Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comforting goodness? Dive into the delightful world of "Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup," where wholesome ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor and nutrition. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 30 minutes from prep to plate! With tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup not only nourishes your body but also satisfies your taste buds. Keep reading to discover how to whip up this delicious dish that will have your family asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice carrots, celery, and onion; trim and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Turn on Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot.
- Lightly brown chicken thighs on both sides for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Return chicken thighs to the pot and add vegetable broth, ensuring ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Remove chicken thighs, shred with two forks, and return meat to the pot.
- Add green beans, cook on Sauté mode for additional 3-4 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or chives.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your vegetables in advance. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is ready to go!
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Browning the chicken and vegetables adds depth and richness to the soup that will elevate the overall flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: After cooking, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can make great additions!
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the green beans if you plan to freeze it, as they can become mushy upon reheating.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh flavor of your soup. With these tips in hand, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and healthy chicken vegetable soup that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
