Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Southwest Fiesta

Welcome to a delicious journey through the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe! This dish combines bold spices, tender chicken, hearty beans, and fresh veggies for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the Instant Pot, this recipe is simple to make and packed with zesty flavors. Get ready to impress your taste buds with a hearty bowl of comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup isn’t just flavorful—it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you like it spicy or mild, cheesy or loaded with toppings, this soup is adaptable to your preferences.

Here’s what makes it a crowd-pleaser:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day and freezes well for future meals.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this flavorful soup that’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus 15 minutes natural pressure release)

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (10.8 oz) southwest corn
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup mild or medium salsa
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 1 package chicken taco seasoning
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional for extra spice)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dump and Go

In your 6-quart Instant Pot, add the chicken, diced onion, southwest corn, black beans, salsa, chicken broth, and chicken taco seasoning. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.

2. Cook Under Pressure

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to SEALING. Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting and adjust the time to 5 minutes on high pressure.

3. Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, press CANCEL and allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Keep the pressure valve in the SEALING position during this time.

4. Add the Cheese

Carefully open the Instant Pot. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican cheese until it’s melted and well combined.

5. Garnish and Serve

Spoon the soup into bowls and top with the remaining shredded cheese. Add your favorite garnishes like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or black olives.

When you’re finished, why not give your Instant Pot a deep clean with this guide.

Expert Tips

• Make it Spicy: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa. You can also include the optional diced green chiles for a mild kick.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken. Reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes under pressure.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving for a creamier texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time to 10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well. You can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

3. What if I want a vegetarian version?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture.

4. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, blend some of the beans and veggies using an immersion blender. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup and simmer until it thickens.

Customization and Toppings

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup is how customizable it is. Let everyone create their own perfect bowl with a variety of toppings, such as:

• More Cheese: Who can resist more cheese? Add a handful of shredded Mexican cheese on top of each serving.
• Creamy Avocado: Slices of avocado add a fresh, creamy touch.
• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips give the soup a delightful crunch.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy, creamy finish.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and flavor.
• Salsa: Add extra salsa for a spicy kick.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives give the soup a briny twist.

What toppings will you choose? Let your creativity shine!

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and healthy meals? Explore my Pinterest board filled with Instant Pot recipes and other easy-to-make dishes!

Looking to level up your cooking game? Check out my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with quick and simple recipes perfect for beginners and busy families. Grab your copy today and start creating meals that everyone will love!

Enjoy the flavors of the Southwest with this easy, customizable Instant Pot Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe—perfect for any night of the week! Happy cooking!