Table of Contents
Intro
Craving a warm, spicy, low-carb meal that’s easy to prep and ready in under an hour? This Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot is a cozy favorite loaded with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and bold fajita flavors — all without the carb-heavy guilt. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying keto-friendly dinner or a new addition to your Instant Pot recipe rotation, this dish is rich in protein and flavor while keeping carbs in check. In this article, I’ll share the story behind this soup, guide you step-by-step, and offer expert tips, nutrition info, and more.
The Story Behind My Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot
A childhood craving turned keto classic
Growing up near the Black Forest, spicy food wasn’t exactly the norm. But when my family moved to Texas, everything changed — especially my tastebuds. That’s where I first discovered sizzling fajitas at a roadside Tex-Mex place, served with grilled onions, peppers, and perfectly seasoned meat on a cast-iron skillet. Years later, after moving to New York and embracing a keto lifestyle, I found myself missing those bold flavors.
I began experimenting with converting my favorites into low-carb meals. That’s when this Instant Pot chicken fajita soup was born — a fusion of American comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavor, made simpler and faster in the pressure cooker. I’ve made it dozens of times since, and each bowl feels like a warm, nostalgic hug.
This soup is ideal for batch cooking, especially for anyone juggling a busy schedule and a keto plan. And if you’re exploring more keto friendly soups to buy or make, this one rivals store-bought versions both in flavor and nutrition. It’s also a great follow-up to dishes like my Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup or Instant Pot Dill Pickle Soup.
Why Instant Pot chicken fajita soup is a keto must-try
The Instant Pot is the real hero here. It makes it possible to enjoy the slow-cooked depth of fajita flavor in just 30 minutes of cooking time. No extra pans. No stove babysitting. And when you’re cutting carbs, it’s essential to maximize flavor — which this soup does thanks to a bold combination of taco seasoning, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
And let’s talk macros: with only 7g net carbs and 26g protein per serving, this keto chicken fajita soup in the Instant Pot fits seamlessly into your low-carb meal plan. It’s filling, full of nutrients, and surprisingly light in fat, so you can add toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream without going overboard.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a keeper — just like my Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup, but even more tailored to a low-carb lifestyle.
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Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot (Low-Carb Comfort in a Bowl)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot is low in carbs, full of bold fajita flavor, and ready in 30 minutes. A keto comfort food staple that’s great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (10 oz each)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Set to cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure after cooking.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the soup.
- Stir and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.
Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
For creamier texture, stir in cream cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 545mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup – Ingredients and Instructions
What goes into keto chicken fajita soup in the Instant Pot
One of the best things about this chicken fajita soup Instant Pot recipe is how approachable the ingredients are. You likely have most of them on hand already. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — which is ideal if you’re cooking for picky eaters or using what’s in the fridge.
Here’s what you’ll need for a hearty batch that serves 8:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 2 (10 oz each) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Taco seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced garlic | 2 teaspoons |
| Chopped onion | ½ onion |
| Green bell pepper | 1, chopped |
| Red bell pepper | 1, chopped |
Want extra heat? Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
You’ll find the ingredient combo similar to my Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, just with a keto-friendly makeover. For added bulk without carbs, stir in chopped zucchini after pressure cooking.
How to make keto chicken fajita soup step-by-step
This recipe is as easy as dump, cook, shred, and stir. Here’s how to bring it together using your Instant Pot:
1. Add everything to the pot:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add tomatoes (with juice), broth, taco seasoning, garlic, onions, and peppers right on top. No need to stir.
2. Seal and cook:
Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 30 minutes.
3. Quick release:
When the timer beeps, carefully do a quick release. Use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from steam.
4. Shred the chicken:
Remove the cooked chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
5. Stir and serve:
Mix everything well and ladle into bowls. Top with your favorites: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or sliced avocado.
This soup is a perfect match for colder nights or meal prep Sundays. If you’re a fan of Instant Pot meals with bold flavors, you’ll also enjoy my Marry Me Chicken Instant Pot recipe.
Variations, Storage Tips & Keto-Friendly Twists
Creative spins on Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot
One of the reasons I return to this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot again and again is its versatility. You can stick with the base recipe or change things up based on your macros, mood, or what’s in the fridge. All the variations still deliver those satisfying fajita flavors — without knocking you out of ketosis.
Try these low-carb additions and swaps:
- Creamy & comforting: Add cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a velvety finish.
- Spicy & bold: Stir in chopped jalapeños or chipotle in adobo for more heat.
- Veggie-loaded: Bulk up with cauliflower rice, zucchini, or spinach.
- Protein options: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken.
This Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot is also a great base for taco-style toppings. Serve it with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy low-carb tortilla strips. I like pairing it with a slice of my Instant Pot Cabbage dish on the side for extra fiber and flavor.
Smart storage for make-ahead success
Meal prepping this soup is just as simple as making it. After pressure cooking, allow it to cool completely. Then, store and reheat without losing flavor or texture.
Store your leftover Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Freeze: Portion out into freezer bags or jars and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot.
I often make a double batch of this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot on Sunday nights. This Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot gets even more flavorful the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. And for those hectic evenings, pulling a frozen portion out and pairing it with something like Instant Pot Dill Pickle Soup or Instant Pot Lasagna Soup keeps dinnertime stress-free and flavorful.
Nutrition, FAQs, and Final Thoughts on Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot
Nutritional breakdown and keto benefits
If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot offers the perfect balance of protein and clean, satisfying ingredients. Here’s the full breakdown per serving (makes 8):
- Calories: 162
- Net Carbs: 5g (7g total carbs – 2g fiber)
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 545mg
- Vitamins: A – 735 IU, C – 47mg
- Iron: 2mg
With only 5g net carbs and no flour or thickeners, this soup is one of the most nutrient-dense and satisfying options in your low-carb meal rotation. It’s high in potassium, rich in flavor, and leaves plenty of room for keto toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.
It fits well within most daily carb limits and beats out many keto friendly soups to buy, which often include added preservatives or hidden sugars. Homemade always wins — just like when I make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup but swap the rice for cauliflower.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes. Just increase the pressure cook time to 35 minutes. The Instant Pot may take a bit longer to reach pressure, but you’ll still get juicy, tender chicken that’s easy to shred—perfect for this keto chicken fajita soup.
Is this soup dairy-free?
The base recipe is dairy-free. You can choose toppings like avocado, fresh lime, or dairy-free cheese alternatives. But for extra creaminess, feel free to stir in sour cream or shredded cheddar.
Can I make this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores beautifully and the flavors get better over time. Refrigerate this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick keto-friendly meal later.
How can I thicken the soup while keeping it keto?
Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese, or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. You can also add a bit of xanthan gum (about ¼ teaspoon) while simmering after pressure cooking.
Whether you’re new to the ketogenic lifestyle or already planning weekly meals, this Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot is a delicious way to stay on track. And if you’re exploring similar flavor-packed meals, you’ll enjoy the Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup or the cozy French Onion Soup Pot Roast.
Conclusion
This Keto Chicken Fajita Soup in the Instant Pot checks every box: it’s low-carb, high-protein, ultra-flavorful, and made with whole ingredients in just one pot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing portions for future dinners, this soup belongs in every keto cook’s rotation. With customizable toppings, freezer-friendly storage, and quick prep in under an hour, this Instant Pot chicken fajita soup delivers keto comfort food without compromise.
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