Instant Pot Chicken Wild Rice (Print View)

Tender chicken, wild rice, and fresh vegetables cooked fast for a satisfying, hearty meal.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Rice

02 - 3/4 cup uncooked wild rice blend, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
08 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings & Herbs

10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1 tsp dried parsley
12 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
15 - 1 tsp salt

→ Creamy Finish

16 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
17 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
02 - Add chicken, wild rice, chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
03 - Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook on high for 25 minutes.
04 - Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
05 - Remove chicken and bay leaves. Shred chicken with two forks, then return the meat to the pot.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed. Heat through for 2-3 minutes on Sauté mode if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The wild rice gives it this incredible nutty depth that you just cannot get from regular rice
  • Its one of those rare soups that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • Wild rice takes longer to cook than you might expect, which is why 25 minutes under pressure is necessary
  • Do not skip the natural release time or the rice might still be crunchy in the center
03 -
  • Rinse your wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear for the best texture
  • If you have time, shred the chicken while still hot as it comes apart much more easily