Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Soup: Your Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Experience the vibrant flavors of the South with this incredibly easy Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Soup! Crafted in under 15 minutes, this hearty soup features the rich, smoky taste of Johnsonville® Andouille Rope Sausage, abundant vegetables, tender chicken, and just the right amount of Creole spice to warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal, this recipe is also fantastic for making ahead and freezing for convenient meal prep.
This post has been sponsored by Johnsonville®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When it comes to crafting deeply flavorful and satisfying meals, few ingredients rival the robust character of Andouille sausage. It’s an ingredient my husband introduced me to, and it quickly became a staple in our kitchen. His mastery of classic Creole dishes like jambalaya and gumbo always fills our home with incredible aromas, especially as the cooler months approach.
However, with the whirlwind of daily life, work commitments, and baby preparations, whipping up elaborate, from-scratch meals often feels like an insurmountable task by the end of the day. This challenge spurred me to devise a solution: a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The result is this Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Soup, an absolute game-changer in the world of quick and easy meals.
This isn’t just “easy”; it’s arguably the simplest chicken sausage recipe you’ll ever encounter. Forget the sautéing, the extra pots, and the lengthy ingredient lists. Here, you literally combine everything in your Instant Pot, set it, and in a mere 15 minutes, you have a deliciously comforting, Creole-inspired soup ready to be devoured. It’s a testament to how incredible flavors can emerge from an uncomplicated process.
The Power of Flavor: Johnsonville Andouille Sausage in Your Soup
What truly elevates this quick Instant Pot soup to a gourmet experience is the phenomenal flavor contributed by Johnsonville Andouille Rope Sausage. This sausage infuses the entire dish with a rich, smoky depth that is unmistakably Creole. Johnsonville has built a reputation over 75 years for crafting high-quality sausages, focusing exclusively on what they do best. Made with 100% premium pork and absolutely no fillers, you can taste the dedication to quality in every bite. This commitment ensures that their Andouille sausage provides the robust, authentic base needed for a truly exceptional Creole soup.
With Johnsonville’s meaty goodness, this soup transforms into a genuinely hearty meal, perfect for warming you up on the chilliest evenings. I typically find Johnsonville Andouille Rope Sausage conveniently at my local Safeway. If Andouille’s distinct spice isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, Johnsonville offers a fantastic variety of other rope sausage flavors. Options like their traditional smoked, Cracked Black Pepper Beef, or Smoked Turkey Garlic can all be wonderfully incorporated into this recipe. Each flavor profile pairs beautifully with the Creole seasoning, allowing you to customize the soup to your preference.
Remember to always check the Safeway mobile app for exclusive coupon offers! In fact, I have one right here for you: you can save $1 on any Johnsonville® Rope Sausage (any flavor!) by clicking the link provided below.
Crafting Your Instant Pot Creole Chicken Sausage Soup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its extreme simplicity. You won’t need to dirty multiple pans or spend time pre-sautéing vegetables or meat. Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring maximum flavor infusion throughout the cooking process.
Effortless Pressure Cooking
To begin, simply combine all the ingredients directly into your Instant Pot inner pot. That includes the chicken thighs, sliced Johnsonville Andouille sausage, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, chopped bell peppers, diced onion, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, and salt. Once everything is in, secure the lid, set your Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High pressure for a mere 8 minutes. After the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a manual release of the pressure.
Note: This recipe is highly adaptable! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide excellent moisture and flavor, you can certainly substitute them with chicken breast if that’s your preference. Feel free to customize the vegetables too; consider adding hearty potatoes for a bulkier soup or experimenting with different types of peppers. For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in some fresh spinach leaves during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until they wilt perfectly into the hot soup.
Shredding for Perfection
Once the pressure has been released and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the Instant Pot. Transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken meat. While an electric hand mixer can also shred chicken quickly in a bowl, for this quantity, two forks often prove faster and lead to less cleanup. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, give the soup a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients, and serve immediately!
Need some more inspiration for soups or stews?
If this Creole masterpiece leaves you craving more comforting bowls, be sure to explore our extensive soup recipe page for a wide array of delicious options that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Creole Soup
We’ve gathered some common questions to help you get the most out of your Instant Pot Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Soup experience.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for making ahead. If you plan to serve it within a few hours, you can keep it warm directly in your Instant Pot for up to 3 hours. For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?
While chicken broth is recommended for its richer, more profound flavor, you can certainly substitute it with vegetable broth. Keep in mind that vegetable broth might result in a slightly less robust flavor profile for this particular Creole soup. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, make sure to use a good quality broth for the best taste.
Is This Chicken Sausage Soup Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, this Instant Pot Creole Chicken Sausage Soup is an excellent candidate for freezer meal prep! For uncooked meal prep, combine all the ingredients (except the liquid) in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply dump the frozen contents into your Instant Pot, add the broth, and cook for 15 minutes on High pressure. You can also freeze cooked leftovers; simply cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you’re a fan of extra heat, it’s incredibly easy to dial up the spice level in this soup. After cooking, stir in a pinch or two (or more, to taste!) of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the pot, or offer it as a topping for individual servings.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftovers
Don’t let any of this delicious soup go to waste! Leftovers are fantastic on their own, but they also offer a canvas for creative repurposing. Try serving the soup over fluffy rice, tender pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier, more substantial meal. It also makes a wonderful topping for cornbread or biscuits.
Instant Pot Creole Chicken Sausage Soup
Equipment
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Utility Cutting Board
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Instant Pot Ultra
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 13.5- oz Johnsonville® Andouille Rope Sausage sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 14- oz can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Sliced green onion
- Hot sauce
Instructions
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Add all soup ingredients – chicken thighs, sliced Johnsonville® Andouille Rope Sausage, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, bell peppers, onion, garlic, Creole seasoning, and salt – to the Instant Pot insert. Secure the lid. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) on High pressure for 8 minutes.
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Once cooking is complete, perform a manual (quick) release of the pressure. Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs to a cutting board and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately with your desired toppings and a side of crusty bread.