If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and utterly satisfying, Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect choice. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity-yet, with the right ingredients and a little bit of time, it delivers a richness in flavor that’s hard to beat. Using the Instant Pot to make this recipe just takes it to another level of ease. You’ll have a hot, flavorful bowl of soup ready in under an hour, even on a busy weeknight.
The Instant Pot isn’t just a time-saver, it also locks in flavors, ensuring every spoonful is a delightful balance of savory chicken, tender rice, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re dealing with a cold day, a runny nose, or just a need for a nourishing meal, Chicken and Rice Soup will always have your back. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish in the easiest way possible-using your trusty Instant Pot.
Chicken And Rice Soup Instant Pot Recipe
Here’s the full guide for making Chicken and Rice Soup in the Instant Pot, designed for ultimate ease and maximum flavor. With this recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of hearty, savory goodness in no time at all.
Ingredients Needed
To make this simple yet flavorful chicken and rice soup, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless) – 2 large pieces (about 1 lb). You could also use thighs for a richer flavor.
- Rice – 1 cup of long-grain white rice, rinsed (this will prevent the rice from becoming too starchy).
- Carrots – 2 medium-sized, peeled and chopped. Carrots bring a subtle sweetness and color.
- Celery – 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the soup.
- Yellow Onion – 1 medium, diced. The onion creates the base flavor for the soup.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. Garlic elevates the soup with its rich aroma.
- Chicken Broth – 4 cups. Use low-sodium broth to keep things balanced.
- Bay Leaves – 2. They impart a deep, herbal note that enhances the broth’s complexity.
- Thyme – 1 tsp (fresh or dried). Thyme brings a delicate earthiness to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste.
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the veggies and chicken.
For garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped.
- A squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Instructions
Making Chicken and Rice Soup in the Instant Pot is as easy as it gets! Here’s how you can create a delicious bowl of comfort:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Add The Chicken And Seasonings
- Place the chicken breasts in the pot. Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Stir to combine.
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Cook The Soup
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the rest of the pressure.
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Shred The Chicken
- Open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the rice to the soup base and stir everything to combine. Replace the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 more minutes.
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Final Touches
- Quick-release the pressure again, and then stir in the shredded chicken and rice mixture. If you like your soup thinner, feel free to add a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s talk about why each ingredient plays such an important role in making this soup so delightful:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and quick to cook. You could swap them for thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier flavor.
- Rice: White rice is the standard for this recipe, but it cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the soup. Rinsing it first helps it cook to the perfect texture.
- Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables are the base of many soups for a reason. They add sweetness (carrots) and a fresh, crunchy note (celery), balancing out the rich, savory chicken broth.
- Bay Leaves: These leaves release a subtle, fragrant flavor when simmered and add complexity to the broth.
- Thyme: This herb is earthy and aromatic, elevating the soup with its fresh, herbal notes.
Expert Tips
To make sure you nail this recipe every single time, keep these tips in mind:
- Sautéing is Key: Don’t skip the sautéing step. Caramelizing the vegetables and garlic in oil first builds an incredible base flavor that takes the soup to the next level.
- Avoid Overcooking the Rice: White rice only needs a quick 5 minutes on high pressure after the chicken is shredded. Any longer and it could get mushy.
- Shred the Chicken for Better Texture: Shredding the chicken gives the soup a satisfying texture that holds up well with the rice and vegetables.
- Leftovers are Gold: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better the longer it sits.
- Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: If you can, opt for fresh thyme and parsley to enhance the flavor. Dried thyme works, but fresh is always better.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by mixing up the ingredients or adding your personal touch:
- Add Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a nutrient boost.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer, creamy texture.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding peas, corn, or even potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables.
Final Words
Chicken and Rice Soup is one of those classic comfort foods that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or something hearty to nourish your body and soul, this soup fits the bill. The Instant Pot makes it ridiculously easy to prepare, with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
From the first spoonful to the last, it’s a meal that warms you up, satisfies your hunger, and makes you feel like you’ve eaten something truly special-without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, whether you love it creamy, spicy, or extra veggie-packed.