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Easy Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup

Instant Pot taco soup is one of the easiest meals you can make. You can serve it with crackers, tortilla chips, or bread. I’ll list more sides that you can serve with taco soup below.

It’s really nice to be able to have an arsenal of quick and easy meals. I think that the electric pressure cooker is one of the best inventions ever because it’s so fast!

Basically, all you have to do is dump all the ingredients into the pot and turn it on. It does all the work for you while you go about your business.

Bowl of delicious Instant Pot taco soup with sour cream and cilantro.

Our granddaughters came over to spend the night on the evening that I made this taco soup.

Although I was concerned this might be a tad too spicy for them, they assured me it wasn’t.

So I served it. And it was a hit! They loved it!

I’ve always enjoyed a lot of spice, so I suppose they come by it honestly. Both girls had seconds, which made me happy.

Instant Pot vs. Other Multi-Use Cookers

As I’ve mentioned before, I have both the Instant Pot and the Crock Pot Express.

Both of them do the same thing, only there are a few minor differences, such as the nonstick pot in the Crock Pot express.

Instant Pot and Crock Pot Express

I made this taco soup in the Instant Pot. Since most people call all of these electric multi-coolers an Instant Pot (or Instapot), that’s what I typically use when I post a recipe here.

We love foods that have a kick. In fact, I used to double the spice called for in any recipe. I don’t do that as often now because we occasionally have our granddaughters over for dinner.

I have a few other delicious Tex Mex dishes you might enjoy. Remember that you can increase or decrease any of the spices, according to your family’s taste.

If you’ve ever tried my layered Mexican salad, you know that I enjoy strong flavors. Another of my recipes you might enjoy is the Mexican chicken and rice bowl.

Both have some heat. That said, this is one I’d serve company in a heartbeat.

What I Put in the Taco Soup

I used canned chicken, although you can use leftover chicken if you have some. It’s just that I had several cans of chicken in the pantry, so it was handy.

Additionally, I used diced tomatoes, canned corn (not the creamed style), black beans, and garbanzo beans. I used taco seasoning, but you can also use chili powder if you prefer. They’re similar in flavor.

Canned chicken, can of corn, diced tomatoes, black beans, garbanzo beans, and taco seasoning mix

I like cilantro, so I added that to the pot. Afterward, I sprinkled even more over it. In my mind, you can’t have too much cilantro.

Fresh cilantro

In order to tone down some of the heat, I put a dollop of sour cream on the side. My granddaughters stirred the sour cream into the soup before they ate it.

That basically turned it into a creamy soup. They said it was delicious.

Container of sour cream

Taco Seasoning Versus Chili Powder

As I already mentioned, taco seasoning and chili powder are similar, but there are some differences between between them. First of all, there is chili powder in taco seasoning, which is why they have a similar taste.

Secondly, taco seasoning has other flavors in it, including cumin, garlic, oregano, and more. Chili powder is made primarily with dehydrated ground chili peppers, although it can have some of the other seasonings as well.

Since I’m pretty flexible with flavors, I don’t mind using them interchangeably. However, if you’re preparing a meal for someone who is a purist, stick to taco seasoning for this recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot Taco Soup

If you use canned chicken, no advance preparation is needed. However, if you use raw chicken, you need to cook it before putting it in the Instant Pot. I would cut it into bite-sized pieces before sautéing it in oil in the Instant Pot.

Dump all of the main ingredients into the pot. Put on the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to seal.

Finally, turn it on. You can either use the “soup” setting or manually set it at 20 minutes.

Taco soup ingredients in the Instant Pot

You’ll see the “on” light, until it reaches full pressure. Then it will count down until it is finished cooking.

I let the pressure naturally release for 8 minutes, and then I turned the valve to release the rest.

"On" light on the Instant Pot

Toppings

I like to add toppings to my taco soup. This time, I added sour cream and cilantro. In addition to that, I often chop up some jalapeno peppers and toss those into the soup.

Other times, I use shredded cheese or avocado. Choose whatever you’re in the mood for. Or you can offer a condiments platter so each family member or guest can add whatever they want.

Instant Pot taco soup is easy to make and full of flavor.

More Recipes

I enjoy trying new things. So when I heard about roasting slices of cabbage, I went out and purchased the ingredients to make these cabbage steaks. Yum!

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s perfect for your taco soup dinner, try this creamy cool fruit salad. Yes, I know I’m calling it a salad. But it’s actually more of a dessert.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Taco Soup

You can serve whatever you prefer with these south-of-the-border flavors. I typically serve corn chips and sometimes a side salad.

Here are some of my favorite foods that go with taco soup:

For even more recipes that go with taco soup, go here: More deliciousness.

Yield: 6 servings

Instant Pot Taco Soup

Instant Pot Taco Soup with sour cream and cilantro
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken breast (canned is fine)
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 can of corn (not drained)
  • 1 can of drained black beans
  • 1 can of drained garbanzo beans
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Dump all of the ingredients into your Instant Pot and stir.
  2. Put on the lid and set the pressure valve to “seal.”
  3. Set the timer on 20 minutes. After the timer dings, allow the pressure to release naturally for 8 minutes.
  4. Turn the pressure valve to “quick release.”
  5. After the pressure is fully released, it is ready to serve.

Notes

Add toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, more chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or whatever else you like.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 160Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 21mgSodium 546mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 6gSugar 4gProtein 14g

The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

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See this recipe shared at Meal Plan Monday, Weekend Potluck, and Full Plate Thursday.

Please feel free to share!

Patricia Pearson

Friday 15th of December 2023

Do you have a crock pot recipe for taco soup.

southernhomeexpress

Friday 15th of December 2023

Hi Patricia. I would put all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, depending on how hot yours cooks.

Supriya Kutty

Tuesday 27th of August 2019

Umm, looking so healthy and so delicious. My family is a soup lover and I am sure that if I try out this recipe they will just love it. I have never tried such kind of soup before. But, now I will try it out and let you know. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe. Have a great day.

southernhomeexpress

Tuesday 27th of August 2019

I hope you enjoy it! This soup has been a favorite around here.

Miz Helen

Monday 20th of May 2019

We are Taco Soup lovers and your recipe looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us on Full Plate Thursday and come back real soon! Miz Helen

southernhomeexpress

Monday 20th of May 2019

Thanks, Miz Helen! I try not to miss your Full Plate Thursday! You're such a gracious host!

Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots

Thursday 16th of May 2019

What a great recipe for my new Instant Pot!

southernhomeexpress

Thursday 16th of May 2019

I think you'll like it. If you prefer less heat, try it with mild taco seasoning.

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