Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup

Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup is the kind of meal that feels like comfort in a bowl. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and hearty vegetables simmered together under pressure, it’s a quick recipe that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Perfect for busy nights, this soup comes together in under an hour and fills the kitchen with a warm, cozy aroma. Whether you’re fighting off a chill, feeding picky eaters, or just craving something soothing, this dish delivers every time. Simple ingredients, nourishing flavors, and family-friendly ease—this soup is one you’ll make again and again.

Why This Recipe Works

This soup isn’t just cozy—it’s practical.

Fast and Fuss-Free

The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, giving you tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and rich flavor in under an hour.

Nourishing and Comforting

Chicken broth, vegetables, and rice combine for a meal that’s both hearty and gentle—perfect for when your family needs something soothing.

Flexible for Any Kitchen

Whether you’ve got fresh chicken, frozen, or even leftovers, this recipe adapts easily. It works with brown rice, white rice, or even wild rice for a heartier twist.

Budget-Friendly Comfort

Unlike takeout, this recipe makes a full pot for just a handful of ingredients, stretching your grocery dollars while still delivering satisfaction.

Ingredients and Simple Swaps

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Swaps

• Rice: Brown rice for extra fiber, wild rice for earthy flavor.
• Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or even rotisserie leftovers.
• Vegetables: Toss in peas, corn, or spinach to make it heartier.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add a drizzle of oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice

Nestle chicken into the pot and sprinkle rice evenly over top.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add broth, making sure rice is submerged. Do not stir to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Open lid carefully. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to pot.

Step 7: Adjust and Serve

Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Why This Recipe Always Works

Instant Pot Precision

One of the best parts of this recipe is how the Instant Pot guarantees consistency. The pressure locks in moisture, so the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender, while the rice turns out fluffy without constant stirring or checking.

Balanced Flavors

Classic seasonings like thyme and parsley give the broth depth, but they never overwhelm. Instead, they highlight the clean chicken flavor and allow the vegetables to shine. The result is a bowl that tastes homemade and soothing without being overly heavy.

Rice as a Natural Thickener

Instead of relying on cream or flour, the rice releases natural starches into the broth. This creates a thicker, velvety texture that makes the soup feel hearty and satisfying while still light enough for everyday meals.

Gentle Comfort Food

Because this soup is mild and not spicy, it works well for the whole family. It’s perfect for kids, for anyone recovering from illness, or for nights when you just want something soft and comforting.

Smart Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll notice the flavors deepen overnight. The broth becomes richer, and the rice absorbs more of the seasoning, making reheated bowls just as delicious—if not better—the next day.

Variations for Real Life

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Add frozen peas, corn, and a splash of cream just before serving for a creamy twist that tastes like the inside of a chicken pot pie.

Pressure Cooker Chicken And Rice Soup with Lemon

Brighten the flavor by squeezing in fresh lemon juice at the end. It lifts the broth and adds a refreshing finish.

Easy Homemade Chicken And Rice Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw. Shred it, stir it in after pressure cooking, and reduce cook time by five minutes.

Instapot Chicken Noodle Soup Variation

Swap rice for egg noodles and adjust cooking time slightly for a classic chicken noodle soup made faster than ever.

Vegetable-Packed Version

Boost nutrition by stirring in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers before serving. It’s an easy way to make the soup even more filling and colorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Too Much Rice

It’s tempting to add extra rice, but remember it expands a lot during cooking. Too much turns your soup into a stew. Stick to one cup for the right balance.

Stirring Before Pressure Cooking

If you stir before sealing the lid, rice can settle at the bottom and burn. Layer ingredients instead and let the Instant Pot do the work.

Using Quick Release Too Soon

A fast release makes the soup foam and can splatter hot liquid. Always let the pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes before venting.

Not Seasoning Enough

Chicken broth brands vary in saltiness. Always taste at the end and add more salt or pepper if needed to make flavors pop.

Forgetting Chicken Thickness

Large chicken breasts or thighs may need a couple of extra minutes of cook time. Cut them into smaller pieces if you want faster, more reliable results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup?

Yes, but the rice softens more once thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without rice and cook a fresh batch of rice to stir in when reheating.

How can I make this dairy-free?

The base recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just skip cream if you’re making the pot pie variation, and you’re all set.

Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Absolutely. Just increase pressure cook time to 20 minutes and allow a natural release for 15 minutes.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Plain water works, but add a bouillon cube or a little extra seasoning for richness.

notes Final Encouragement

Cooking for family isn’t always about fancy meals—it’s about showing love in a bowl of soup after a long day. When life feels tired and your table needs something warm and steady, let this recipe remind you that home-cooked food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.