instant pot chicken tortilla soup with Pesto Drizzle

That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. You catch the steam cues as the float valve pops up and realize your kitchen's about to get a whole lot tastier. It sorta feels like the start of a great dinner show, huh? Maybe it's just me, but that valve hiss always makes my mouth water.

You remember the nights when stove-top cooking dragged on forever, but with the Instant Pot, it’s a whole different story. The broth depth is just right by the time the quick release happens. You know you’re about to dive into something rich and comforting without the wait.

And the smell! Oh man, that mix of garlic, jalapeños, and ancho chili powder hits your nose and you can’t help but smile. The pressure cooker is working its wonders and all the flavors kinda melt together real nice. You’re gonna love this soup for those cozy nights or anytime you want a quick dinner win.

What Makes Pressure Cooking Win Every Round

• It saves time big time, no more slow simmering for hours.
• Flavors get deeper and mingle better thanks to the sealed environment.
• Broth depth improves fast – like in this soup, it’s rich and full.
• Quick release option means you control when to stop cooking exactly.
• Valve hiss and steam cues help you know when things are just right.
• Less mess cuz you cook everything in one pot, bonus cleanup points.
• Keeps chicken super tender, shredding’s a breeze after pressure cooking.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 jalapenos seeded and diced small
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 oz diced green chilis (one small can)
• 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz each)

• 32 oz chicken stock
• 2 medium zucchini medium dice
• 2 medium yellow squash medium dice
• 4 green onions chopped thin
• 1 cups frozen corn, Trader Joe9s roasted corn is my fave
• 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fried tortilla strips or tortilla chips for topping
• Sour cream, diced avocado, grated cheese, cilantro, pickled jalapeos, cotija cheese, diced red onion, chopped chives (optional toppings)

Walking Through Every Single Move

First, you turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Toss in the diced onions, jalapeos, and garlic and saute them about 2 to 3 minutes till you smell that amazing scent coming from the kitchen.

Next, sprinkle in the ancho chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good stir so those spices kinda coat all those veggies real nice.

Then add your diced green chilies, the fire roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and your chicken thighs or breasts. Stir it all up so everything’s mixed in well.

Seal the lid and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 12 minutes. You’ll hear that valve hiss soon enough and the float valve pops up, telling you it’s working hard.

Once the timer’s done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before you do a quick release to get rid of any leftover pressure. Be careful with that steam, y’all!

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks (this is the fun part). Toss the shredded chicken back into your pot, stir around and then adjust salt and pepper if you need. Serve it hot with your fave toppings and watch everyone dig in happily.

Valve Hacks You Need to Know

• If you need faster cleanup, quick release right after cooking instead of waiting longer for natural release.
• Listen to the valve hiss, when it slows down that’s a good signal cooking’s finishing up.
• Keep an eye on the float valve to make sure your pot actually reached full pressure before timing starts.

When You Finally Get to Eat

You feel that steam hit your face when you open the lid, warm and inviting. The broth smells like it's packed with garlic and those smoky roasted tomatoes.

The chicken is so tender it kinda falls apart when you scoop, and that spicy zing from the jalapenos gives it a little kick without being over the top. You remember why you love this recipe.

The crunchy tortilla strips on top add such a fun texture contrast, and that scoop of avocado with sour cream cools everything down just right. You feel all the layers pop in your mouth.

This soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for any night of the week when you want comfort with a little spicy twist. You'll probably wanna make it again soon.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Ready

• Fridge store works fine, just let the soup cool before popping it into airtight containers. Should last 3-4 days easy.
• Freezer stash if you want longer storage. Portion it out and freeze with lids. Thaw in fridge overnight and reheat gently.
• Reheat gently on the stove or Instant Pot’s sauté setting to keep the broth depth rich and not boiled away.

What People Always Ask Me

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yep, both work great. Breasts may cook a tiny bit faster but 12 minutes is solid for tender shredding.
• Do I have to peel the garlic? No worries if not peeled perfectly, but I do prefer peeled minced garlic for that pure flavor kick.
• Is it okay to add other veggies? Totally! Zucchini and squash are classic but throw in what you like 6 bell peppers would work too.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Slow and steady on low heat so broth depth stays nice and soup doesn’t lose texture.
• Can I skip the jalapenos if I don’t do spicy? Sure thing. You can leave them out or add less for a milder soup.
• How do I know when the soup’s done? When the float valve rises and the timer finishes, it’s cooked through and bursting with flavor.

For similar quick and comforting recipes, check out the tortilla soup with Berries Mix or the flavorful Best Vegan Taco Soup. Both pair nicely with your love for speedy, delicious meals.