Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Less Soup Recipe

Hey there! So, let me tell you about this Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Less Soup. It’s become a bit of a staple in our house, especially when I’m feeling lazy but still want something that tastes like I put in way more effort. I first tried it when I was doing the Whole30—you know, that month where you cut out all the fun stuff (just kidding, sort of). Anyway, I was desperate for something comforting that didn’t just taste like cardboard, and this dish was a lifesaver. Plus, it’s super easy!

Why You’ll Love This Soup

I whip this up when I’m craving something warm and hearty. My family goes wild for it—probably because it has that nice spicy kick without being too overwhelming. And let’s be real, anything made in the Instant Pot feels like magic. (There was a time I was scared to use it, thinking it might explode or something. Spoiler: it didn’t.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil if that’s what you have)
• 1 onion, chopped (I once ran out and used shallots—worked fine!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or just use a teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes—whatever you’ve got)
• 4 cups chicken broth (my grandma swears by homemade, but store-bought is fine)
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, juiced
• Avocado and cilantro for serving (optional but so good!)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode—don’t worry if it takes a bit to heat up; mine always does. Add some olive oil and throw in the onions and garlic. Sauté until they’re fragrant—this is where I usually sneak a taste because, why not?
2. Add the bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes. Don’t panic if they look a bit weird at this stage, they’ll soften nicely.
3. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the diced chicken. (I once forgot to dice it beforehand—oops, had to fish it out!)
5. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to ‘Soup’ for 15 minutes. Now’s a good time for a quick dance or a scroll through Instagram.
6. Once it’s done, manually release the pressure. Stir in the lime juice.
7. Serve hot with avocado and cilantro on top. Or not—it’s your soup.

Notes Worth Mentioning

Okay, so don’t freak out if the soup seems a bit thin at first. It thickens a little as it sits. Oh, and if you’re out of cumin, I once tried it with paprika instead, and it was surprisingly decent!

Variations on a Theme

I’ve tried adding black beans for a bit more substance, but I learned the hard way that they don’t quite fit the Whole30 rules—oops! Swap the chicken for turkey if you like, or even throw in some zucchini for extra veggies.

Equipment You Might Need

Just an Instant Pot, really. If you don’t have one, a slow cooker works too, although it takes longer. But hey, more time for Netflix, right?

How to Store This (If It Lasts)

Honestly, this soup rarely lasts more than a day in our house. But if you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. Should be good for about 2-3 days.

Serving Ideas

We love having this with a side of crispy plantain chips. My kids insist it’s the best combo, and who am I to argue with kids and their impeccable taste buds?

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

I once tried rushing the sauté step and regretted it because the onions were still crunchy. Also, make sure to dice the chicken beforehand—it saves you from fishing it out of a hot pot later!

Your Questions, Answered!

Can I make this without an Instant Pot? Absolutely! Just use a large pot on the stove and simmer everything for about an hour.

What if I don’t like spicy food? No worries! Just dial back on the chili powder or skip it altogether—it’s very forgiving.