickens the soup.
- Add ingredients in the order listed and avoid stirring before pressure cooking to reduce the chance of a BURN warning.
- For extra vegetables, stir in a drained can of corn at the end.
- If you want more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Summary
Instant Pot chicken tortilla soup is a zesty, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and full of satisfying texture and flavor. The pressure cooker speeds up the process while still producing a rich broth, and the corn tortillas give the soup body without extra thickeners. Make a batch, top it your way, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful dinner any night of the week.