This Chicken Soup Instant Pot is a heartwarming dish that will warm your soul and nourish your body. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is packed with flavor and comfort. The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, allowing you to whip up a homemade meal in just under an hour. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a soothing remedy for a cold day, this chicken soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this Chicken Soup Instant Pot recipe for its delectable flavor and incredible ease of preparation. The Instant Pot locks in the flavors and moisture, resulting in a rich, savory broth that perfectly complements the succulent chicken and fresh vegetables. Additionally, this recipe is adaptable to various diets, making it a fantastic option for families with different dietary needs. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Tips and Tricks
- Sauté for Flavor: Always start by sautéing your onions, garlic, and other aromatics in the Instant Pot before adding the rest of the ingredients. This enhances the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Using Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as thyme or parsley, add them at the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant flavor.
- Chicken Options: You can use bone-in chicken for richer flavor or boneless chicken breasts for a quicker cooking time. Both will yield delicious results!
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) after cooking, and sauté for a few minutes until thickened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Pot: Avoid filling the Instant Pot beyond the maximum fill line. Too much liquid can lead to improper cooking and may cause the pot to malfunction.
- Neglecting to Season: Be sure to season your soup well. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. Don’t forget, the broth will concentrate as it cooks.
- Skipping the Quick Release: If you’re in a hurry, resist the urge to skip the natural release. Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes helps the chicken stay tender.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep the ingredients for this chicken soup ahead of time to make the cooking process even smoother. Chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also season your chicken in advance and leave it marinating in the fridge overnight for an extra flavor boost. The soup itself can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or kale. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey, or for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
How to Serve
Serve this Chicken Soup Instant Pot recipe in deep, rustic bowls for a cozy presentation. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth. A sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top just before serving adds a delightful finishing touch.
Pairing Suggestions
This chicken soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a soothing herbal tea or sparkling water with lemon will enhance the meal. As for sides, consider a simple green salad or a warm, buttery corn muffin for a delightful contrast.
How to Store
Leftover chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the soup.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot: This is essential for making the soup quickly and efficiently.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping your vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a dairy-free version, ensure all broth and seasonings are free from dairy-derived ingredients. If nut allergies are a concern, this recipe is naturally nut-free as written.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall and winter months, use hearty root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist. In the spring and summer, consider adding fresh peas and zucchini to brighten the soup with seasonal flavors.
Cost Breakdown
This Chicken Soup Instant Pot recipe is budget-friendly, with an estimated cost of about $10 for the whole dish. Each serving comes out to approximately $2, and you can save even more by using leftover chicken or buying in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Garlic: To easily peel garlic cloves, smash them lightly with the flat side of a knife. The skins will slip off effortlessly.
- Chopping Vegetables: Use a food processor to chop vegetables quickly if you’re short on time.
- Cleaning the Instant Pot: After cooking, fill the pot with warm soapy water and let it soak for a bit before washing, making cleanup a breeze.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, frozen chicken can be used in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be used instead; just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If it’s not cooked thoroughly, you can always return it to the pot for a few more minutes.
Chicken Soup Instant Pot
This Chicken Soup Instant Pot is a heartwarming dish that will warm your soul and nourish your body. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is packed with flavor and comfort. The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy, allowing you to whip up a homemade meal in just under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced carrots and celery, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Close the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 369Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 145mgSodium 1638mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 46g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Soup Instant Pot recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. With its ease of preparation and comforting flavors, it’s a dish that brings the family together and warms the heart. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and enjoy the delightful experience of homemade chicken soup!
