Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup

Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2.5 pounda bone-in chicken thighs (may substitute boneless); 2 cups carrots (sliced); 1 cup celery (sliced); 1 medium onion (diced); 1 cup cooked rice; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 large bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (✅ ); 8 cups chicken broth (✅ ); green onions, optional

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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup combines convenience with wholesome flavors. In just under 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe transforms basic ingredients like chicken, rice, and carrots into a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for those busy days, it’s a gluten-free option that caters to various dietary preferences.

The versatility of this soup extends beyond its speedy preparation; it’s an ideal choice for packed lunches, effortlessly fitting into thermoses for a satisfying meal at work or school. For those seeking more culinary inspiration, explore other effortless dinner options like Crockpot Chicken and Rice, a savory classic, or the hearty Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup. Elevate your weeknight meals with these simple yet delectable recipes that bring the warmth and satisfaction of homemade goodness to your table.

Ingredients

2.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs may substitute boneless
8 cups chicken broth ✅
2 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice
3 cloves garlic
2 large bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ✅
green onions, optional

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How to Make

To prepare, start by placing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs at the base of the Instant Pot. Next, add the Add the carrots, celery, onion, cooked rice, garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, thyme, and chicken broth. Once the ingredients are layered, secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to “SEALING” for a seamless cooking process. Allow the magic to happen for just 10 minutes.

As the cooking cycle concludes, initiate a “QUICK” release. Carefully remove the chicken thighs. Shred the chicken, discarding any bones or skin, and then add back into the soup, adding a layer of richness and texture.

To perfect the seasoning, taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a personalized touch to this quick and hearty meal. The result is a warm and satisfying Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup, ready to be savored with every comforting spoonful.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sauté for Depth: Before pressure cooking, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. This extra step enhances their flavors and contributes to a more complex taste in the final soup.

Herb Infusion: Tie fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into a bundle and add them to the pot during cooking. This allows the herbs to infuse their flavors into the soup without the need for fishing out individual leaves later.

Lemon Zest: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating lemon zest into the soup just before serving. This brightens up the flavors and adds a subtle citrus note.

Grated Parmesan: For an extra layer of umami, consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty richness complements the savory elements of the soup.

Rotisserie Chicken Hack: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, a quick hack is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Remove the skin and shred the meat for a convenient and flavorful alternative.

Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days. Use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date for easy organization.

Quinoa Substitute: Experiment with different grains by substituting quinoa for rice. Quinoa cooks quickly and adds a nutty flavor, as well as extra protein.

Garnish with Fresh Greens: Just before serving, toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale. The residual heat will wilt the greens, adding a pop of color and extra nutritional value.

Diced Tomatoes: Introduce a can of diced tomatoes to the soup for added acidity and a burst of freshness. This works well with both the flavor and texture of the dish.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like celery, peas, or spinach during the cooking process.

What type of rice works best?

You can use leftover rice, or rice packets, or you could also try fast-cooking minute rice.

How can I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. Stir well and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup showing soup in a white bowl on a granite countertop.

Storage Instructions

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the soup promptly, and it can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days. If planning for a longer duration, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to account for expansion. Label each container with the date for easy tracking.

When reheating, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. To maintain the desired consistency, add a splash of broth or water during reheating.

MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES:

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Instant pot chicken and rice soup is a hearty meal in a bowl. This delicious soup is packed with chicken, rice, and carrots and is made in under 20 minutes. It's a gluten-free soup that packs well in a thermos for lunchboxes or for work.

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5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings 8

Ingredients

2.5 pounda bone-in chicken thighs may substitute boneless
2 cups carrots sliced
1 cup celery sliced
1 medium onion diced
1 cup cooked rice
3 cloves garlic minced
2 large bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ✅
8 cups chicken broth ✅
green onions, optional

Instructions

Add the ingredients to the instant pot. Add chicken thighs to the bottom of the instant pot. Add the carrots, celery, onion, cooked rice, garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, thyme, and chicken broth. Cover the instant pot and turn to sealing.
⭐️Cook. Cook 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
⭐️ Shred the chicken. Remove chicken thighs, shred chicken, discarding bones and skin. Place shredded chicken back into the soup. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve. Serve topped with green onions if desired.

Video

Notes

CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.