If you’ve ever longed for a bowl of warm, soothing goodness that feels like a big hug from the inside, the Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes the humble chicken soup to a whole new level with fresh ingredients, a homemade broth base, and the magic of the Instant Pot to quickly deliver a rich, flavorful, and hearty meal that nourishes body and soul. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something truly comforting, this soup is pure love served hot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each one plays a critical role in building the complex layers of flavor and delightful texture that make this soup so irresistible. From tender chicken to vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs, these essentials blend beautifully to create a wholesome, colorful, and satisfying dish.
- 1 whole chicken: Choose a smaller bird that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot; it provides the rich base for your soup.
- 8 cups chicken broth: Use gluten-free for a clean taste; it’s the flavorful foundation of the soup.
- 2 cups water: Adjust to reach your preferred soup consistency, balancing depth and lightness.
- 2 cups chopped carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and beautiful orange color; parsnips can be a nice substitute for a twist.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Brings subtle earthiness and a gentle crunch that complements the softness of the chicken.
- 1 large diced onion: Yellow or white onions both work great, giving you that essential aromatic backbone.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: Fresh is always best for the vibrant kick it adds.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet, herbal note that lifts the entire soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that enhances the savory depth (if using fresh, increase the amount accordingly).
- 1 teaspoon salt: Customize to taste for perfect seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: For a subtle spicy warmth that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by carefully removing the giblet bag from your chicken to ensure a cleaner broth. Place the whole chicken into the Instant Pot along with the chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and your herbs and seasonings. This fresh mix sets the stage for a deeply satisfying soup.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water steadily, making sure to not exceed the fill line in your Instant Pot. The right amount of liquid is crucial to achieving that perfect broth texture without it being too watery or too thick.
Step 3: Seal and Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to the Soup or Broth setting for 40 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the pressure cooker draws out every bit of flavor from your chicken and vegetables, resulting in rich, comforting broth and tender meat.
Step 4: Check Temperature and Finish
Once the cooking cycle ends, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached a safe 165°F. This not only ensures safety but confirms your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, savoring the wonderful aroma before the first bite. The tender chunks of chicken paired with hearty vegetables and flavorful broth make this recipe a go-to comfort dish, any time you need a bowl of warmth and love.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup adds that extra touch of freshness and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, a few basil leaves, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. A handful of chopped scallions or a dash of red pepper flakes can also add delightful texture and a little kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with crusty bread or warm garlic toast for dipping into the broth. Simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement the meal beautifully and keep the focus on the comforting nature of this soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in charming bowls or small soup mugs. You might also shred some of the cooked chicken and add fresh noodles or rice right before serving to turn it into a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the soup in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and avoid any contamination from other foods.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen soup will keep its delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick comfort meals any day you need.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For thicker soups, add a splash of water or broth as needed to reach your desired consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking smaller pieces, and make sure the meat reaches 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to make this soup without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stove or in a slow cooker; however, the cooking time will be longer. Simmer gently on the stove for about 1.5 to 2 hours or slow cook for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and flavors meld together.
Can I add noodles or rice to this soup?
Definitely! Add cooked noodles or rice just before serving to avoid them becoming mushy. Alternatively, cook them separately and add portions to bowls when serving.
What substitutions can I make for herbs?
If you don’t have dried basil or thyme, Italian seasoning blends work wonderfully. Fresh herbs can be used but should be added after cooking to preserve their brightness.
How do I make the soup richer without adding cream?
Using the whole chicken with skin and bones gives a naturally rich broth. You can also simmer the soup a little longer after pressure cooking to reduce it and concentrate flavors, or add a splash of good-quality chicken broth towards the end.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace, any day of the year. Easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and full of heartwarming flavors, it’s bound to become your favorite go-to for comfort food. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure, nourishing happiness.
Print
Instant Pot Chicken Soup From Scratch – Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting Instant Pot Chicken Soup is made from scratch using a whole chicken and fresh vegetables, delivering rich flavors and warmth in every bowl. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe is quick and easy, combining hearty ingredients with the convenience of pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 whole Chicken (Choose a small one that fits your Instant Pot.)
- 8 cups Chicken Broth (Ensure it’s gluten-free.)
- 2 cups Water (Adjust based on desired consistency.)
Vegetables
- 2 cups Chopped Carrots (Can substitute with parsnips.)
- 1 cup Chopped Celery
- 1 large Diced Onion (Yellow or white onions work best.)
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh is ideal.)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Dried Basil (Adjust if using fresh.)
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme (Use three times the amount if fresh.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- 1 tsp Pepper (Opt for freshly ground.)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by adding the whole chicken into your Instant Pot. Make sure to remove the giblet bag from the chicken to ensure a richer and cleaner soup base. Add the chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and all the seasonings (dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper) into the pot along with the chicken.
- Add Liquids: Carefully pour in the gluten-free chicken broth and water until the liquid reaches the fill line indicated inside your Instant Pot. Adjust the water amount depending on how thick or thin you want your soup.
- Seal and Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the pressure cooker to the Soup/Broth setting for 40 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook fully and release its flavors into the broth.
- Check Temperature: Once the cooking cycle is complete and the pressure is released, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot if desired, shred the meat, and return it to the soup or leave it whole. Ladle the piping hot chicken soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water or reduce the soup by cooking on sauté mode after pressure cooking.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, but increase quantities accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Make sure to remove the giblet bag from the chicken before cooking to avoid an off taste.
- You can substitute carrots with parsnips for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
