Delicious Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
A delightful combination of bright flavors and comforting textures, this soup is packed with tender chicken, fresh herbs, and the subtle tang of lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Place the chicken in the pot, then add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken in the seasonings.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid. Cancel the sauté function.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Press the manual function and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is finished, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Add the orzo back into the pot. Select the sauté function again and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Keep an eye on the orzo while cooking to avoid a mushy texture, and use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.