• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Main Dishes / Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Recipe)

4.97
/5
26 minutes
55 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 03/10/2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy tex-mex weeknight meal the whole family will love!  Easily made in your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or right on the stovetop! #chicken #tortilla #soup #creamy #instantpot #pressurecooker #easyrecipe #weeknight #dinner #lunch
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy tex-mex weeknight meal the whole family will love!  Easily made in your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or right on the stovetop! #chicken #tortilla #soup #creamy #instantpot #pressurecooker #easyrecipe #weeknight #dinner #lunch
This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy tex-mex weeknight meal the whole family will love!  Easily made in your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or right on the stovetop! #chicken #tortilla #soup #creamy #instantpot #pressurecooker #easyrecipe #weeknight #dinner #lunch

This rich and easy chicken tortilla soup tastes like it’s been slow simmering all day, but instead it’s made in less than 30 minutes in the Instant Pot!

This ultra easy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe is a winner when it comes to weeknight dinners!  Recipes like my Copycat Zuppa Toscana and Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup are great for when you want an ultra-comforting family meal that’s ready fast. We love cooking soups and stews during the Winter, and this is one of my Soup Recipes you’ll definitely want in your recipe rotation!

Bowl of tortilla soup with toppings

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Spring may be just around the corner, but I’m in denial and not giving up my winter comfort foods.

I may be in the minority here, but I love Fall and Winter.  Bring on the cold… bundling up in layers and warm blankets!

There’s no more iconic cold-weather food than soup.  And this creamy chicken tortilla soup is soul-warming, from the inside, out!

Mildly spicy, with hearty vegetables and tender chicken, all enveloped in a spiced tomato-y broth that’s kissed with a touch of cream.  Prepare to fall in LOVE!

Soup in instant pot with ladle

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

  1. Cook the onion, poblano and garlic on “saute”.  This helps soften the onion and pepper, as well as bringing additional flavor.
  2. Add spices and stir.  Adding the spices at this point, instead of later, helps them “bloom” and deepens their flavor.
  3. Add in cans (tomatoes, beans and corn).  Stir well to combine everything.
  4. Add chicken breasts and pressure cook for 12 minutes.  
  5. Quick release.  I do a quick-release because I’m impatient – but if you’d prefer to, you can let the pressure naturally release for 5-7 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
  6. Stir in cream and lime juice.  Adding the cream after pressure cooking, keeps it from curdling, and adding the lime juice at this point keeps the flavor bright and fresh.

COOKING TIPS FOR THIS SOUP

  • OTHER TYPES OF CHICKEN – this chicken tortilla soup can be made using boneless skinless chicken thighs as well.
  • PRE-COOKED CHICKEN – if you have some shredded rotisserie chicken on hand, this soup is a great use for it!  Just reduce the pressure cook time down to about 5 minutes.

Bowl of soup on wood platter

VARIATIONS OF THIS RECIPE

As with most soups, you can switch quite a few things up to create new and exciting recipes!

  • PROTEIN – this soup is great with chicken thighs, as well as breasts.  If you have some shredded, cooked chicken or turkey, you can use that in this recipe to make it even quicker (just cut the pressure cook time down to about 5 minutes).
  • DAIRY – another great option to give this soup some creaminess is to add 2-4 oz of softened cream cheese in place of the cream.  To keep it from curdling, add it at the end of the recipe (where it says to add the cream).  Furthermore, you can add the softened cream cheese to a bowl, then whisk in about 1/3 cup of the hot liquid, then stir that mixture into the soup.  This is called tempering, and it’ll really keep the cream cheese from curdling, plus it will mix into the soup really well.
  • NON-DAIRY – not feeling the “creamy” part of this soup?  You can omit it completely and have a classic chicken tortilla soup recipe.
  • SPICY – as written, this soup is about a “mild plus one” on the hot-meter.  If you like it a bit hotter, feel free to add additional poblanos, swap them for jalapeno or serrano peppers, add in a can of diced green chiles, and add in some cayenne to the spice mixture.
  • MORE MILD – prefer things milder?  You can use just half of the poblano, omit it and use a can of mild diced green chiles, or use a green bell pepper.
  • COOKING METHOD – no pressure cooker?  No sweat!  Down in the recipe notes section of the recipe card, I’ve detailed how to make this soup in a slow cooker or on the stovetop!

Spoonful of chicken soup

MAKING THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

This soup is great for making ahead of time, and if it’s even possible… I think it tastes even better the next day!

Make the soup as directed, then cool completely.  Transfer to containers and refrigerate for 1-2 days.

