Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth. This recipe captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food while embracing the convenience of modern cooking technology. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty meal prep option, this soup is sure to become a beloved addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is loved for its rich flavors and the ease of preparation that the Instant Pot brings. The soup features the savory combination of chicken and wild rice, which is both hearty and nutritious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. Plus, with its wholesome ingredients, this recipe fits well into a balanced lifestyle, making it a great choice for families and health-conscious eaters alike.
Tips and Tricks
- Sauté First: Take advantage of the sauté function to enhance the flavor base. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they soften before adding other ingredients.
- Use Quality Stock: Opt for homemade or high-quality chicken stock for a richer flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Times: If you prefer your rice a bit firmer, reduce the cooking time to 25 minutes instead of 30.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: To preserve their flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prep Ingredients: Chop vegetables and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance.
- Cooked Soup Storage: The soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
- Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Variations
- Swap Proteins: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of raw chicken for quicker preparation.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable stock.
How to Serve
Serve this hearty soup in bowls garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this comforting soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade works wonderfully. For dessert, a warm apple crisp or chocolate chip cookies would complement the meal perfectly.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Dietary Adaptations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your broth and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Fall/Winter: Add seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes for added warmth and flavor.
- Spring/Summer: Use fresh peas and asparagus for a lighter, fresher version of the soup.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?: While you can use brown rice, note that it will alter the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
- What can I substitute for chicken?: You can use turkey or even canned beans for a vegetarian option.
- How do I fix overcooked rice?: If the rice becomes mushy, try adding a bit more broth to the soup to help balance the texture.
Instant Pot Chicken And Wild Rice Soup
Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on to the sauté setting. Add olive oil and let it heat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the chicken breasts, wild rice, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 361Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 1400mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 28g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining convenience with delightful flavors. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe is bound to satisfy and nourish. Give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl!
