Name: Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion; 2 celery ribs; 2 carrots; 2 garlic cloves; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 teaspoon italian seasoning or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup long-grain white rice; 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or 2 1/2 cups chicken stock; 2 1/3 cups water

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Are you looking for a warm and comforting meal to soothe your soul on a chilly day? Look no further than this Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe, which is packed with delicious flavors and nutritious ingredients. This soup is easy to make in your Instant Pot, saving you time and effort while delivering a high-quality meal.

With this recipe, you can enjoy the rich taste of chicken and rice soup without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try. The creamy texture and bold flavor of this soup will have everyone coming back for seconds.

By using simple ingredients like boneless skinless chicken breast, garlic cloves, carrots, celery ribs, yellow onion, olive oil, low sodium chicken broth, long-grain white rice, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt as well as an instant pot to cook everything together perfectly; you can create a hearty soup that is both satisfying and nutritious.

So what are you waiting for? Get your Instant Pot ready and let’s make the Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of the same old chicken noodle soup recipe? Do you crave something with a little more flavor and substance? Look no further than this Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe.

First and foremost, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With the help of an Instant Pot, dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes. Simply saute some garlic, thyme, and chicken breasts, then add in your vegetables and rice. Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth and water, set the Instant Pot and let it do its magic.

Not only is this soup quick and simple to make, but it’s also packed full of nutrition. The added carrots, celery, onions, and boneless skinless chicken breast provide a healthy dose of vitamins and protein to keep you fueled throughout the day.

But what sets this soup apart from the rest is the long-grain white rice. The rice adds just enough texture to make each bite satisfying without overpowering the other flavors of the soup. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to substitute wild rice for an even heartier version.

In addition to being delicious on its own, this soup recipe is versatile enough to be customized to your exact preference. If you prefer a creamier consistency, try adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. For those who like spicier dishes, throw in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos.

Overall, this Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. It’s simple yet satisfying, customizable yet flavorful – the perfect combination for a busy weeknight dinner or cozy weekend lunch. So what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot and get cooking!

Ingredient List

A warm bowl of comfort: Instant Pot chicken and rice soup

As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I believe that choosing the right ingredients is key to creating a great dish. For this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup recipe, quality ingredients are essential to achieving a tasty outcome.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Water

You will need water to cook the rice and broth. Make sure to use clean, filtered water for the best results.

2. Low-sodium chicken broth

Use low-sodium chicken broth in your recipe so you can control the saltiness of the final product.

3. Long-grain white rice

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe because it holds its shape well and remains tender after cooking.

4. Dried thyme

Adding dried thyme creates a hint of earthy and herbaceous flavor that complements the soup’s chicken and rice components.

5. Black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds depth to this soup.

6. Salt

Salt enhances the flavors of all other ingredients in the soup but go easy with it if your broth is already salty.

7. Boneless, skinless chicken breast

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for an easy-to-prep ingredient that will cook perfectly in your Instant Pot.

8. Garlic cloves

Garlic cloves add a savory taste to any recipe and also offer significant health benefits.

9. Carrots

Carrots provide complex carbohydrates while adding sweetness to the soup.

10. Celery ribs

Celery ribs have a mild, slightly bitter taste that balances out the sweetness of the carrots.

11. Yellow onion

Yellow onions lend their natural sweetness and pungent flavor to this dish.

12. Olive oil

Olive oil has a low smoke point which makes it perfect for sautéing vegetables. It also adds a fruity flavor that complements the chicken and rice.

Overall, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is prepared using simple pantry staples that are easy to find. It’s perfect for a family dinner or as a meal prep recipe for the week.

The Recipe How-To

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In this recipe, sautéing the vegetables will add depth of flavor to our instant pot chicken and rice soup. To begin, set your Instant Pot to saute mode and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add in one diced onion, two chopped celery ribs, two chopped carrots, and two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onions start to turn translucent.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Rice

When the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add in the rest of the ingredients! Add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Then, pour in one cup of long-grain white rice and one cup of wild rice mix. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Liquid

To ensure that we have enough liquid for our soup, let’s pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. Don’t forget to add in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for extra flavor. Stir everything together once again.

Step 4: Set Cook Time & Close Lid

Now that everything is in the Instant Pot, it’s time to set the cook time! Close your Instant Pot’s lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Release & Fluff Rice

When the cook time ends, allow for a natural release (about 15 minutes). After releasing any remaining pressure, open the Instant Pot lid and give everything a stir. You’ll notice that some of the rice may be stuck together still, so use a fork to separate the grains.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything has been fluffed, serve your delicious instant pot chicken and rice soup while it’s still hot. Pair this with some warm bread, tasty crackers or a crunchy salad for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Substitutions and Variations

Say goodbye to canned soup with this homemade bowl of goodness

When it comes to making food, bringing your own personality and flavor to the table can make all the difference. The great thing about this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is that it is super versatile, allowing you to experiment with different substitutions and variations.

Firstly, if you want to make the dish even healthier or vegetarian, you can substitute chicken breast with tofu or chickpeas. You could also use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breast for a richer taste.

Feel free to switch up the veggies by using broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, add some jalapeño peppers or chili flakes. Want a creamier texture? Swap the long-grain white rice for creamy wild rice.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a more filling meal, swap out the white rice with brown rice or quinoa. For those who wish to avoid carbs altogether, cauliflower rice would be an excellent choice.

