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Instant Pot Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is made using an Instant Pot to quickly develop rich flavors and tender, pull-apart chicken. Main ingredients include chicken breasts or thighs, vegetables, and smoky paprika, resulting in a comforting broth with shredded chicken and vibrant herbs. The final dish is warm, hearty, and visually inviting with colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into large chunks
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs parsley or dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a splash of oil, then toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the mixture smells aromatic.
  2. Add chopped carrots, celery, and chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables begin to soften and the chicken turns opaque on the outside.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Secure the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully open the lid, and check that the chicken is cooked through and shreddable. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
  5. Remove the bay leaf and shred the chicken using two forks, mixing it into the broth. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Stir in fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Give everything a final stir to combine all flavors beautifully.
  7. Serve the hot, hearty chicken soup in bowls, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy the comforting, flavorful broth with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.