Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, this is the main protein of the soup, providing a tender and juicy texture.

Chicken broth: This forms the base of the soup, adding rich and savory flavor.

Onion: Chopped onion adds a sweet and aromatic depth to the soup.

Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and savory notes.

Carrots: Sliced carrots bring a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.

Celery: Sliced celery adds a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the soup.

Dried thyme: This herb provides a warm and slightly minty flavor, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

When sautéing the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot, make sure to use a bit of oil to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavors. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base for your chicken soup.

• boneless, skinless chicken breast - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter taste, which can add a subtle complexity to the soup.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• sliced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor.

• sliced celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor, which can bring a unique twist to the soup.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the soup's color.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano offers a robust and slightly peppery flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.

• Allow the chicken soup to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain the integrity of the vegetables and chicken.
• Transfer the soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of freshness and avoid any potential food safety issues.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, enhancing the taste over time.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its deliciousness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture of the carrots and celery.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Adjust the seasoning as needed after reheating. Sometimes, a pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper can bring the flavors back to life.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover chicken soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup is steaming and heated through, it's ready to serve.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Ensure the soup is piping hot before serving.

• For instant pot reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover chicken soup back into the instant pot.
  2. Select the 'sauté' function and heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup is hot and bubbling, it's ready to enjoy.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Transfer the soup to a slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to 'low' and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup is thoroughly heated, it's ready to serve.

• Instant Pot: This is the primary cooking device used to prepare the chicken soup. It allows for sautéing, pressure cooking, and keeping the soup warm.

• Sauté function: A feature on the Instant Pot that allows you to sauté ingredients directly in the pot before pressure cooking.

• Pressure cook function: This function on the Instant Pot cooks the soup quickly under high pressure.

• Manual function: Another term for the pressure cook function on some Instant Pot models.

• Sealing valve: This valve on the Instant Pot lid must be set to 'sealing' to build pressure inside the pot.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and thyme accurately.

• Cutting board: A surface used for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic.

• Garlic press: An optional tool for mincing the garlic cloves more easily.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken breast before and after cooking.

• Forks: Used to shred the cooked chicken breast before returning it to the soup.

• Ladle: Used for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Bowls: Used for serving the finished chicken soup.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the chicken broth accurately.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare and chop the onion, carrots, and celery in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Batch cook chicken: Cook extra chicken breast and freeze portions for future use.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings to quickly navigate and select the right functions.

Store-bought broth: Use store-bought chicken broth to eliminate the need for homemade broth preparation.