Reheat, adding additional broth if you think you need it.

FREEZING

I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers of this soup, as the dairy can have a tendency to not freeze particularly well.

However, if you plan to make this soup with the intention of freezing it, don’t add the heavy cream.  Let cool completely, then transfer to containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and when reheating, add the cream as you reheat the soup.

STORAGE

Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-7 days.

White bowl of tortilla soup with garnishes

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THIS RECIPE

  • Instant Pot – I recently upgraded to this model and I love it!
  • Slow Cooker – I’ve had this slow cooker for years and it still works perfectly.
  • Dutch Oven – LeCreuset is my favorite brand, but they’re really pricey, so this Lodge version is a great alternative!

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT OTHER READERS’ COMMENTS FOR TIPS AND REVIEWS.

AND DON’T FORGET, IF YOU’VE MADE THIS RECIPE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND PLEASE GIVE IT A STAR RATING LETTING ME KNOW HOW YOU ENJOYED IT!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Bowl of soup on wood platter

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

4.97 from 32 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Calories: 310
Servings: 6 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
Chicken, poblanos, tomatoes, beans and corn in a creamy tex-mex style soup!

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 poblano pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp better than bouillon chicken base (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes UNdrained
  • 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz can corn kernels drained
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth (reduced sodium)
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Juice of 1/2 lime

TOPPING OPTIONS

  • minced fresh cilantro
  • tortilla strips
  • lime slices
  • sour cream
  • avocado
  • cheese

Instructions

  • Press the saute button on Instant pot. Add vegetable oil and heat until hot. Add the onion and poblano and cook 4-5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add chili powder, cumin, chicken base (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano and stir.
  • Add can of undrained tomatoes and stir using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure no browned bits are stuck on there.
  • Add in can of drained black beans and can of drained corn, then pour in chicken broth.
  • Place chicken breasts into the liquid, then cancel the saute function, and secure Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to "sealing". Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and use the +/- buttons to set the timer for 12 minutes.
  • Once the timer beeps, let out the pressure by carefully moving the valve to “venting" to perform a quick release.
  • When the pin drops, remove lid and set aside. Remove chicken breasts to a mixing bowl or cutting board and shred.
  • Press the saute button once again, and add heavy cream and lime juice. Stir and heat for just a minute or two, until cream is warmed through.
  • Press Cancel and unplug the Instant Pot. Serve soup hot, topped with desired toppings.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

 

slow cooker directions

  1. Cook onion and poblano in vegetable oil for 4-5 minutes until soft.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.  Add to the bottom of a slow cooker.
  2. Add remaining ingredients (except heavy cream, lime juice, and toppings) to the slow cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. Shred chicken and return to the slow cooker.  Add cream and lime juice and cook another 5-10 minutes to heat through.
  4. Serve hot with desired toppings.
 

stovetop directions

  1. To a large and deep pot add vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat.  Add onion and poblano and cook for 4-5 minutes, until soft.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  2. Stir in spices, then add all remaining ingredients (except heavy cream, lime juice and toppings).  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken and shred.  Add back to the pot, along with the heavy cream and lime juice. 
  4. Stir and simmer another few minutes to heat through.
  5. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

 

This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is an easy tex-mex weeknight meal the whole family will love!  Easily made in your pressure cooker, slow cooker, or right on the stovetop! #chicken #tortilla #soup #creamy #instantpot #pressurecooker #easyrecipe #weeknight #dinner #lunch

You May Also Like...

  • This Instant Pot Sesame Chicken is ready in about 20 minutes.  Tender chicken pieces coated in a glorious sweet sesame sauce with a little kick of spice, better than any takeout! #chicken #sesamechicken #asianchicken #instantpot #pressurecooker #sesame #sweetnspicy #dinner #easyrecipe #chickenrecipe
    Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
  • This hearty, old-fashioned chicken and dumplings recipe is always a family-pleasing meal and is ready quickly which makes it a great weeknight dinner option! #chicken #dumplings #chickenanddumplings #instantpot #pressurecooker #weeknight #easyrecipe #dinner
    Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
  • This Instant Pot cauliflower soup is quick and easy.  Using simple ingredients, this soup is low carb, vegan, and gluten free.  Flavored with warm curry spices, garlic and ginger and finished with creamy coconut milk, this is a cozy soup you can feel good about eating! #cauliflower #soup #instantpot #pressurecooker #vegan #lowcarb #keto #glutenfree
    Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
  • Tender shredded chicken, smothered in the most mouthwatering Mexican sauce made from salsa, green chiles, tomatoes and plenty of bold spices!  Perfect pantry meal, and can be used for so many things (tacos, enchiladas, etc). #chicken #mexican #salsa #shredded #instantpot #pressurecooker #slowcooker #crockpot #cincodemayo #taconight
    Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Matt says

    Posted on 1/25 at 6:51 pm

    This is very very good!! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Amy says

    Posted on 1/23 at 8:27 pm

    Ohh holy Lord of Soup. This is incredible! I made it on the stove top using 2 roasted chicken breasts left over from last night and it is amazing.

