Does cooking chicken longer in Instant Pot make it more tender?

If your boneless chicken breast winds up with a weird, rubbery texture, it probably means that you need to cook it longer. In general, the Instant Pot does better with longer cook times for meat .

How much liquid do I add to Instant Pot for chicken?

You can cook chicken breasts in whatever size instant pot you have. Just make sure you add at least 1 cup of liquid, and then place the chicken in the pot in a single layer.

Why is my Instant Pot chicken so tough?

Rubbery Instant Pot shredded chicken is usually the result of overcooking the meat. If you used thinner pieces of chicken or did not adjust the cook time to the correct weight, it can result in dry and chewy chicken. You can salvage your chicken by serving it with a sauce to add moisture and flavor.

Can you overcook chicken in the Instapot?

While all cuts of chicken are fair game for the Instant Pot, thighs are the most forgiving. Because chicken breast is so lean, just a couple of extra minutes of cook time turns them from juicy to overcooked and dry .

Is it possible to overcook chicken in a pressure cooker?

Do check the temperature often to avoid overcooking . If the pressure cooker has completely cooled down, you can heat it up before placing the chicken breast back in. Remember to turn off the heat before you place the chicken breast back in to avoid overcooking the exterior!

What gives soup the best flavor?

Some of our favorites are Dried Shallots, Dehydrated Red Bell Pepper, Dehydrated Green Bell Pepper, Tomato Flakes, Minced Onion and Roasted Garlic Flakes . Or, add a bay leaf to your recipe. The bay leaf will give the soup a little something extra without overwhelming the dish.

What vegetables can you not put in soup?

any veggie can be used in soup, but unless you're making a very delicate, exceptional soup, I'd steer clear of lettuce. some veggies have a strong flavor, so you may enjoy using them, but in moderation. For me, parsnips and rutabaga fit this category.

Does chicken need to be submerged in pressure cooker?

chicken requires 18 minutes of high pressure cooking. Add 6 minutes of cooking time per additional pound. Note: You can submerge your chicken directly in the cooking liquid, especially if you want to make chicken stock . However, the steamer basket method ensures crispy skin and won't wash away the seasoning.

Is it better to slow cook or pressure cook chicken breast?

Ultimately, slow cooking allowed our chicken to be perfectly seasoned without compromising the meat texture, a luxury pressure cooking can't afford.

Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook chicken?

Ultimately, slow cooking allowed our chicken to be perfectly seasoned without compromising the meat texture, a luxury pressure cooking can't afford.

Does pressure cooking longer make meat more tender?

Pressure cooking, like slow cooking, will tenderize tough cuts of meat like beef brisket, beef chuck, pork shoulder and lots of other cheaper, tougher cuts. Pressure cooking (or slow cooking) is not the best approach for cooking expensive, tender steaks or rib roasts.

Does pressure cooking chicken make it more tender?

All Cuts of Meat Can Become More Tender in a Pressure Cooker But there's more to tender meat than simply choosing a particular cut. As you'll know, starting with great ingredients is a must, but how you treat them in the cooking process is also of paramount importance.

Does pressure cooker make chicken soft?

Chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks By placing cooking liquid in the bottom of the pressure cooker and placing the chicken in the steamer basket above the liquid, you are guaranteed tender, moist chicken every time . However, you can also use the cooker to make a sauce and cook your chicken submerged in flavour.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe (2024)

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Jean Choi 36 Comments

AIP

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Make the most nourishing Instant Pot Chicken Soup using vegetables and a whole chicken! It makes bone broth in the process and becomes SO nutritious and comforting. Plus, this soup is gluten-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30!

What Makes This Recipe Great

I love a good chicken soup, and it’s so healing and comforting when you feel sick or down. I first made this Instant Pot Chicken Soup recipe on a whim and didn’t measure any of the ingredients, and it turned out absolutely fantastic, so I had to make it again to share it with you!

This recipe uses a whole chicken, and I love that because you end up making bone broth while cooking it, so you have a protein-packed, nutrient-dense soup at the end of it. And it all comes together a little over one hour!

