When you think of comfort food, nothing quite warms the soul like a steaming bowl of High Protein Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a savory broth, surrounded by fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables that dance on your taste buds like they’re at a culinary disco. savory chicken pot pie hand pies The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making neighbors question if they should just move in with you for dinner.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
- What can I substitute for rice?
- How do I make this soup more flavorful?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful soup is not only a hug in a bowl but also perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s one of those recipes that not only delivers on flavor but also wraps you in nostalgia, reminding you of childhood dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories over hearty bowls of goodness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The flavor profile bursts with savory goodness that satisfies every craving
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing and inviting for guests
- Perfectly versatile, this soup can be adapted to include whatever veggies you have on hand
I recall the first time I made this soup for my family; their delighted faces were priceless as they slurped up every last drop.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks perfectly in the broth and absorbs all those amazing flavors.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add a hint of sweetness and beautiful color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
- Celery: Celery brings crunch and a subtle earthiness; don’t skip it if you enjoy that fresh crunch!
- Onion: A yellow onion adds depth to the broth; sauté until translucent for an aromatic base.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the soup with robust flavor; use as much as your heart desires.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade is ideal if you have it! nutritious homemade granola bars.
- Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaf): Fresh thyme enhances the aroma beautifully; bay leaves add subtle complexity.
- Pepper and Salt: Season to taste, remembering that salt enhances all flavors without overpowering them.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): A splash at the end brightens up the whole dish; give it a try! zesty lemon basil salmon rolls.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Your Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of oil and toss in diced onions, cooking until they turn translucent and smell heavenly.
Add Garlic and Veggies: Stir in minced garlic along with chopped carrots and celery. Cook until everything softens slightly, about 3-4 minutes—your kitchen will start smelling like pure bliss.
Introduce the Chicken and Broth: Nestle those chicken breasts into the pot and pour in your chicken broth. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is submerged just right.
Add Rice to the Mix : Sprinkle in your long-grain white rice evenly over everything. Resist stirring—trust me on this one! It’ll cook perfectly layered.
Pressure Cook Away!: Seal your Instant Pot lid securely and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. While waiting, breathe deeply as those scents fill your home.
Release Steam & Serve Up: Once done cooking, perform a quick release of steam carefully. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the pot. Finish with lemon juice for that zing!
And there you have it! A delightful bowlful of High Protein Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup ready to be devoured. Grab your favorite spoon (and maybe a napkin or two) because things are about to get cozy! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.
You Must Know
- This high protein instant pot chicken & rice soup is not only hearty but also a game-changer for meal prep
- The wonderful aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a cold day
- Plus, it’s the perfect way to sneak in those veggies!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the Instant Pot for a fragrant base before adding chicken and rice. perfectly crispy chicken nuggets This sequence enhances flavors and ensures perfectly cooked ingredients.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in brown rice or add extra veggies like spinach or carrots for added nutrition. Seasoning with fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor profile dramatically.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender meat that holds its moisture well during cooking
- Always let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; it thickens beautifully as it cools
- Don’t forget to adjust salt to taste before serving!
Sharing this dish with friends always brings smiles and compliments, especially when they ask for seconds! I remember one time, my friend declared it “the soup of dreams.”
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes for perfectly cooked chicken.
What can I substitute for rice?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives that maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.
How do I make this soup more flavorful?
Adding spices like paprika or turmeric can elevate this high protein instant pot chicken & rice soup significantly.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
High Protein Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm your soul with this High Protein Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup, brimming with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables. This hearty dish is not only comforting but also a nutritional powerhouse, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its delightful aroma and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a family favorite that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Select 'Sauté' mode on your Instant Pot. Add a splash of oil and sauté the onions until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Season with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle rice evenly over the mixture without stirring.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of steam. Remove chicken breasts; shred them with two forks and return to the pot.
- Stir in lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
