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Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

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A cozy, creamy soup made quickly in the Instant Pot with chicken breasts, wild rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 ounces cream cheese or cottage cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Place the chicken breasts directly into the pot. Pour the rinsed wild rice blend on top of the chicken.
  4. Add 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine without disturbing the rice layer too much.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ on high for 25 minutes. It may take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.
  6. When done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully.
  7. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  8. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 ounces softened cream cheese or cottage cheese. Use a whisk to blend until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

If wild rice isn’t tender after cooking, seal the pot again and cook for an extra 5 minutes. Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps and whisk gently for a velvety texture. Natural pressure release keeps chicken juicy. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken soup, wild rice, creamy soup, easy dinner, comfort food, pressure cooker soup

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-instant-pot-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-easy-homemade-recipe-for-cozy-meals/