Chicken And Wild Rice Soup In The Instant Pot
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. And when it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty bowl of chicken and wild rice soup. This classic soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to meal for many families.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make this soup at home, the Instant Pot is an excellent tool to have in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll go over how to make chicken and wild rice soup in the Instant Pot, step-by-step. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using an Instant Pot and share some tips for making the perfect soup.
What Is An Instant Pot?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to talk about the Instant Pot. In case you’re not familiar, an Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that can be used to cook a variety of foods quickly and easily. It’s a versatile appliance that can function as a slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and more.
One of the benefits of using an Instant Pot is that it can drastically reduce cooking time. For example, a soup that would typically take several hours to cook on the stove can be ready in under an hour in the Instant Pot. Additionally, the Instant Pot uses less energy than a traditional stove or oven, making it a more eco-friendly option.
The Ingredients
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Instant Pot, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make chicken and wild rice soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and you may already have them in your kitchen. If not, they are easy to find at your local grocery store.
The Recipe
Now that we have all of the ingredients, let’s get started on the recipe. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making chicken and wild rice soup in the Instant Pot:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “saute” function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the Instant Pot and saute for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the Instant Pot and saute for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked wild rice to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and herbs.
- Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the Instant Pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” function and set the timer for 25 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid of the Instant Pot and remove the chicken breasts or thighs. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Select the “saute” function on the Instant Pot and add the heavy cream and cornstarch mixture to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying bowl of chicken and wild rice soup ready to enjoy.
Tips For Making The Perfect Soup
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help ensure your soup turns out perfectly:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of the soup will depend on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can turn mushy and ruin the texture of the soup. Be sure to follow the cooking time and instructions carefully.
- Let the pressure release naturally: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure can help ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve the desired flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken and wild rice soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days. And with the help of an Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of chicken and wild rice soup in no time.