Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder

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Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder

There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a long day, completely exhausted, and remembering you still need to figure out dinner. This is exactly where Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup comes to the rescue! This one-pot miracle combines the rich flavors of your favorite tacos with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup—all ready in just minutes thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. The aromatic blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold Mexican spices creates a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a colorful cantina. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort—exactly what we all need in our cooking arsenal!

Why You’ll Love This Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

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Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder

Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder


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  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe that combines the flavors of tacos with a hearty soup. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this soup features chicken, vegetables, and spices for a delicious one-pot meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 10 oz Frozen Soup Mix (typically contains carrots, corn, peas, and green beans)
  • 3 cups Water
  • 2 TBS Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 46 oz Evaporated Milk
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, optional

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready to go.
  3. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  4. Add chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to brown.
  5. Add the frozen soup mix, water, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set for 5 minutes on high pressure.
  7. Once the cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
  8. Carefully open the lid and stir in the evaporated milk until creamy. Adjust salt as needed.

Notes

  • Toast taco seasoning in the Instant Pot for 30 seconds before adding liquids to enhance flavor.
  • To thicken, mash some vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry.
  • For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 13
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 24
  • Cholesterol: N/A

Ingredients for Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

This Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup uses simple, accessible ingredients that deliver big on flavor:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 10 oz Frozen Soup Mix (typically contains carrots, corn, peas, and green beans)
  • 3 cups Water
  • 2 TBS Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4-6 oz Evaporated Milk
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, optional

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

  • For Protein: Substitute chicken breast for thighs, or use ground turkey for a different texture.
  • For Vegetarians: Replace chicken with 2 cans of rinsed black or pinto beans.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Enhance your Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup with diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or fresh corn kernels.
  • For Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk.
  • Boost the Flavor: Add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes or green chilies for more depth.

How to Make Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup â€“ Step by Step

Prep Work

Step 1: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready to go—the beauty of Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup is how quickly it comes together once you start cooking!

Cooking Process

Step 3: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Add chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to brown. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to your Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup.

Step 5: Add the frozen soup mix, water, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set for 5 minutes on high pressure.

Step 7: Once the cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.

Step 8: When the pressure valve drops, carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns.

Step 9: Stir in the evaporated milk until your Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder
Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder

Pro Tips for Making the Best Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

  • For Maximum Flavor: Toast your taco seasoning in the Instant Pot for 30 seconds before adding the liquid ingredients to awaken the spices.
  • Texture Tip: For a thicker Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup, mash some of the vegetables slightly or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
  • Spice Control: If you love spicy Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste before serving.
  • Make It Creamier: For an extra indulgent Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup with creamy cheese blend, stir in cream cheese instead of evaporated milk.
  • Time-Saving Hack: Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken—just add it after pressure cooking to warm through.

Best Ways to Serve Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Transform your Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup into a complete meal with these serving suggestions:

Toppings Bar

Set up a topping station with:

  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Extra shredded cheese

Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup with avocado topping is especially popular and adds healthy fats to your meal!

Side Pairings

Storage & Leftovers

Your Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep!

  • Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (without dairy). Add the evaporated milk when reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through. If the soup thickens too much after storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Nutritional Information for Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

This is an approximate nutritional analysis per serving (makes 4 servings):

  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg (varies based on taco seasoning used)

For low-carb Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup ingredients, omit the corn from your soup mix and be mindful of the taco seasoning you choose (some contain sugar or starches).

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup?

The essential ingredients include chicken thighs, frozen vegetable soup mix, water, taco seasoning, evaporated milk, and optional cheese. Additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips enhance the experience.

How long does it take to cook Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup?

From start to finish, you can have Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup on the table in about 25 minutes—5 minutes to prep, 5 minutes to come to pressure, 5 minutes of cook time, and 10 minutes for pressure release and finishing touches.

Can I use frozen chicken for Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, increase the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes instead of 5. You won’t be able to sauté it first, but the soup will still be delicious.

What are some toppings for Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup?

Popular toppings include avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, tortilla strips, sour cream, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. Create a topping bar and let everyone customize their bowl!

Conclusion

Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup is the perfect solution for busy households, comfort food lovers, and anyone who enjoys bold, Mexican-inspired flavors without a lot of fuss. The beauty of this one-pot wonder lies in its simplicity and adaptability—adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or create a custom topping bar to suit any preference. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for lunches, or serving a crowd, this Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Have you tried making this Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup recipe? Share your experience or favorite toppings in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family who appreciate delicious, easy meals.

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