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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is cozy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Made all in one pot, it is a hearty meal that kids and adults both love. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it is one of those recipes you will make again and again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Soup
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup rice long grain
  • 1 onion medium diced
  • 2 to 3 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
Optional:
  • parsley fresh for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and chop your veggies. Keep carrots and celery roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
  2. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a little oil. Cook onion, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic last and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken, rice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix everything.
  4. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  5. Carefully release the pressure. Stir the soup and check that rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
  6. Sprinkle parsley on top if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites.
  • Make the soup base without rice and freeze for later. Add rice when ready to cook.
  • For thicker soup, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in after cooking.
  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.

Variations

  • Add vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
  • Swap long grain white rice for brown rice (cook separately if needed).
  • Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster version.