Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 2 large chicken breasts (diced into bite-sized pieces); 2 cans chicken broth (14.5 fluid oz. each); 1 pkg. 6 oz Uncle Ben’s Long-Grain and WIld Rice (discard seasoning packet); 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; dash red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed); 1 cup milk; 1 cup half-and-half

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? ThisInstant Pot chicken and wild rice soupis a creamy, satisfying meal that comes together in no time and will satisfy the pickiest of eaters.

A bowl of creamy instant pot chicken and wild rice soup filled with chunks of chicken, carrots, and other vegetables. A spoon rests in the bowl, and a blue patterned cloth is partially visible next to it, all set on a light gray surface.

What makes this Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup so special is howincredibly simple it is to prepare. Using an Instant Pot means you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup on the table inunder 30 minutes, with minimal prep work and cleanup.

The combination oftender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a rich, creamy brothcreates a perfectly balanced one-pot meal that’s hearty enough for dinner but not so heavy that you’ll feel weighed down.

Carrots, celery, and onions form the classic base,but you couldeasily add mushrooms, swap out the chicken forrotisserie chicken,or make it vegetarian by usingvegetable broth and plant-based protein. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

creamy soup with chicken and rice popping out -biscuits in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Quick Preparation: I loverecipes that use the Instant Potbecause then I’m sure my work is very minimal.This soup is ready in a fraction of the timecompared to traditional methods because it cooks in my Instant Pot. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without the long wait.
Creamy Texture Balance: The wild rice provides a delightful nutty crunch while the broth creates a silky,luxurious consistency without heavy cream.
Minimal Cleanup: Dishes are my absolute nightmare and cooking everything in the Instant Potreduces the number of dishes to wash. You can enjoy a delicious meal without dealing with a messy kitchen afterward.
Protein-Packed Meal: ThisInstant Pot chicken and wild rice souprecipe uses lean chicken breast that stays incredibly tender when pressure cooked, delivering a substantial protein boost in every comforting spoonful.

🍛 Trust me, once you tryInstant Pot chicken and rice, it’ll be your go-to for cozy, feel-good dinners everyone loves.

Recipe Ingredients

Butter
Onion, carrots, and celery– Or you can buymirepoixat the grocery store.
Chicken breasts
Chicken broth
Wild rice
Salt and pepper
Dried parsley
Red pepper flakes
Cornstarch
Cream cheese
Milk
Half and half

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

uncle bens rice and raw ingredients for the chicken and rice soup.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Step 1:Set your Instant Pot to Browning/Sauté, melt the butter in the pot and then sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes.

Step 2:Add the cubed chicken, chicken broth, and spices, lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Then do a quick pressure release.

Step 3:Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water. Turn the pressure cooked on Simmer/Sauté and a the cornstarch mixture to the pot stirring constantly.

Step 4:Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Add the milk and half and half. Heat through but not boiling. Serve hot.

Recipe FAQs

What is wild rice?

Wild rice isn’t actually rice at all. It’s a species of grass that produces edible seeds that look like rice. Wild rice is higher in protein than other rice or grains, making it a healthier option.

Can I use cultivated or hand-harvested wild rice in this recipe?

Yes. Hand-harvested wild rice has a nuttier flavor than cultivated wild rice and you could use ¾ cup of either in place of the Uncle Ben’s blend. You could also use brown rice in this recipe as well.

Can I make chicken and wild rice soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken for a can of chickpeas and replace the chicken broth with vegetable stock. You will still end up with a delicious soup.

Can this soup be made on the stovetop instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot, but you’ll need to increase cooking time to ensure the wild rice becomes tender, typically around 45-50 minutes.

A bowl of chicken and wild rice soup in a white bowl with another bowl of the soup and some biscuits in a white rectangle serving dish in the background.

Expert Tips

Save Time:Tosave yourself some time, look for mirepoix at your local grocery store– it’s a mixture of diced onion, carrots, and celery and usually a refrigerator in the produce section.
Simmer Only:Don’t let your soup boil once the cream cheese, milk and half, and half have been addedor it could split (curdle). It’s also easier to scorch the soup on the bottom of the pan if it gets too hot.
Final Seasoning:When the soup is almost done,add a little more salt and pepper to taste if needed.Different broths have different amounts of salt so it’s best to go easy and finish the seasoning at the end.

Two bowls of chicken and wild rice soup in white bowls on a white counter with biscuits in a white serving dish in the background.

Serving Suggestions

You can eat this hearty soup on its own or serve it with aChef Saladand a slice of bread –Sourdough Focaccia Bread,No-Knead Bread, orJumbo Dinner Rollsare all delicious alongside this soup.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with acrisp green saladtopped with toasted nuts and alight vinaigretteto balance the soup’s richness. The soup’s creamy texture and robust flavors make it versatile enough to complement various side dishes, from a simple side ofroasted vegetablesto a more elaboratecharcuterie board.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup in an airtight container in therefrigerator for 4-5 days. As the wild rice continues to absorb liquid, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.

For longer storage, the soup can be frozen forup to 3 months.Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.