Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Chicken Wild Rice Soup on a chilly evening — creamy, hearty, and full of wholesome goodness. This Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot recipe combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and savory vegetables in a rich, velvety broth. It delivers all the cozy flavors of Panera’s Chicken Wild Rice Soup with the convenience of your Instant Pot — ready in under an hour and perfect for a nourishing family dinner.

Serving Versatility for Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot

This soup is wonderfully adaptable. Serve it in a crusty bread bowl for that Panera-style flair, over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or enjoy it solo for a lighter option. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a slice of warm, buttered sourdough.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instant Pot Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add wild rice, chicken breasts, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Secure lid and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
5. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
6. In a small saucepan (or using Sauté mode), melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly stir in cream to thicken, then add mixture to soup and stir until creamy and smooth.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in under an hour thanks to the Instant Pot.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this an affordable comfort meal.
• Big, cozy flavor: Creamy texture, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken bring depth to every bite.
• Nutritional value: Protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled wild rice keep it satisfying yet balanced.
• Customizability: Swap cream for coconut milk, use turkey instead of chicken, or add mushrooms for extra umami.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note

Wild rice, native to North America, has long been prized for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Using the Instant Pot ensures it cooks perfectly every time — tender yet intact — without the long stovetop simmering this grain usually requires.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve in a hollowed bread bowl for that irresistible Panera-style touch.
2. Pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter lunch.
3. Spoon over mashed potatoes or cauliflower for a cozy dinner twist.
4. Enjoy with a slice of warm, buttered sourdough on the side.

Pro Tips for Success

• Rinse your wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt after cooking.
• If using frozen chicken, add 5 extra minutes of cook time.
• Avoid over-salting before pressure cooking — flavors concentrate during the process.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the texture and revive the creaminess.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not rinsing the wild rice: Skipping this step can make your soup overly starchy and cloudy. Always rinse wild rice under cold water until it runs clear.
2. Adding cream too early: Dairy can curdle under high pressure. Stir in the cream or roux after pressure cooking for a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can become stringy if left in the pot too long. Shred them right after pressure release for tender pieces.
4. Skipping the natural release: Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes — this ensures the rice finishes cooking evenly.
5. Not adjusting seasoning at the end: Wild rice and cream can mute flavors, so always taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs before serving.

4 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, but the texture and cook time will change. Brown rice will be softer and needs about 25 minutes on high pressure.

2. How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer — it stays rich and creamy without any dairy.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Skip pressure cooking the chicken; just add shredded rotisserie chicken after the rice is cooked and stir it in with the cream.

4. Does this soup freeze well?
Yes, though the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. To fix this, reheat gently on the stovetop and stir in a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Closing Paragraph

This Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving something creamy for dinner or looking for an easy meal prep option, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Try it tonight and make it your own — I’d love to hear how you customize it! Leave a comment and share your delicious results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so grounding about a pot of soup simmering (or in this case, pressure cooking) while the world outside feels busy and cold. This Chicken Wild Rice Soup has been my go-to hug in a bowl, especially on cozy evenings when I want comfort without the chaos. I hope it brings warmth and calm to your kitchen, too.