    Reply
  3. Jaimie says

    Posted on 12/7 at 12:46 am

    One of our favorites!!! This is made atleast 3x a month in my house, it’s so delicious!!

    Reply
    • Hannah says

      Posted on 1/16 at 8:46 pm

      This soup was loved by everyone – including my husband who is not a soup-person! So flavorful, easy, and affordable IMO.

      Reply
  4. Amanda says

    Posted on 12/6 at 9:38 pm

    Really, this is 10 out of 10. Just outstanding. The flavors are robust but not overpowering and they get better the second day. Absolutely delicious. It is now asked for on the reg!

    Reply
  5. Jane says

    Posted on 11/4 at 3:27 pm

    Very delicious! Did not have a poblano pepper, so used a can of green chilis! Also out of veg oil, so cooked onions and garlic in butter! Also used half and half for the cream and added cheese! It was a party in our mouth! So good!

    Reply
  6. Victoria says

    Posted on 10/2 at 12:15 pm

    This is a great recipe! The balance of flavors is spot on! I make it regularly and family loves it!

    Reply
  7. Wanda says

    Posted on 9/9 at 4:48 pm

    Walmart has fire roasted salsa in a can that works well in this recipe. I use it in the place of the fire roasted tomatoes.

    Reply
  8. Olivia Kramer says

    Posted on 5/31 at 9:28 pm

    This is so delicious! The perfect recipe. Love it and so does my family!

    Reply
  9. Meredith Olsen says

    Posted on 5/20 at 10:12 pm

    One of the best soups I’ve ever had, especially when you’re sick!

    Reply
  10. Janel says

    Posted on 3/23 at 6:25 pm

    Perfectly delicious! Easy and a crowd pleaser!

    Reply
  11. Mandy Saab says

    Posted on 1/24 at 12:51 pm

    Absolutely delicious. And perfect. And delicious.

    Reply
  12. Alexis S says

    Posted on 1/17 at 1:14 pm

    Can this be used in a 6 quart insta pot for 6 servings amount?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 1/17 at 9:54 pm

      This is made in a 6 quart Instant Pot.

      Reply
  13. Brian H says

    Posted on 1/15 at 1:12 pm

    Do you put the raw chicken breasts right in. The slow cooker??

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 1/15 at 1:18 pm

      Yes, they cook with the soup.

      Reply
  14. Amy says

    Posted on 1/13 at 3:54 pm

    There isn’t one recipe of yours that I have made that I don’t like! I’ve made this soup many times. Thank you for all of your recipes they are delicious.

    Reply
  15. Frieda Elizabeth Marroquin says

    Posted on 11/24 at 10:11 pm

    Delicious. My family loved it!

    Reply
  16. Ruth says

    Posted on 11/15 at 5:51 pm

    Do you dice chicken breasts before cooking or cook whole and shred afterwards?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/15 at 8:42 pm

      I cook them whole and shred afterwards 🙂

      Reply
  17. Athena Owen says

    Posted on 4/22 at 6:07 pm

    I’ve made this recipe 3 times now. It’s so good! The only complaint if I had one is it really should be doubled because You will want more and it really only makes 4 servings!

    I love it because it’s easy to keep the ingredients on hand and whip it up if you have nothing else planned. Which is exactly what I did the last 2 times I made it!

    I serve it over a half avocado sliced and too with cilantro, shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream and a squeeze of lime juice! It’s delish!

    Reply
  18. Gina says

    Posted on 4/7 at 10:52 pm

    This soup is delicious! My family loves it. I’ve recommended this recipe to my mom and aunt. They both loved the soup, too.

    Reply
  19. Dayna says

    Posted on 2/13 at 9:18 pm

    The best chicken tortilla soup ever. I usually use jalapeños and use 2 different chili powders. No cumin because we don’t like cumin and just add extra chili powder. I love making this with fresh bone broth. It really bumps up the flavor. I make this at least 4x a month.

    Reply
  20. Ionia Lynn Eutsler says

    Posted on 1/19 at 12:13 pm

    Love this Recipe!

    Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top