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Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is cozy, creamy, and full of flavor. It is one of the best soup recipes ever for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, chewy wild rice, and fresh veggies make it hearty and comforting. It is an easy instant pot soup that can be made in one pot, perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even freezing for later.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs boneless skinless
  • 1 cup wild rice rinsed
  • 1 onion medium diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter or olive oil. Cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  2. Place chicken on top of the veggies. Add rinsed wild rice, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give a gentle stir.
  3. Add chicken broth and make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
  5. Remove the chicken carefully, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
  6. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. 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.