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Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tender shredded chicken, black beans and corn in a smoky chili-cumin broth with fire-roasted tomatoes — finished with homemade crispy tortilla strips and a toppings bar.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1½ lbs 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
  • 1 can 15 oz / 425g black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 14.5 oz / 400g fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can 4 oz / 115g diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1 cup 170g frozen corn kernels (or 1 can, drained)
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups 950ml low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
For the Crispy Tortilla Strips
  • 6 small corn tortillas cut into ¼-inch strips
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil or cooking spray for a lighter version
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Toppings Bar
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Diced red onion
  • Sliced jalapeños optional

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

  1. Add the chicken broth, chicken breasts, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, green chiles, corn, onion, garlic and tomato paste to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  2. Seal the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes. When the timer finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
  3. Lift the chicken breasts out onto a plate and shred with two forks — they'll fall apart with almost no effort. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt; add an extra pinch of chili powder if you like more heat.
  4. While the soup finishes, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt while hot. (Lighter option: mist with cooking spray and bake at 400°F / 200°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.)
  5. Arrange the diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced red onion and jalapeños in small bowls so everyone can build their own bowl.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, pile on a generous handful of crispy tortilla strips, and finish with your favourite toppings. Serve immediately while the strips are still crunchy.

Notes

Fire-roasted tomatoes are the key flavour upgrade; use 10 minutes natural release for tender chicken; freeze soup without toppings up to 3 months; add tortilla strips only at serving time so they stay crisp.