I’m always on the lookout for recipes that deliver maximum comfort with minimum effort, and this Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup hits all the right notes. There’s something deeply satisfying about tender chicken and hearty brown rice swimming in a broth that’s been infused with aromatics and fresh herbs. The beauty lies in how the Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Want to know the secret to getting perfectly cooked rice and chicken in one pot?
Why You’ll Love this Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food, trust me. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. When it’s cold outside, what’s better than a steaming bowl of homemade soup?
The Instant Pot works its magic here, infusing the broth with rich flavor in a fraction of the time. You’ll love how the brown rice maintains its texture, while the chicken becomes perfectly tender. The touch of lemon brightens everything up.
Best of all, you can customize it to your taste. More garlic? Go for it. Extra veggies? Throw ’em in.
What Ingredients are in Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup?
This soul-warming soup uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup long-grain brown rice (or white rice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Feel free to adapt these ingredients to what you have on hand—maybe add some frozen peas at the end for color, swap in different herbs, or use rotisserie chicken if you’re really in a hurry.
How to Make this Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup
Making this hearty soup couldn’t be simpler, and your Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting. Start by setting your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in your diced yellow onion, 3 stalks of diced celery, and 4 sliced carrots. Let these aromatics soften for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. There’s something so therapeutic about watching these veggies start to release their flavors, don’t you think?
Next, add 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken (breast or thighs work equally well), 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes—this brief cooking time helps build those foundational flavors. The Instant Pot Duo Plus is especially versatile for recipes like this with its multiple cooking functions. Now pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and add ¾ cup of long-grain rice (brown rice holds up better, but white works in a pinch). Seal the lid, set the pressure valve to “sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 4-5 minutes. This might seem quick, but the magic of pressure cooking means your soup will taste like it’s been simmering all day.
After the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully switching to quick release. Remove the bay leaf, then add the finishing touches—1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice really brightens everything up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. The soup will continue to thicken as it sits, so if you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add a splash more broth. Perfect for those nights when you need comfort in a bowl without spending hours in the kitchen.
What to Serve with Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup
Although this chicken rice soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with the right sides elevates your meal from simple to spectacular. I love serving warm, crusty bread for dipping—sourdough or a fresh baguette are my favorites. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
For heartier appetites, grilled cheese sandwiches transform soup night into comfort food heaven. Think sharp cheddar on buttery sourdough, golden and crispy. Can you imagine that melty goodness alongside steaming soup?
For dessert, keep it light with fresh berries or apple slices with honey.
Leftovers and Storage for this Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup
When you’ve made a big batch of this chicken rice soup, proper storage becomes your best friend for enjoying it throughout the week. I recommend refrigerating leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two soup even tastier.
Want to freeze it? Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and it’ll keep for 2-3 months. The rice might absorb more liquid during storage, so when reheating, just add a splash of broth to thin it out. Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot.
Comforting Instant Pot Chicken Rice Soup Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Instant Pot chicken rice soup lies in its flexibility—you can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs.
Don’t have brown rice? White rice works perfectly, though you’ll need to reduce cooking time by a minute. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a lighter flavor, and rotisserie chicken makes a quick substitute for raw.
For a heartier version, I’d add mushrooms or leafy greens like spinach or kale. Quinoa creates a protein-packed alternative to rice, while wild rice blend adds nutty texture. Can’t do gluten? This recipe’s naturally gluten-free. Craving creaminess? Stir in a splash of coconut milk before serving.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken rice soup from your Instant Pot simply can’t be beaten on chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. I love how this recipe combines wholesome ingredients into a soul-warming bowl in just minutes, not hours. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and aromatic vegetables creates that nostalgic comfort we all crave.
The balance of flavors—a hint of lemon brightness against rich broth, hearty rice that doesn’t turn mushy, and vegetables that maintain their texture—is what makes this soup special. If you enjoy creamy soups, you might also appreciate how Instant Pot cooking allows for quick, pressure-cooked preparations that deliver maximum flavor in minimal time. Keep this recipe handy, my friends. You’ll reach for it again and again.