The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making it easier and faster to prepare meals that are both comforting and satisfying. If you’re a fan of creamy, savory dishes, then using a can of cream of mushroom soup in your Instant Pot is a fantastic idea. It’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes, from casseroles to stews and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple yet flavorful Instant Pot recipe that uses cream of mushroom soup as a base. This soup adds a creamy richness that complements meats, vegetables, and seasonings beautifully. We’ll break down the recipe into easy-to-follow steps, discuss the key ingredients and tips, and offer some variations to make it your own.
So, let’s get cooking!
Instant Pot Using Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe
This recipe is quick, creamy, and full of flavor, with the Instant Pot doing most of the work for you. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. By using cream of mushroom soup, you create a luscious sauce that coats tender meat and vegetables, making every bite comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is how simple and straightforward the ingredients are. You don’t need a long grocery list to make something delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup – This is the star ingredient, creating a creamy, savory base for your dish. It’s rich in flavor and adds a great texture to the sauce.
- 1 lb of chicken breasts or thighs – Chicken is a great protein to pair with cream of mushroom soup. The Instant Pot keeps it juicy and tender.
- 1 cup of chicken broth – This helps thin out the soup a little and provides more depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Garlic is the perfect aromatic addition to balance the richness of the soup.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder – Adds a savory undertone to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – For sautéing, adding a bit of richness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – These simple seasonings bring everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and soup.
- Optional: 1 cup of frozen peas or carrots – For a pop of color and added nutrition.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part-the cooking! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting for you, so you can sit back and relax while it works its magic. Here’s how you do it:
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Sauté The Chicken
Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function. Add the olive oil, and once it’s hot, season your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it gets a nice golden color. You don’t need to cook it through completely, as the Instant Pot will finish the job.
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Add The Soup Mixture
Once the chicken is browned, switch your Instant Pot to the Cancel function to stop the sautéing. Pour in the can of cream of mushroom soup, followed by the chicken broth. Stir well to combine the soup and broth into a smooth mixture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. If you’re adding frozen peas or carrots, throw those in now too.
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Pressure Cook The Chicken
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Set it to Pressure Cook (high) for 8-10 minutes if using boneless chicken breasts or thighs. For bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes.
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Release Pressure
After the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to Venting to do a quick release for the rest of the steam.
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Finish The Dish
Open the Instant Pot lid and check if the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F). If you like, shred the chicken right in the pot for a more rustic texture. Give everything a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Ingredient Insights
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a pantry staple that many people overlook, but it’s incredibly versatile. Besides the obvious use as a soup, it makes a fantastic sauce for casseroles, meats, and even pasta dishes. The combination of mushrooms, cream, and seasonings makes it a rich base that elevates any dish.
- Chicken: Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, and in the Instant Pot, it turns out wonderfully tender and juicy. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are particularly forgiving since they stay moist even if slightly overcooked.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor and helps the soup thin out. It’s important not to skip this because the broth provides a savory depth and balances out the richness of the mushroom soup.
Expert Tips
- Searing the chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! While it’s tempting to just throw everything in the pot, browning the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor. This process caramelizes the proteins on the surface, creating a depth of taste that the soup will absorb.
- Thickening the sauce: If the sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water). Stir it into the soup and simmer on Sauté mode for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
- Frozen vegetables: Adding frozen peas or carrots not only makes this dish colorful but also saves time. You don’t need to worry about chopping vegetables, and they’re ready to go straight from the freezer.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so it’s a great option for meal prep or leftovers. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to mix things up! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Swap the chicken for pork: Pork chops or pork tenderloin work wonderfully in place of chicken. The cream of mushroom soup creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with pork’s natural flavor.
- Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end of cooking to give the dish a cheesy, gooey finish.
- Make it a casserole: Layer cooked rice or pasta at the bottom of the Instant Pot before adding the chicken and soup mixture. This turns the dish into a hearty casserole with a creamy, saucy base.
- Add fresh herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a pop of freshness to this dish. Just throw them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a fragrant twist.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It takes minimal effort while still delivering a satisfying, comforting meal that your whole family will love. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility-whether you stick with the original ingredients or experiment with variations, you can create something delicious with just a few pantry staples.
FAQs
What Is A Basic Instant Pot Recipe Using Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
A basic Instant Pot recipe using cream of mushroom soup typically involves combining the soup with other ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, pasta, or rice, and cooking them under pressure. For example, you can cook chicken with cream of mushroom soup, broth, and seasoning, resulting in a creamy and flavorful dish.
Can I Use Cream Of Mushroom Soup As A Base For Instant Pot Casseroles?
Yes, cream of mushroom soup is an excellent base for Instant Pot casseroles. It adds a creamy, rich texture and helps blend the flavors of ingredients like pasta, rice, chicken, and vegetables. Simply add the soup along with the other casserole ingredients and cook according to the recipe’s instructions.
How Do I Thicken A Dish Made With Cream Of Mushroom Soup In The Instant Pot?
If the dish is too thin, you can thicken it by using cornstarch or flour slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the soup after cooking. You can also let the dish sit with the lid off for a few minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening the consistency.
Can I Substitute Cream Of Mushroom Soup With A Healthier Alternative In Instant Pot Recipes?
Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup with lighter alternatives such as low-fat or fat-free versions, or a homemade version made from sautéed mushrooms, broth, and a small amount of cream or milk. For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a cashew-based sauce.
What Are Some Ingredients I Can Add To An Instant Pot Recipe With Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Common ingredients you can add include chicken, beef, vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas, pasta, rice, and seasonings like garlic, thyme, or rosemary. You can also experiment with adding cheese for extra creaminess, or use different types of broth for added flavor.
How Long Should I Cook Chicken With Cream Of Mushroom Soup In The Instant Pot?
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you can cook them in the Instant Pot with cream of mushroom soup for about 10-12 minutes on high pressure. For bone-in chicken, cook for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Always allow for a natural pressure release for the best texture.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken In An Instant Pot Recipe With Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Typically, frozen chicken will require about 5-10 minutes longer than fresh chicken. Ensure that the chicken is properly cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C).
Do I Need To Add Extra Liquid When Using Cream Of Mushroom Soup In An Instant Pot Recipe?
Yes, you typically need to add extra liquid such as broth, water, or wine when using cream of mushroom soup in an Instant Pot. This helps to create the necessary steam for pressure cooking. A general rule is to add at least 1 cup of liquid per recipe, depending on the other ingredients.
Can I Cook Pasta In The Instant Pot With Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can cook pasta in the Instant Pot with cream of mushroom soup. Add the uncooked pasta along with the soup and other ingredients, ensuring there is enough liquid to cook the pasta properly. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of pasta, but typically, you’ll want to cook it for 4-6 minutes on high pressure.
How Do I Prevent My Instant Pot Recipe With Cream Of Mushroom Soup From Burning?
To prevent burning, always ensure you have enough liquid in the Instant Pot to create steam and avoid burning the soup at the bottom. When sautéing ingredients before pressure cooking, be sure to deglaze the pot with a bit of broth or water to remove any browned bits that may cause the ’Burn’ notice.