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Instant Pot Chicken Soup

This chicken soup combines tender, browned chicken pieces with aromatic vegetables and herbs, simmered quickly in the Instant Pot. The final dish features a rich, flavorful broth with succulent chicken and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal. Its hearty texture and customizable ingredients make it a favorite for chilly days or when craving something cozy.
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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: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or breasts preferably with skin
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • fresh parsley for garnish herb chopped

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or 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 let it heat up. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook the other side briefly. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly softened, about 5 minutes. You should hear a gentle sizzle and see the vegetables turn a bit translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, with a slight sizzle and aroma filling the kitchen.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any flavorful browned bits, creating a rich base.
  5. Return the browned chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with thyme and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a savory aroma as the flavors meld together.
  7. Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  8. Open the lid carefully, and check the chicken—should be tender and easy to shred. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  9. Remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the soup. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, enjoying the comforting warmth and hearty texture of your homemade chicken soup.

Notes

For added richness, consider stirring in a squeeze of lemon or a splash of soy sauce. Feel free to customize with noodles, rice, or greens for variety.