Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of tacos with the ease of pressure cooking. This recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal that’s not only full of flavor but also incredibly easy to make. With the Instant Pot, you can transform everyday ingredients into a creamy, savory soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe
This recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The Instant Pot significantly speeds up the cooking process, which is a huge plus when time is limited. Secondly, the combination of vegetables, chicken, and spices creates a delectable mix that pleases the palate. Each bowl of soup is packed with flavor, providing a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Additionally, the creamy texture from the heavy cream and cheese elevates the soup, making it feel indulgent yet comforting. Finally, this dish is highly customizable; you can add your favorite toppings or tweak the spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients about Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s unique flavor profile, making it a beloved choice for many.
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup Directions
Creating your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start by ensuring you have all your ingredients within reach. This will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Begin by placing the chicken breast at the bottom of the Instant Pot. It’s a good idea to lay it flat for even cooking. Next, add the drained black beans, sweet corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. This ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully during cooking.
- Season Your Soup: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ingredients in the pot. The seasoning is key to giving your soup that delicious taco flavor.
- Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth next. This liquid is essential for building the soup’s base and helps the Instant Pot create the necessary steam for cooking.
- Lock the Lid: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s tightly sealed. Set the valve to the sealing position, which is crucial for pressure cooking.
- Cook Under Pressure: Select the high-pressure setting and set the timer for 15 minutes. This duration is perfect for cooking the chicken through while giving the flavors time to blend.
- Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. This prevents the soup from overcooking and keeps the chicken tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breast from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The chicken will be juicy and easy to shred thanks to the pressure cooking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and combines with the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Season to Taste: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. This step allows you to customize the dish according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your meal hot, relishing the comforting and flavorful goodness!
How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Serving your creamy chicken taco soup is where the fun begins. You can keep it simple by enjoying it straight from the bowl, or you can elevate your presentation with various toppings. Consider adding a swirl of sour cream for extra creaminess or sprinkling some more shredded cheese on top for cheese lovers. Crispy tortilla strips can add a delightful crunch that complements the soup’s soft textures. If you enjoy a little heat, diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can spice things up. Fresh lime wedges on the side can enhance the flavor and brighten each bite. Pair your soup with warm tortilla chips or crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Expert Tips: Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
To ensure your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breast will yield the best results, but you can also use frozen chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just remember to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder soup, opt for mild taco seasoning, or reduce the amount you use. Conversely, for a kick, consider adding extra chili powder or diced green chilies.
- Monitor Your Liquid: If you find the soup too thick, you can always add additional chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, a few extra minutes of cooking with the lid off can help thicken it up.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that’s hard to replicate, so be generous with your garnishing!
How to Store Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Storing your Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is simple and straightforward. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next few days. The soup will remain good for about 3 to 4 days when stored this way. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, and then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup is its versatility. You can make several variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with diced firm tofu or additional beans like pinto or kidney beans. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots to enhance the soup’s nutrition.
- Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a little heat, add sliced jalapeños directly into the soup before cooking. Alternatively, you can use spicy taco seasoning or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: If you can’t get enough cheese, consider blending in cream cheese along with the heavy cream for an extra creamy and cheesy texture.
- Southwestern Twist: Adding some black olives or corn salsa can give your soup an additional layer of flavor and texture, creating a hearty southwestern-inspired meal.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients to discover new flavor combinations that you love!
FAQ
What makes Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup so easy to prepare?
The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to combine and pressure cook all your ingredients without the need for multiple pots and pans. This one-pot method simplifies meal prep and cleanup.
Can I make this soup using frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast for this recipe. Just remember to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
How can I store leftovers of Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup?
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool before transferring to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What toppings do you recommend for this soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced jalapeños, and crispy tortilla strips. These add flavor and texture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese to accommodate a dairy-free diet.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Use fresh or frozen; increase cooking time if using frozen.
- 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
- 1 can corn Drained.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese To taste.
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
For Garnish
- chopped cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients.
- Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Lock the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
Cooking
- Select the high-pressure setting and set the timer for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.
Final Steps
- Remove the chicken breast from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, with optional toppings.
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