Warm up your winter with this savory instant pot chicken wild rice soup

Indulge in the comforting embrace of a hearty and flavorful chicken wild rice soup, effortlessly crafted in the convenience of your Instant Pot. This versatile dish combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and wholesome wild rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry wild rice
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the olive oil and chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Wild Rice: Stir in the dry wild rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the diced tomatoes and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Return the Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts back into the pot.
8. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 10 minutes.
9. Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually.
10. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
11. Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with your desired toppings.

Variations:

• Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the soup for a richer, creamier texture.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and substitute with an extra cup of wild rice.

Tips:

• Use a variety of vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as peas, corn, or potatoes.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Don’t overcook the wild rice: Wild rice should retain a slight chewiness.
• Let the flavors meld: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in protein: Chicken and wild rice provide a substantial amount of protein.
• Good source of fiber: Wild rice is a whole grain that is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Antioxidant properties: Vegetables like carrots and celery contain antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.

Ending:

As the aroma of this comforting chicken wild rice soup fills your home, embrace its warmth and savor every spoonful. The Instant Pot has made it effortlessly convenient to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal that will nourish your body and soul.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it will require a longer cooking time, so adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How do I thicken the soup?
A: You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or by adding a roux (1 tablespoon butter mixed with 1 tablespoon flour).