Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious and healthy soup made with tender chicken, lots of veggies and orzo pasta. A perfect cozy, comforting and nutritious meal for the cold weather!
Start the instant pot in SAUTE mode and heat it. Add oil, onions and garlic. Stir and saute for 2 minutes.
Add carrots, celery, salt, pepper, thyme and broth. Stir well. Place chicken breast on top and push it under the liquid. Press Cancel and close the lid with vent in sealing position.
Set the instant pot on MANUAL or pressure cook mode at high pressure for 6 minutes.
When the instant pot beeps, do a 10 minute NPR. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the lid.
Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and shred with two forks.
Add the orzo and shredded chicken back to the pot. Set the instant pot on saute mode for 6 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Then press cancel. (If the chicken is already well cooked, hold off and add it in once the orzo is almost cooked)
Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Soup is ready to be served.
Stovetop Method
In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in butter or oil for 2-3 minutes, over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and celery. Then pour in the chicken broth along with the salt, pepper and spices. Place the chicken in the pot, and bring the pot to a boil. Then reduce the heat, and cover with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes. Open the lid, and add the orzo pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Take out the chicken when the orzo is almost cooked, shred with two forks and add it back to the soup. Add the lemon juice, and garnish with parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve and Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Broth: I have used Better Than Bullion base to make broth. It is just easier to keep at hand for all my cooking. You may want to skip adding salt if using this. Orzo: Adjust the sauté time after adding the orzo, based on the cooking time on the pasta package. You can also use whole wheat orzo or gluten-free orzo. Chicken: To make sure chicken is cooked to the right temperature, use an instant read thermometer, so you are not guessing. Spinach: Add spinach to make this a more nutritious Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with spinach. Storing: Let the soup cool down to room temperature. Then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. The pasta will likely soak up all of the liquid when stored. Add some chicken broth or water before reheating.