Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A rich and cozy Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a creamy finish for the perfect cold-weather meal.

1. Brown the chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil. Working in batches, brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then transfer to a plate.
Tip: Browning adds depth of flavor and keeps the chicken from tasting flat.
Cleanup: Wipe any splatters from the rim of the pot before continuing to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the vegetables and herbs
Add the celery, carrots, garlic, onion, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits. Reduce by half, then add the chicken broth, wild rice, and water. Return the chicken and add the bay leaf.
Tip: Scraping the brown bits ensures the soup gets all the cooked-in flavor.
Cleanup: Rinse the measuring cup used for wine or broth immediately to avoid residue.
3. Pressure cook
Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Release the pressure carefully, then remove the lid when safe.
Tip: If the rice looks underdone, let the soup sit on warm mode for several minutes.
Cleanup: Use a folded towel when venting steam to keep condensation off your counter.
4. Shred the chicken
Transfer the chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks.
Tip: Shred while the chicken is hot for easier, cleaner strands.
Cleanup: Place a paper towel under the bowl to catch drips.
5. Thicken the soup
Mash together the butter and flour in a small bowl to form a paste. Return the chicken to the pot, then stir in the butter mixture and set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the kale and cook for about 2 minutes.
Tip: This classic beurre manié technique thickens without lumps.
Cleanup: Use a silicone spatula to prevent sticking as the soup thickens.
6. Finish and serve
Stir in the half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Press cancel. Remove the bay leaf, add the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Tip: Add the lemon at the end to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
Cleanup: Soak the Instant Pot insert in warm soapy water right after serving for easy cleaning.

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Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup