Name: Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 ounce (113 g) diced green chiles; Juice of 1 lime; 1 jalapeño, diced; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; 1 cup (164 g) frozen corn kernels; 3 cups (710 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 15 ounce (425 g) canned hominy, drained; 2 cups (473 g) shredded rotisserie chicken; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl that bursts with bold flavors and comforting warmth, look no further than this Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe. This dish perfectly balances spicy jalapeños, tangy lime juice, and tender shredded chicken in a luscious broth filled with sweet corn and hearty hominy. It’s not just soup—it’s a vibrant, soul-soothing meal that comes together in under an hour, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. Whether you’re a spice lover or simply want an easy, wholesome dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board holds neatly chopped green peppers on the left, showing a bright, fresh green color with smooth, small square pieces. Next to the peppers, there is a larger pile of finely chopped red onion, showing a mix of purple and white layers in small square pieces that look crisp. Behind the chopped vegetables, two whole green jalapeño peppers lie horizontally, shiny with smooth skin, while a whole red onion sits on the right side, round and shiny with deep purple color. A silver knife with a clean blade rests partly on the chopped onion on the board. The surface below the board is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something unique to the party. From the sharpness of diced onions and garlic to the earthy warmth of cumin and coriander, every element plays a crucial role in crafting that vibrant flavor profile.

1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic kick that complements the spices.
4 ounce (113 g) diced green chiles: Brings a mild heat and subtle smoky flavor.
Juice of 1 lime: Offers brightness and a fresh tang that livens up the broth.
1 jalapeño, diced: Adds just the right amount of spicy zing, adjustable to your heat preference.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy undertone that ties the flavors together.
½ teaspoon ground coriander: Infuses a light citrusy note that enhances the soup’s complexity.
1 cup (164 g) frozen corn kernels: Adds natural sweetness and color contrast.
3 cups (710 ml) low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation with just the right salt level.
15 ounce (425 g) canned hominy, drained: Offers a chewy, corn-based texture that makes the soup hearty.
2 cups (473 g) shredded rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, juicy protein without extra effort.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all flavors.

How to Make Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Flavorful Base

Start by adding the diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chiles, lime juice, diced jalapeño, cumin, coriander, frozen corn, and chicken broth right into the Instant Pot insert. This combination creates the aromatic and zesty foundation for your soup. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients before sealing the lid.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Soup

Set your Instant Pot to the “soup” function or manually set it to high pressure for 30 minutes. This is where the flavors really meld together and the heat from the jalapeño deepens without overpowering. The pressure cooking also tenderizes the corn and infuses the broth with every spice and the fresh lime juice’s bright notes.

Step 3: Add Hominy and Chicken

Once the cooking cycle completes, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. Then stir in the drained hominy and shredded rotisserie chicken. Keep the Instant Pot on the “keep warm” setting with the lid closed for another 10 minutes. This step gently heats the hominy and chicken through without overcooking, ensuring tender bites in every spoonful.

Step 4: Season and Final Touches

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step is key to balancing the rich spice, lime tang, and savory chicken flavors uniquely offering a personalized flavor experience.

How to Serve Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe

The image shows three bowls of white bean soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a light broth base filled with white beans and shredded chicken. On top, there are thin slices of green jalapeño peppers and pinkish-red radish slices, adding bright green and pink colors. Shredded white cheese and crushed yellow tortilla chips are sprinkled over the soup, creating a layered texture. A silver spoon rests inside two of the bowls. Around the bowls, there are multiple whole yellow tortilla chips scattered, along with lime wedges—one half lime and one lime piece—and a few fresh green cilantro leaves. Two small bowls with coarse salt and a white creamy sauce are also placed on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your bowl with fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime for extra zest, or thinly sliced avocado for creaminess. For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or a handful of shredded cheese like Monterey Jack. Garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally, making every bite perfectly layered.

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to complement the lime-infused broth. A side of Mexican rice or simple black beans can turn this soup into a fulfilling meal for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-friendly twist, serve in individual bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. You can also offer build-your-own garnish stations where guests add their favorite toppings, creating a fun, interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the jalapeños from losing their punchy flavor.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The soup freezes well without losing its depth of flavor or texture, making it a fantastic meal prep option on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling after reheating to keep the chicken tender and maintain that fresh lime brightness.

FAQs

Can I adjust the spice level in this soup?

Absolutely! The jalapeño adds a moderate heat, but you can remove the seeds for less spice or add more if you like it hotter. Diced green chiles also contribute to the flavor and can be swapped for milder or hotter varieties depending on your preference.

Is rotisserie chicken necessary?

Not at all. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient way to add tender shredded meat quickly. You can use cooked chicken breast or thighs, or even shredded turkey in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop in a heavy pot for about 45 minutes until the flavors meld, then add the hominy and chicken to warm through. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels to avoid drying out the soup.

What is hominy, and can it be substituted?

Hominy is dried corn kernels treated to remove the hull and germ, offering a chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor. If you cannot find hominy, canned or frozen corn kernels alone will still work but the texture will be less substantial.

How do I store leftover soup without losing texture?

Keep the soup refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat gently. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent the chicken and hominy from becoming rubbery or mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe is a lively, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients make it perfect for any day when you need a little sunshine and spice in your bowl. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup!

Instant Pot Jalapeño Lime Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need