California Pizza Kitchen’s Sedona Tortilla Soup

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sedona Tortilla Soup–a flavorful soup inspired by the restaurant made with tomatoes, corn, jalapeño, garlic and tortilla chips that cook right into the broth, with optional chicken for extra protein. Make it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.

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California Pizza Kitchen’s Sedona Tortilla Soup

I was surprised that such a few, simply ingredients could produce such great flavor! This soup was a winner at my house. The original recipe requires you to fry corn tortillas and add them into the soup. I just used tortilla chips to completely simplify that step. It worked quite well to thicken the soup and give it that yummy corn tortilla flavor. Pile your bowl with cheese, avocado, sour cream and a few crunchy tortilla chips on top and you’ve got such an easy, cozy dinner. And the bonus is that leftovers taste even better the next day after all those flavors have had a chance to marry overnight. (This recipe is adapted from CopyKat recipes).

Ingredients/Substitution Ideas

• Vegetable oil–you can also use olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil
• Onion
• Jalapeño–remove the seeds and membranes for less heat or leave some in if you like heat. You can also use a small can of diced green chiles for a milder option.
• Garlic–or 1 tsp garlic powder.
• Chicken broth–or water and Better than Bouillon.
• Frozen corn–or use 1 can of corn, drained.
• Crushed tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes–use crushed tomatoes for a smoother, thicker broth or petite diced tomatoes for more texture. I think it’s unfortunate that they hardly make crushed tomatoes in the 14 oz can. Usually I have to buy the 28 oz can and then I freeze half for another recipe.
• Cumin.
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Chicken breast–optional. Boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work well. You can also use a cup or two of rotisserie chicken.
• Yellow tortilla chips–I love the Don Julio Lightly Seasoned tortilla chips.

Steps

Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says HOT add in the oil and swirl around. Add in the onion and jalapeno and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.

Pour in the broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking. Keep Instant Pot on the saute setting so it can start heating up the broth.

Add in the corn, tomatoes, cumin, pepper, chili powder, chicken and tortilla chips.

Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set SOUP button or LOW pressure to 3 minutes. When time is up let pot sit for 5 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid.

Taste test and add salt to taste (it will depend on how salty your broth and tortilla chips are).

Ladle into bowls and serve soup topped with your favorite toppings.

Notes/Tips

• The tortilla chips are supposed to soften. They aren’t meant to stay crunchy in the soup. As they cook they break down and add corn flavor while slightly thickening the broth.
• Chicken is optional. Leave it out for a lighter soup or add the bite-size chicken pieces for a heartier meal. You could also stir in cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken after pressure cooking.
• Adjust the heat: A seeded jalapeño makes this fairly mild. Leave in some seeds and membranes or add cayenne pepper if you want more heat.
• For a thicker soup: Use crushed tomatoes instead of petite diced tomatoes.
• Gluten free: This recipe can be gluten free. Just make sure your tortilla chips are labeled as such.
• Dairy free: This recipe can be gluten free if you don’t use cheese and sour cream as toppings.
• Great toppings: Try shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, diced tomatoes and/or extra crunchy tortilla chips or corn chips.
• Storing leftovers: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Yes, this soup can be frozen. Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Tools:
  • I used my 6 quart Instant Pot*. You can also make this in an 8 quart pot.
  • Wooden saute paddle*
  • Knife*
  • Cutting board*
  • Magnetic measuring cups*
  • Magnetic measuring spoons*
  • Glass measuring cup*
  • Ladle*

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