Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup is a fast and flavorful take on classic chicken soup. The Instant Pot works its magic while you sit back and wait for the comforting mix of chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and herbs to finish cooking.

Chicken and rice is a classic combination for good reason – it’s hearty, nourishing, comforting, and delicious! I’m always leaning on this One-Pan Chicken And Rice and Gluten Free Chicken Meal Prep Bowls for quick and satisfying meals, and now I can add this Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup to the rotation.

Made with a vegetable medley, hearty chicken, wild rice, and a blend of spices, you can’t go wrong with this quick one-pot soup. It also happens to be naturally gluten free and easy to make vegetarian. You’ll feel good about serving it to all your friends and family, but don’t be surprised when they start begging for seconds!

What is wild rice?

Wild rice is technically not rice at all! It’s the seed of a semi-aquatic grass that is native to North America. While rice and wild rice aren’t technically related, they’re both tender grains with delicious earthy and nutty flavors.

You can find dry wild rice at most grocery stores. The best wild rice will be on the pricier side, but will be hand-harvested, all-natural, and have the best flavor. Wild rice comes in a variety of different colors; I like to pick up a mix to give this soup some color.

Chicken and wild rice soup ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly in the pressure cooker.

• Wild rice mix – You should be able to find a wild rice mix at most grocery stores or online. You could try using another type of long-grain rice, like brown rice, basmati, or jasmine, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

• Chicken broth – A homemade chicken bone broth is the most flavorful choice and adds a ton of nutrients.

• Vegetables – A mixture of white onion, garlic, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and kale creates a fun variety of textures and flavors.

• Heavy cream – Just a splash at the end will make this soup deliciously rich, creamy, and comforting.

• Spices – Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper put the finishing touch on this tasty soup.

How to make Instant Pot chicken wild rice soup

Instant Pot chicken rice soup is an easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner that can be made in just 5 simple steps:

Step 1: Using Saute mode on the Instant Pot, saute the onion and garlic in oil until translucent. 

Step 2: Add in the carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper and cook until soft.

Step 3: Add the chicken broth, wild rice, and cubed chicken. Give everything a good stir, turn off Saute mode, place the lid on top, and cook on high pressure.

Step 4: Allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

Step 5: Open up the Instant Pot and add the cream and kale. Stir to combine, serve, and enjoy!

Stovetop instructions

Wild rice can take at least 40 minutes to cook in a pot of boiling water on the stovetop. Get this step done first before preparing the rest of your soup:

1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Saute the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms in a large pot on the stove. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. 
3. Add the chicken broth and cubed chicken. Add a lid on top and let the soup simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Add the cooked wild rice, heavy cream, and kale to finish. Give everything a good stir before serving.

Slow cooker instructions

1. Place the wild rice, chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, mushrooms, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. 
2. Cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through but some liquid remains.
3. Add the heavy cream and kale and give everything a good stir. Serve and enjoy!

Tips and variations

• Looking for a vegetarian alternative? Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or bone broth, or make my Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup.
• Speed up the process for swapping the raw chicken for leftover roasted chicken or a shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir it into the soup when you add the cream and kale.
• This soup pairs really well with a side of Irish soda bread or no knead artisan bread.

Storage and reheating

To store: Place the leftover soup into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Make sure the leftovers have cooled completely before transferring them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

To reheat: Place the chilled or thawed soup into a large pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add additional chicken broth as necessary and serve when warmed through.

Looking for more cozy Instant Pot soup recipes?

• Moroccan Lentil Soup
• Stuffed Peppers Soup
• Simple Carrot Soup
• French Onion Soup