If you’re short on time and don’t have an Instant Pot handy, you could always use a slow cooker or crock pot instead. Simply combine all ingredients and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.

Whatever variation you choose to make in your rendition of this dish will undoubtedly amplify its unique character while maintaining the delectable qualities of this classic chicken soup recipe.

Serving and Pairing

Creamy and savory: Chicken and rice soup that hits the spot

Welcome to the serving and pairing section of our Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe. Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients and cooked a delicious pot of chicken rice soup, it’s time to enjoy your creation.

This soup is a hearty and flavorful dish all on its own, but there are a few ways to enhance your dining experience.

Firstly, if you prefer a little extra texture in your soup, you can pair it with some crusty bread, crackers, or croutons. These complement the soft texture of the soup and add a delightful crunch to every bite.

If you’re looking for something lighter, then pairing this soup with a fresh salad can offer a refreshing balance. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and your choice of dressing can provide a good balance of flavor and nutrition. The cool freshness also adds a nice contrast to the warm soup.

Another way to add diversity to this recipe is by trying out different variations of rice. While long-grain white rice is the foundation of this recipe, some other choices such as wild rice or cauliflower rice could enhance the nutritional value while still keeping the flavors intact.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can serve this chicken rice soup with an appetizer or other side dishes such as vegetable soup or creamy mushroom soup. Together they create a flavorful meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and happy.

Keep these suggestions in mind when serving your Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe next time for an enjoyable lunch or dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

There are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to making ahead, storing and reheating this instant pot chicken and rice soup recipe.

Firstly, this soup is perfect for meal planning as it stores and reheats well. I would suggest letting the soup cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating this soup, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover your bowl of soup with a paper towel or lid and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot. If reheating on the stovetop, place your pot of soup over medium-low heat and simmer gently until bubbly hot.

One thing to keep in mind when reheating this chicken and rice soup is that the rice may have absorbed some of the liquid while it was stored in the fridge or freezer. If you find that your reheated soup is too thick, try adding a splash of water or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

If you plan on making this chicken and rice soup recipe ahead of time, I recommend cooking everything except for the rice. Store your cooked ingredients separately from your uncooked rice, then simply reheat everything together once you’re ready to serve. This will help ensure that your rice stays tender and fluffy.

Overall, this instant pot chicken and rice soup recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or quick lunchtime fixes. Whether you’re storing leftovers or reheating a fresh batch for later use, these tips will help ensure that your soup remains delicious until the very last spoonful.

Tips for Perfect Results

Set it and forget it: Instant Pot magic at its finest

To ensure that your Best-Ever Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to follow:

1. Use a mix of wild and long-grain white rice for added flavor and texture.

2. For a richer soup, substitute half of the chicken broth with low-sodium water with a tablespoon of bouillon.

3. Don’t skip the sauté step before pressure cooking! Sautéing the veggies and garlic in olive oil adds depth to the soup’s flavor profile.

4. After adding the rice to the pot, ensure everything is well combined before closing the lid. This will prevent any bits of rice from sticking together or burning at the bottom.

5. Letting the pressure cooker naturally release pressure before opening it will help keep the chicken tender and moist.

6. If you prefer a creamier texture, try blending a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or food processor.

7. This recipe is also great for meal prepping! Double or triple the ingredients to make several batches that you can store in your fridge or freezer for later consumption.

By following these tips, you are sure to achieve flavorful and satisfying results every time with this delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup recipe!

FAQ

Now that you are familiar with the recipe and everything involved in it, let’s tackle some FAQs. These are answers to questions that will help ensure you have the best experience preparing this delicious Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup.

Should you cook rice before adding to soup?

If you want the perfect consistency for your soup, try parboiling the rice first before adding it to the soup. Simply cook the rice in boiling water for about 10 minutes and add a cup at a time when you reheat the soup. This method will ensure that the rice is freshly cooked and that the soup has an enhanced flavor. To finish, let the soup simmer for a minimum of 20 minutes on the stove with the parboiled rice.

Why is my Instant Pot chicken too rubbery?

If your chicken breast appears rubbery and not well-cooked, it’s likely that it needs to be cooked for a longer span of time. Typically, longer durations are necessary for meat to be fully-cooked in an Instant Pot.

What if my chicken and rice soup is too thick?

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your needs by incorporating leftover turkey, which is a great option for those who have excess from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Whether you opt for wild rice or brown rice, be aware that the latter will require a slightly longer cooking time. In case the soup becomes too thick, adding additional chicken broth can help remedy the situation.

How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken soup?

To start, we’re going to create a smooth mixture by blending flour with cold water. Once it’s smooth, pour it into a pot and set the heat to medium. Add some chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, chicken bouillon, and a bit of butter, then let everything come to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add some chicken and cover the pot, letting everything simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Bottom Line

in a persuasive tone:

In conclusion, this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a comforting meal, this soup will not disappoint.

With its combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. And the best part? It can be made quickly and easily in your Instant Pot.

So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a nourishing and delicious soup that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied for hours.

Don’t settle for bland and boring meals when you could have something as tasty as this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup. Give it a shot and see what all the fuss is about. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

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