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Instant Pot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

This cozy Instant Pot Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is hearty, creamy, and full of wholesome flavor. Made with tender chicken, a nutty wild rice blend, and fresh vegetables, it’s lightened up with simple ingredients for a healthy comfort food that fits perfectly into a calorie-conscious or Weight Watchers plan. Great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Natural Release 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 large stalks celery diced small
  • 1 large carrot diced small
  • 1 small white onion diced small
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 oz. baby Portobello mushrooms cleaned and sliced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup wild rice blend rinsed (use uncooked wild rice for best texture)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups chicken broth or homemade chicken stock
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Vegetables

  • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (medium heat). Spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until vegetables start to soften. Stir in mushrooms and thyme; cook another minute.

Add Chicken, Rice, and Broth

  • Add the wild rice blend, chicken breasts, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Pressure Cook

  • Lock the lid and set to High Pressure for 30 minutes. When done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Shred the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Stir well to mix.

Add Creaminess (Optional)

  • For a creamy texture, stir in a splash of skim milk, a bit of heavy cream, or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). Heat on medium-low for 2–3 minutes — don’t boil.

Add Lemon & Herbs

  • Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley for a bright, savory flavor.

Serve & Store

  • Serve warm and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Notes

3 points per serving.