This Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is a comforting, rich, and creamy meal that comes together quickly and easily. Made with tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, and a blend of spices, it’s finished with cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese for a luscious texture. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s ready in about 25 minutes and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast

• 1 small jar (220g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained from oil

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon chipotle or cayenne chili powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 ½ cups (375ml) chicken stock

• 1 cup cream

• ½ cup cream cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat oil in the pot, add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.

2. Add chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, bell pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), and chicken stock. Stir to combine.

3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. When done, carefully release the pressure by moving the valve to venting.

4. Remove the chicken breast and shred it with two forks, then return it to the pot.

5. Stir in cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Turn on sauté mode again, stirring until cheese melts and soup is creamy and smooth.

6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal

• Protein: ~35-40 g

• Fat: ~28-32 g

• Saturated Fat: ~15-18 g

• Carbohydrates: ~8-10 g

• Fiber: ~1-2 g

• Sugar: ~3-5 g

• Cholesterol: ~110-130 mg

• Sodium: ~600-800 mg

This soup is high in protein and fat, thanks to the chicken, cream, cream cheese, and cheddar. It’s relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto-style diets.

Flavorful Ingredients and Aromatic Spices

At the heart of this soup are its simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together harmoniously. The chicken breast provides lean protein that becomes tender and juicy thanks to the pressure cooking process. Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a concentrated burst of sweetness and umami, which balances the creamy richness. The red bell pepper adds a touch of freshness and subtle sweetness, creating a vibrant contrast with the other ingredients.

A well-curated blend of spices—cumin, oregano, paprika, and optional chipotle or cayenne chili powder—infuses the soup with warmth and complexity. These spices create a smoky, slightly spicy undertone that elevates the dish without overwhelming the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables. Garlic and onion sautéed at the beginning build an aromatic base that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

The Creamy, Cheesy Finish

The hallmark of this soup is its creamy finish. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, the soup transforms as cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese are stirred in. The cream cheese melts smoothly, lending a rich, tangy silkiness, while the cheddar adds a comforting sharpness and smooth texture. This combination results in a soup that is thick, luscious, and indulgent—almost like a comforting chicken chowder.

The richness from the dairy is balanced by the vibrant flavors from the spices and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring the soup feels hearty without being cloying. The creamy texture makes it especially satisfying on cold days or whenever you want a soothing, comforting meal.

Convenience and Speed with the Instant Pot

Using the Instant Pot is a game-changer for this recipe. Pressure cooking dramatically cuts down the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavorful in just 15 minutes under high pressure. This makes it accessible even on busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without the wait.

The sauté function lets you build flavor by cooking the aromatics directly in the pot, reducing the need for multiple pans and minimizing cleanup. After the pressure cooking, simply shred the chicken in the pot, add the creamy ingredients, and finish the soup quickly, all in one vessel. This efficiency is a major advantage, especially for cooks who want to maximize taste and minimize effort.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Its relatively low carbohydrate content and high fat make it well-suited for low-carb or ketogenic diets. The fats come from cream, cream cheese, and cheddar, contributing to satiety and richness.

While the soup is relatively high in saturated fat, the balance of flavors and protein content helps it feel like a complete meal rather than just a heavy indulgence. Sodium levels can be moderated by choosing low-sodium chicken stock or adjusting seasoning to taste, which is useful for those monitoring salt intake.

Serving Suggestions and Enhancements

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is hearty and flavorful on its own, but there are many ways to personalize and enhance the dish. Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the creamy texture and smoky spices. For a bit of crunch, consider topping with toasted nuts or crispy fried onions.

Serving this soup with crusty bread or warm tortillas can add a comforting, carb-based balance, especially for those not following a low-carb diet. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

For spice lovers, adding an extra dash of chipotle or cayenne, or a swirl of hot sauce before serving, can turn up the heat without overpowering the dish.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is a delicious and convenient meal that blends tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a luxurious creamy base into a satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week. Its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup make it an attractive option for busy home cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor or comfort.

The vibrant spices, creamy cheeses, and hearty chicken combine to create a soup that is both nourishing and indulgent, appealing to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup delivers warmth, richness, and wholesome satisfaction with every spoonful.