Chicken Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Ah, chicken soup-the classic comfort food that has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations. There’s something undeniably soothing about a steaming bowl of chicken soup, especially when it’s made in an Instant Pot, saving you time and effort while preserving all the depth of flavor we crave. Whether you’re dealing with a cold or simply need a cozy meal, this chicken soup recipe will become your go-to for both its convenience and its rich, delicious taste. The Instant Pot, with its ability to quickly cook ingredients while infusing them with flavor, is a game changer for those days when you want to enjoy homemade comfort food without the long simmering wait.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s as simple as it is flavorful, bringing together fresh ingredients in an easy-to-follow, time-saving approach. By the end of this, you’ll be a chicken soup pro, knowing how to customize it to your preferences while keeping it super easy and quick.

Chicken Soup Instant Pot Recipe

This Chicken Soup Instant Pot recipe is the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that cooks everything to perfection in under an hour. No need to stand by the stove stirring or waiting hours for your soup to develop its flavors. With the Instant Pot, you can have a piping hot, hearty chicken soup ready to serve in a fraction of the time.

What makes this recipe so special is how well the Instant Pot infuses all the ingredients, creating a rich broth and tender chicken. The vegetables soak in all those savory juices, making every spoonful comforting and nourishing. And let’s not forget that satisfying broth-clear, aromatic, and brimming with the taste of fresh herbs and spices.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Instant Pot Chicken Soup. Luckily, these are all pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt for anything special.

• Chicken: You’ll need 2 lbs of bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Bone-in is ideal for a richer flavor, but breasts will work just fine if you prefer leaner meat.
• Carrots: About 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or half-moons.
• Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped. Celery adds that classic crunch and subtle flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped. The onion brings in that sweet, aromatic base.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic enhances the soup’s depth, giving it a warm, earthy flavor.
• Potatoes: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced. Potatoes make the soup heartier and create that creamy texture once they cook down.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This is the base for your soup, so choose a high-quality broth for maximum flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of parsley for garnish.
• Lemon Juice: Optional, but it adds a nice, bright finish to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can easily bring this comforting chicken soup to life in your Instant Pot:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your vegetables and chicken. Chop your carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and potatoes. Set them aside. Season your chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the pot, placing them on top of the sautéed vegetables. You don’t need to brown the chicken, as it will cook through in the broth.
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. Toss in the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves.
5. Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing”. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
6. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
7. Shred the Chicken: Open the Instant Pot and carefully remove the chicken. Shred it using two forks and return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaves.
8. Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces provide more flavor because the bones release collagen and other nutrients into the broth, making it richer. You can remove the bones after cooking for a more tender, easier-to-eat option.
• Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables are the heart of any classic chicken soup, providing sweetness, texture, and a slight crunch. Carrots also help naturally thicken the broth when they soften.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building the base flavor of the soup. Sautéing them first in the Instant Pot gives them time to release their sweetness and become tender, which boosts the overall depth of the soup.
• Potatoes: The potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender, making them perfect for adding heartiness to the soup. Plus, they give the soup a thicker texture once they cook down.

Expert Tips

• For a thicker soup: If you like a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes before adding the shredded chicken. This will naturally thicken the liquid, giving the soup a creamier consistency.
• Don’t skip the natural release: Letting the pressure release naturally before doing a quick release allows the flavors to continue developing, and the chicken becomes more tender and juicy.
• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth can take this soup to the next level. It adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that store-bought versions might lack.
• Play with seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices. Dill, rosemary, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor. You can also toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.

Recipe Variations

This chicken soup recipe is incredibly versatile, so here are some fun variations you can try:

• Vegetable Chicken Soup: Add more vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or parsnips for a hearty vegetable-packed version.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a couple of diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving for a rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap out potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative. The cauliflower will break down similarly, giving the soup a thick, creamy feel.

Final Words

This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or when you’re under the weather and need a little extra TLC. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its comforting taste but also in how quickly it comes together. With the Instant Pot, you get all the flavor of a slow-simmered chicken soup in a fraction of the time-plus, cleanup is a breeze.

The layers of flavors, from the tender chicken to the savory broth and perfectly cooked vegetables, make every spoonful a delight. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s entirely customizable to your tastes, dietary preferences, and available ingredients.