Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice (Printable version)
Hearty blend of chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables cooked quickly for a comforting meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Poultry
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Rice
02 - 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup cremini or white mushrooms, sliced (optional)
08 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 cups water
→ Seasonings & Herbs
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp dried parsley
12 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
15 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
→ Creamy Finish (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
17 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
# Directions:
01 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
02 - Add chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
03 - Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 25 minutes.
04 - Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
05 - Remove chicken and bay leaves. Shred chicken with two forks, then return the meat to the pot.
06 - Stir in heavy cream (if using) and adjust seasoning if needed. Heat through for 2-3 minutes on Sauté mode if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if available.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The wild rice adds this incredible nutty texture that makes every spoonful feel substantial and satisfying, unlike those thin watery soups that leave you hungry an hour later
- Its practically foolproof. Even on my most exhausted days, throwing everything into the Instant Pot yields restaurant quality results that make me feel like I actually have my life together
02 -
- Natural pressure release is non negotiable here. Rushing it forces liquid out through the steam valve and creates a mess nobody wants to clean up after a long day.
- The rice continues absorbing liquid as the soup cools. What seems slightly thin when piping hot will be perfectly thickened by the time you sit down to eat.
03 -
- Chop all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Nothing worse than crunching into a raw carrot piece when everything else is perfectly soft.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during pressure cooking. Every time you do, you lose valuable cooking time and moisture that affects the final result.