Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe with Raw Chicken: A Quick & Easy Guide
Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot chicken soup recipe using raw chicken is your perfect solution. It's incredibly easy, delivers delicious results, and is ready in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful, healthy meal without the fuss!
Why Use Raw Chicken in Your Instant Pot Soup?
Using raw chicken in your Instant Pot soup offers several advantages:
- Flavor Infusion: Cooking the chicken directly in the broth allows for maximum flavor extraction, resulting in a richer, more deeply satisfying soup.
- Tender Chicken: The Instant Pot's pressure cooking method ensures incredibly tender chicken, easily shreddable with a fork.
- Convenience: No need for pre-cooking the chicken separately – everything cooks together in one pot!
- Time Savings: Significantly reduces overall cooking time compared to traditional methods.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Soup:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide the most flavor. You can also use a combination of thighs and breasts, or just breasts if you prefer leaner chicken.
- 8 cups chicken broth: Use low sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a subtle earthy flavor and pleasant crunch.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a warm, herby aroma.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: Complements the thyme beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust according to your preference.
- Optional additions: Consider adding noodles, rice, potatoes, or other vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra substance. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Instant Pot Chicken Soup:
- Sauté (Optional): For deeper flavor, you can sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot using the "Sauté" function before adding the liquid. This is optional, but highly recommended.
- Add Ingredients: Add the chicken, chicken broth, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded chicken and any additional ingredients (noodles, rice, etc.). Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Instant Pot Chicken Soup:
- For a thicker soup: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking time.
- Add vegetables earlier: For softer vegetables, add them along with the chicken at the beginning of the pressure cooking process.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer.
This Instant Pot chicken soup recipe with raw chicken is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy the ease and flavor of this pressure cooker magic! Remember to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your preferences, and don't be afraid to experiment! Happy cooking!
