Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup: Your Ultimate Paleo, Keto, Whole30 & AIP-Friendly Comfort Food

Discover the ultimate in healthy comfort food with this incredibly quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup! Perfectly crafted for those following Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 lifestyles, this recipe is also thoughtfully designed with simple modifications to be compatible with the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Get ready to enjoy a deeply flavorful, nutrient-dense soup that doesn’t compromise on taste or your dietary goals.

What is Chicken Tortilla Soup and Why Go “No-Tortilla”?

Chicken tortilla soup is a beloved culinary classic, cherished for its warming, robust flavors and hearty texture. Traditionally, it features a rich broth and tomato base, often with a hint of spice from jalapeños, tender chicken, and various additions like beans, corn, cheese, and, of course, crispy tortilla strips for crunch. It’s a comforting dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican-inspired cuisine right to your kitchen.

Our version, the “Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup,” takes this classic and adapts it for modern health-conscious diets without sacrificing an ounce of its delicious character. By consciously omitting beans, dairy, and traditional corn tortillas, this recipe naturally aligns with Paleo and Whole30 principles. For those on a Keto journey, the absence of high-carb ingredients makes this soup an ideal choice, offering satisfying richness without spiking blood sugar. And for individuals managing autoimmune conditions, specific modifications ensure it’s also suitable for the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), making it incredibly versatile.

The beauty of going “no-tortilla” lies in focusing on the foundational flavors of the soup itself. You’ll find that the deep, savory broth, tender chicken, and fresh toppings create a truly satisfying experience that doesn’t rely on the added carbs or potential inflammatory ingredients found in conventional tortillas. This approach allows the authentic spices and fresh aromatics to shine, delivering a wholesome meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly tasty.

The Power of the Instant Pot: Speed and Flavor Unleashed

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights, and this chicken no-tortilla soup is no exception. This multi-functional pressure cooker significantly slashes cooking time while intensifying flavors, making it possible to enjoy a homemade, healthy meal even when you’re short on time. Pressure cooking not only speeds up the process but also locks in nutrients and moisture, resulting in incredibly tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.

Beyond speed, the Instant Pot offers unparalleled convenience. With its sauté function, you can build a rich flavor base right in the pot, then simply add the remaining ingredients, set it, and forget it. This means fewer dishes to wash and less active cooking time, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your delicious soup simmers to perfection. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, a slow cooker can also be used, offering a hands-off approach for a longer cooking duration.

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Chicken No-Tortilla Soup

Crafting this flavorful soup requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s depth, texture, and nutritional profile, ensuring it’s compliant with various dietary needs while delivering maximum taste.

• Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breast is the star of this soup, providing a satisfying and tender texture. For optimal results, boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended as it cooks quickly and shreds beautifully into the soup. While boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor, chicken breast generally yields the best texture for shredding in this particular recipe.
• Avocado Oil: Chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, avocado oil is an excellent healthy fat for sautéing. It allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to come through without overpowering them. If avocado oil is unavailable, a light olive oil can be a suitable substitute, though it has a lower smoke point and a slightly more distinct flavor.
• Zucchinis: A delightful and non-traditional addition, zucchinis add significant nutritional value and body to the soup. Since this recipe omits beans, zucchini helps to create a thicker, more substantial soup, boosting your vegetable intake without adding excess carbohydrates. Its mild flavor perfectly absorbs the spices and broth, making it a wonderful hidden veggie.
• Onion & Garlic Cloves: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundational flavor base of almost any great soup. Sautéing them first releases their sweet and pungent notes, infusing the broth with incredible depth and complexity. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best flavor.
• Jalapeno: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, a diced jalapeño provides a pleasant warmth and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor. Remember to deseed it for less spice. If you are following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or prefer a milder soup, the jalapeño should be completely omitted as it is a nightshade.
• Chicken Broth: The soul of any soup, a high-quality chicken broth is essential for a rich and savory base. Opt for a low-sodium, organic chicken broth, or even homemade bone broth, to maximize flavor and nutritional benefits. Bone broth, in particular, adds collagen and gut-healing properties, making this soup even more nourishing.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring a smoky depth and a vibrant acidity to the soup, contributing significantly to its classic tortilla soup profile. For those on AIP or avoiding nightshades, fire-roasted tomatoes should be replaced with a compliant “nomato sauce.” Nomato sauce offers a similar tangy flavor profile using alternative vegetables like carrots and beets, ensuring the soup remains flavorful and compliant.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the soup. Sea salt is preferred for its mineral content. If you are following AIP, black pepper should be omitted as it is considered a seed spice and generally avoided in the elimination phase.
• Oregano & Cumin: These spices are crucial for achieving the characteristic savory, earthy, and slightly smoky notes of tortilla soup. Oregano adds a herbaceous, slightly bitter warmth, while cumin provides its distinct earthy and pungent aroma. For AIP compliance, cumin should be omitted, as it is also a seed spice.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice is a non-negotiable finishing touch! It brightens the entire soup, adding a refreshing zest and balancing the savory flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving elevates the soup to another level.
• Cilantro & Avocados: These are not just toppings; they are integral components that complete the experience. Fresh cilantro offers a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor, while creamy avocado adds a cooling contrast, healthy fats, and a luxurious texture. These toppings are essential for both taste and visual appeal, and they are fully compliant with all listed diets.

Crafting Your Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredibly satisfying soup in your Instant Pot is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, flavorful batch every time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once the inner pot is hot, add the avocado oil. Allow it to shimmer for a moment. Then, add the diced onion, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes slightly translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial for building a rich flavor base.
2. Incorporate the Zucchini: Add the chopped zucchini to the Instant Pot. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes. This brief sautéing helps to soften the zucchini slightly and allows it to begin absorbing the flavors of the aromatics.
3. Add Chicken, Broth & Seasonings: Carefully place the chicken breast into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes (or nomato sauce for AIP), and fresh lime juice. Add the sea salt, black pepper (if using), cumin (if using), and oregano. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid. Remember to reserve the fresh cilantro for garnish after cooking.
4. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Hit the “Cancel” button on your Instant Pot to end the sauté function. Secure the lid, making sure the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 12 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
5. Release Pressure and Shred Chicken: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to natural release pressure for at least 5-10 minutes, or you can perform a quick release by carefully turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Using tongs, transfer the cooked chicken breast to a cutting board. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, you can return the chicken to the pot and sauté for a few more minutes until cooked through. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot, flavorful soup into bowls. Generously top each serving with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired. These fresh toppings add a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Flexible Cooking: Slow Cooker Instructions

For those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach over several hours, this chicken no-tortilla soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. This method is perfect for meal prepping or when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.

To prepare this soup in your slow cooker, simply add all of the ingredients – chicken breast, avocado oil, diced onion, jalapeño (if using), minced garlic, chopped zucchinis, chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes (or nomato sauce), lime juice, sea salt, black pepper (if using), cumin (if using), and oregano – directly into the slow cooker pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the seasonings are well distributed. Cover the slow cooker and cook on the “Low” setting for 6-8 hours, or on “High” for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and incredibly tender. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir, and serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro and creamy avocado.

Customizing Your Soup: Variations and Topping Ideas

Can you still add tortillas to this “No-Tortilla” Soup?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to be delicious without traditional tortillas, you can certainly add them if your dietary needs allow or if you simply crave that crispy texture. For a compliant alternative that still offers a satisfying crunch, consider using Siete Tortilla Chips, which are often grain-free and made from healthier ingredients, or crispy plantain chips. These options provide the desired texture without compromising your Paleo, Whole30, or Keto goals.

Making this Chicken Tortilla Soup Nightshade-Free (AIP Compliant)

For those adhering to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) or needing to avoid nightshades, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Nightshades include ingredients like tomatoes, peppers (including jalapeños), and certain spices. To make this soup completely nightshade-free:

• Swap Tomatoes: Replace the fire-roasted tomatoes with 2 cups of a high-quality nomato sauce. Nomato sauce is a tomato-free alternative often made from a blend of carrots, beets, and other non-nightshade vegetables, providing a similar tangy and rich flavor.
• Omit Jalapeño: Completely leave out the diced jalapeño. If you still desire a subtle warmth, you can try a tiny pinch of white pepper (often tolerated on AIP, but test sensitivity) or a dash of ginger powder.
• Adjust Spices: Ensure you omit black pepper and cumin, as these are seed-based spices that are typically avoided on the AIP elimination phase. Increase the amount of oregano or add other AIP-compliant herbs like thyme or bay leaf for added flavor.

Additional Topping and Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh Herbs: Beyond cilantro, consider fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of chives for extra freshness.
• Healthy Fats: A dollop of full-fat coconut cream can add richness for a creamy texture, particularly good for Keto and Whole30.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for an added nutritional boost.
• Protein Boost: While chicken is hearty, you could add shredded pork or beef for an even more substantial meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prep throughout the week. To store, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen), then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of extra broth if it has thickened too much.

Remember to add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro just before serving, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

More Healthy & Flavorful Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of this healthy and adaptable chicken soup, you’ll surely enjoy these other delicious recipes that cater to similar dietary needs:

• Paleo Taco Salad
• Mexican Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers
• Freezer-Friendly Chicken Enchiladas
• Carne Asada
• One Pan Taco Skillet

Instant Pot Chicken No-Tortilla Soup (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Author:
Michelle

This instant pot chicken no-tortilla soup is quick and easy! It’s paleo, keto, whole30, and easy to modify for AIP.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced and deseeded (omit for AIP)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchinis, chopped (about 2 cups)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 15 oz can fire roasted tomatoes, sub 2 cups nomato sauce for AIP
• Juice of one lime
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, omit for AIP
• 1 tsp cumin, omit for AIP
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• 1-2 medium avocados, sliced

Instructions

1. Set the instant pot to saute and add the avocado oil. Once heated, add the onion, jalapeno and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is slightly translucent.
2. Add the zucchini and saute for another 1-2 minutes to soften.
3. Pour in the broth, tomato, lime juice, chicken, and seasonings (reserving cilantro to serve) and stir well to combine.
4. Hit “cancel” on the instant pot and place on the lid with the valve sealed. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 12 minutes.
5. Allow to come to pressure and cook. Quick release the pressure and carefully remove the lid. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is 165F. Set the instant pot to saute for longer if needed. Pull the chicken out and shred with two forks. Add back to the soup and stir.
6. Serve topped with cilantro, avocado, and additional lime juice to taste.

Notes

To make in the slow cooker, add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and set to low for 6-8 hours. Remove the chicken and shred when cooked through. Serve topped with cilantro and avocado.

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

Serving:
1serving

,

Calories:
320kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
15g

,

Protein:
28.5g

,

Fat:
15.8g

,

Fiber:
5.3g

All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary.

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Recipe by Michelle, Unbound Wellness. Photos by Eat Love Eats

This post first appeared on Unbound Wellness in December 2019 and was updated in March 2021.