Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this delectable Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a comforting bowl of goodness that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a creamy broth that will have your family asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering dish? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onions, dicing carrots, celery, and chicken breasts. Rinse wild rice thoroughly under cold water.
- Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken starts to turn white on the exterior.
- Pour in rinsed wild rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set timer for 25 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform quick release for remaining pressure.
- Open lid and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let soup sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken breast ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Cooking the vegetables first enhances their flavors and adds depth to your soup.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the wild rice removes excess starch, which can make your soup too thick and gummy.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the flavors in the soup.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even some spices like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
