Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup: 45-Minute Recipe

The best Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and aromatic vegetables in about 45 minutes total time—30 minutes less than traditional stovetop methods. This pressure cooker version yields a rich, flavorful broth with perfectly cooked rice and fall-off-the-bone chicken without constant monitoring.

Creating authentic chicken and wild rice soup in an Instant Pot transforms a traditionally time-consuming recipe into a weeknight-friendly meal. Unlike slow simmering on the stove, the pressure cooker extracts maximum flavor from chicken bones in under 20 minutes while perfectly cooking the wild rice blend. The key to success lies in proper layering, precise pressure timing, and strategic natural release to prevent burn notices—a common issue with rice-based soups.

Why Your Instant Pot Excels at Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

The high-pressure environment of an electric pressure cooker fundamentally changes soup preparation. Where stovetop methods require 1.5-2 hours of gentle simmering to develop flavors and cook wild rice completely, the Instant Pot achieves similar depth in 25 minutes under pressure. This rapid cooking preserves the distinct chewy texture of genuine wild rice (not just wild rice blends) while extracting collagen from chicken bones for a naturally thickened broth.

Professional chefs note that pressure cooking creates unique Maillard reaction compounds at higher temperatures than boiling, resulting in deeper umami notes. For home cooks, this means restaurant-quality results without professional equipment—just ensure you use the sauté function properly before pressure cooking to build foundational flavors.

Ingredient Selection Matters More Than You Think

Not all ingredients perform equally in pressure cooking. Understanding these nuances separates good instant pot chicken wild rice soup from exceptional:

Ingredient	Traditional Method	Instant Pot Adjustment
Chicken	Bone-in pieces preferred	Thighs work better than breasts (less prone to drying)
Wild Rice	1 cup requires 45-60 min simmering	1/2 cup needs only 15 min pressure + 10 min natural release
Vegetables	All added at beginning	Root vegetables first, delicate veggies after pressure cooking
Broth	4-6 cups standard	Reduce by 1 cup (less evaporation in sealed environment)

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Instructions

Follow this tested method for foolproof results every time. Total active time: 15 minutes. Total cooking time: 40 minutes.

1. Sauté aromatics: Use the "Sauté" function to cook 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 celery stalks in 2 tbsp olive oil until softened (5-7 minutes). Add 3 minced garlic cloves during the last minute.
2. Build flavor base: Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free) and cook 1 minute. Deglaze with 1/2 cup dry white wine, scraping any browned bits.
3. Layer ingredients: Add 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs, 1/2 cup wild rice (not blend), 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt. Do not stir—layering prevents burn notices.
4. Pressure cook: Seal lid, set to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" at high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow 10 minutes natural release before quick release.
5. Finish soup: Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones. Return meat to pot. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional). Simmer 5 minutes on "Keep Warm".

Avoiding Common Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Mistakes

Even experienced pressure cooker users encounter these issues with chicken and wild rice soup instant pot recipes:

• Burn notice activation: Caused by rice settling at bottom. Prevent by adding broth first, then rice, then chicken on top. Never stir after adding rice.
• Mushy rice: Wild rice needs precise timing. 15 minutes is maximum—any longer and it disintegrates. Use a blend with only 25% wild rice for more forgiving results.
• Thin broth: Pressure cooking doesn't reduce liquid like simmering. Use 25% less broth than stovetop recipes, or add a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) after cooking.
• Dry chicken: Breast meat overcooks easily. Stick with thighs or add breasts during the last 5 minutes of pressure cooking.

Customizing Your Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This versatile recipe adapts well to dietary needs and flavor preferences:

• Dairy-free version: Omit cream and add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for richness
• Gluten-free option: Replace flour with 2 tbsp arrowroot powder added after pressure cooking
• Vegetarian adaptation: Use mushroom broth and omit chicken; add 1 cup chopped mushrooms during sauté
• Extra protein: Stir in 1 cup white beans after pressure cooking

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper handling maintains texture and safety:

• Cool completely within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freeze without dairy for up to 3 months (add cream when reheating)
• Reheat gently on "Sauté Low"—high heat makes rice gummy
• Add splash of broth when reheating (rice absorbs liquid while stored)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in my instant pot chicken wild rice soup?

Yes, but increase pressure cooking time to 22 minutes. Place frozen chicken directly on bottom, then add other ingredients without thawing. The extended time ensures thorough cooking while preventing undercooked rice.

Why does my instant pot chicken soup with wild rice get thick overnight?

Wild rice continues absorbing liquid as it cools. When reheating, add 1/4-1/2 cup broth per serving. For meal prep, intentionally undercook rice by 2 minutes and store components separately.

How do I prevent the burn message when making wild rice soup in instant pot?

Three key steps: 1) Always deglaze thoroughly after sautéing 2) Layer broth first, then rice, then chicken on top (don't stir) 3) Use at least 3 cups liquid for every 1/2 cup rice. Avoid thickening agents until after pressure cooking.

Can I double this instant pot chicken wild rice soup recipe?

Yes, but don't exceed the 2/3 fill line. Increase pressure time by only 2-3 minutes (not double) since pressure cooking time depends on food density, not quantity. Stir carefully after natural release to distribute ingredients evenly.

What's the difference between using wild rice versus wild rice blend in instant pot?

Pure wild rice requires precise timing (15 minutes) to avoid mushiness. Blends containing cultivated rice varieties can handle up to 20 minutes. For best results with blends, reduce wild rice portion to 1/3 cup and increase cultivated rice to 1/3 cup for balanced texture.