This soup is perfect when you’re feeling under the weather or need some comfort. I hope you make this nourishing chicken soup to boost your immunity and fight off the bugs. It also freezes really well, so you can make it ahead of time to pull out on a cold day. It’s basically a hug in a bowl!

Ingredient Notes

Veggies: Onion, carrots, and green beans.
Garlic cloves
Ginger
Whole Chicken: I used a 4lb whole chicken because I love the mix of white and dark meat. If you prefer one or the other, feel free to use all chicken breasts or chicken thighs. If you don’t prefer bone-in chicken, choose boneless options.
Sea salt
Crushed black pepper
Water
Chopped green onions: For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place onion, carrots, green beans, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.
Lay the chicken over the vegetables.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pour water over everything.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, then set it to “Soup” on high pressure for 30 minutes. Ensure the valve on your pressure cooker is set to the sealing position.
Once the soup is finished, the Instant Pot will beep a few times. Wait about 30 minutes for the pressure to release naturally until you can open the lid.
Take out the chicken and debone. You can save the bones to make bone broth.
Shred the meat and place it back in the Instant Pot. Stir.
Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve with chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

Expert Tips

Feel free to add additional ingredients to this soup recipe if desired, but keep in mind that depending on which vegetables or starches you add, it will no longer be keto, Paleo, whole 30, etc.
Some options for additional ingredients include celery, potatoes, cooked rice, fresh herbs (thyme, bay leaf, rosemary) for additional flavor, and more.
Since we’re using a whole chicken, the leftover bones are perfect for making homemade chicken broth using this recipe.
This isn’t a chicken “noodle” soup, but it’s quite easy to turn this into an Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe by adding a package of wide egg noodles (or noodles of choice).

Storage Tips

Store leftover instant pot chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up in the microwave or over the stovetop.

Recipe FAQs

How long does soup mode take on Instant Pot?

For this recipe, the actual cook time is 30 minutes on soup mode. However, keep in mind that it does take time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and then 30 minutes of natural pressure release after it’s done cooking.

More Soup Recipes

Easy Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Healthy Roasted Tomato Soup

Easy Leftover Turkey Rice Soup

Creamy Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup

30-Minute Dak Juk (Korean Rice Porridge)

If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on Instagram for even more delicious recipes!

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 large onion diced
2 large carrots or 3 small, chopped
2 cups green beans chopped into 1 inch pieces
4 garlic cloves minced
1 inch ginger minced
4 lb whole chicken giblets removed
2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste (omit for AIP)
6 cups water
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Place onion, carrots, green beans, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.
Lay the chicken over the vegetables.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pour water over everything.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, then set it to "Soup" on high pressure of 30 minutes.
Once the soup is finished, the Instant Pot will beep a few times. Wait about 30 minutes for the pressure to go down naturally until you can open the lid.
Take out the chicken and debone. You can save the bones to make bone broth.
Shred the meat and place back in the Instant Pot. Stir.
Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve with chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 255Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 81mg27%

Sodium 678mg29%

Potassium 324mg9%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 2840IU57%

Vitamin C 6.7mg8%

Calcium 35mg4%

Iron 1.3mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Expert Tips

Feel free to add additional ingredients to this soup recipe if desired, but keep in mind that depending on which vegetables or starches you add, it will no longer be keto, Paleo, whole 30, etc.
Some options for additional ingredients include celery, potatoes, cooked rice, fresh herbs (thyme, bay leaf, rosemary) for additional flavor, and more.
Since we’re using a whole chicken, the leftover bones are perfect for making homemade chicken broth using this recipe.
This isn’t a chicken “noodle” soup, but it’s quite easy to turn this into an Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe by adding a package of wide egg noodles (or noodles of choice).

Storage Tips

Store leftover instant pot chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up in the microwave or over the stovetop.

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Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe (2024)

What Makes This Recipe Great

Ingredient Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Expert Tips

Storage Tips

Recipe FAQs

More Soup Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Expert Tips

Storage Tips

FAQs

Does cooking chicken longer in Instant Pot make it more tender? ›

Does pressure cooking longer make meat more tender? ›