There is nothing better on a chilly night than a big warm bowl of soup. This Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is one of the best soup recipes ever and it has become a favorite in my house. If you are looking for chicken soup instant pot style, this one is cozy, easy, and so comforting. I love it because it is one of those chicken soup recipes instant pot that is totally doable on a busy weeknight.
For more cozy and comforting recipes like this one, be sure to explore our Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes, where you will find even more easy, family-friendly soup ideas perfect for weeknight dinners and chilly days.
It is a super easy instant pot soup that comes together fast but tastes like you spent all day cooking. I always tell my friends about my instapot chicken soup recipes because everyone needs a go-to like this. This recipe is part of my instapot soup recipes collection and it is one of my favorite instant pot chicken soup dishes.
Ingredients
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- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creamy soup)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
Turn the Instant Pot on to Sauté mode. Add butter or olive oil. Throw in the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until they are soft and smell amazing. It fills the kitchen with that homey smell that makes you feel like everything is going to be okay.
Step 2: Add chicken and rice
Place the chicken right on top of the veggies. Add the rinsed wild rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a little stir so everything is mixed, but dont break the chicken yet.
Step 3: Pour in the broth
Pour all of the chicken broth into the pot. Make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom or the Instant Pot will complain.
Step 4: Pressure cook
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 25 minutes. After it finishes, let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release for the rest of the pressure.
Step 5: Shred the chicken
Take the chicken out carefully. Use two forks to shred it. Put it back into the soup and stir. Already smells amazing.
Step 6: Add cream (optional)
If you want creamy soup, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir and taste. Add more salt or pepper if it needs it.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Ladle into bowls. This soup is perfect for dinner and even better the next day.
Meal Prep Tips
- Chop all the veggies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It makes assembling the soup super fast.
- Rinse the wild rice and measure it into a small container so it is ready to go.
- Cook the chicken a day ahead if you want. You can shred it and store it separately, then add it to the soup at the last minute.
- Portion out the soup into individual servings if you want lunches ready for the week.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze it, leave out the cream. Freeze in portioned containers and add the cream when reheating.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave slowly so the soup stays creamy and the rice does not get mushy.
- Label the containers with the date so you do not forget how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time if they are bone-in, but boneless thighs work perfectly with this recipe.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end after shredding the chicken. It makes the soup rich and cozy without being too heavy.
Can I use a different type of rice?
You can, but wild rice gives the best texture and flavor. Brown rice or a rice blend works too, but it might cook faster so keep an eye on it.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It will stay good in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day because the flavors have time to meld.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes really well. Leave out the cream if using, freeze in portioned containers, and add cream when reheating.
Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe Card
Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter or olive oil. Cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Place chicken on top of the veggies. Add rinsed wild rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give a gentle stir.
- Add chicken broth and make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken carefully, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
Tips
- Rinse wild rice well before cooking to remove grit.
- Freeze in portioned containers without cream; add cream when reheating.
- Add extra veggies like peas, corn, or mushrooms for more flavor.
- A pinch of paprika or cayenne adds a little kick if desired.
Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tender meat.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free broth.
- Add cooked pasta or noodles for a different texture.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy version.
It is a super easy instant pot soup that comes together fast but tastes like you spent all day cooking. My go-to instapot chicken soup recipes collection would not be complete without this one. This recipe is part of my instapot soup recipes and instant pot chicken soup favorites because it is creamy, full of flavor, and a perfect example of instant pot soups and stews done right.
This is one of those one pot soup recipes that makes dinner simple and satisfying. It is perfect for soup ideas for dinner when life gets busy or when you just need a warm hug in a bowl. During cold months, it is one of the winter soups and stews that everyone loves. Truly, it is one of the yummy soup recipes that keeps me coming back to the Instant Pot again and again.
Check Out More Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes!
Rich And Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Hearty Creamy Chicken Potato Soup
Light And Tasty Chicken Corn Bowl
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
