30-Minute Dump-and-Go Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Prep: 5 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmedium
Dump-and-Go Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

A hearty Mexican-inspired soup that lives up to its name - simply dump all ingredients into your pressure cooker and let it work its magic. This protein-packed bowl combines tender chicken, black beans, and corn in a flavorful broth seasoned with chili powder and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. The beauty lies in its simplicity - no browning, no sauteing, just pure convenience that delivers restaurant-quality flavors. Topped with crispy tortilla strips and melted cheese, it transforms humble pantry staples into a comforting feast that feeds the whole family.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 14 ½ ounce cans chicken broth
  • 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 5 ounce cans chicken breast chunks, drained
    leftover cooked chicken1:1gluten-freelow-sodium

    use 1-2 cups shredded

  • 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
    regular salt1:2 ratiolow-sodium

    use 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 ½ ounce package tortilla strips, for garnish
    crushed tortilla chips1:1gluten-free available

    use same amount

  • 2 tablespoons shredded Mexican cheese blend, or to taste
    cheddar cheese1:1vegetarian

    any melting cheese works

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pour chicken broth, corn, black beans, chunk chicken, tomatoes with green chilies with their juices, chili powder, seasoning salt, and garlic powder into pressure cooker

  2. 2

    Stir to combine all ingredients

  3. 3

    Close and lock the lid

  4. 4

    Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions and set timer for 5 minutes

  5. 5

    Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build

  6. 6

    Release pressure carefully using quick-release method for about 5 minutes

  7. 7

    Unlock and carefully open the lid

  8. 8

    Ladle soup into serving bowls

  9. 9

    Top with tortilla strips and shredded cheese to taste

Tips

Tip 1

Use low-sodium broth if watching salt intake since seasoning salt and canned goods add plenty

Tip 2

Rinse black beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and reduce cloudiness in the broth

Tip 3

Add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in sealed containers

Make Ahead

Can make 1 day ahead, reheat gently on stovetop

Serve With

Serve hot with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the natural pressure build time or soup may be watery

Watch

Drain canned ingredients thoroughly to avoid excess liquid

Watch

Quick release immediately after cook time to prevent overcooking

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

chicken breast chunks
leftover cooked chicken1:1gluten-freelow-sodium

use 1-2 cups shredded

tortilla strips
crushed tortilla chips1:1gluten-free available

use same amount

General Alternatives

seasoning salt
regular salt1:2 ratiolow-sodium

use 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mexican cheese blend
cheddar cheese1:1vegetarian

any melting cheese works

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned?

Yes, use 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup each fresh corn and cooked black beans. Add 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes and increase cook time to 8 minutes.

What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

Use a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or simmer on stovetop for 20-30 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store in refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently, adding broth if needed.