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Instant Pot Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup is made using an Instant Pot to quickly develop rich flavors and tender meat. It features bone-in chicken pieces, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a hearty, clear broth with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. The final dish is warm, flavorful, and customizable with noodles, rice, or greens.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts preferably with skin for flavor
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley chopped, added at the end
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Once hot, place the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become fragrant and start to soften with a slight caramel color.
  3. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, which add depth to the flavor.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the vegetables. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
  6. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
  7. Open the lid carefully and check that the chicken is tender and easily shredded. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
  8. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones if present, and stir it back into the broth. Add chopped herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
  9. Let the soup rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve the hot, fragrant soup in bowls, optionally adding noodles, rice, or greens for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock or add a splash of soy sauce. Customize with your favorite greens or noodles for variety.