Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup | Instant Pot Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup

Are you in search of a heartwarming, zest-filled, and incredibly simple meal that's almost as easy as waving a magic wand? Look no further because our Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe is here to transform your dinner game. This delightful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, light lunches, or whenever you crave a bowl of comforting, one-pot goodness.

Why Your Whole Family Will Love It

• Effortless Cooking. This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a breeze to whip up. Just a few steps, and you'll have a gourmet-worthy soup ready to serve.
• Zesty Elegance. The star of the show is the bright, zesty flavor of lemon that adds a refreshing twist to the classic chicken and orzo combination. It's like a burst of sunshine in every spoonful.
• Versatile. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy dinner, a light lunch, or even a starter for a special meal.
• Freezer-Friendly. Make a big batch and freeze extra servings for those days when you need a quick, comforting meal without the fuss.

What Does Lemon Add To Soup?

• Bright and Zesty Flavor- Lemon provides a burst of bright and refreshing citrus flavor that lifts the overall taste of the soup. It adds a tangy, zesty note that can awaken the taste buds and create a vibrant profile.
• Acidity- Lemon juice contains natural acidity, which can help balance the flavors in a soup. It cuts through richness and adds a hint of tartness that complements other ingredients.
• Freshness- Lemon imparts a fresh, clean quality to the soup, making it feel lighter and more invigorating. This is especially valuable in soups with rich or heavy components.

What Is Orzo Soup Made Of?

Our Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and an array of delightful ingredients. Here's a glimpse of what you'll need to make this culinary masterpiece:

• Chicken Thighs- Offers tender and juicy meat for the soup.
• Onion and Garlic- Create a fragrant and savory base.
• Carrots and Celery- Provide a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Chicken Broth- Forms the rich and flavorful soup base.
• Orzo Pasta- Adds a delightful and comforting element to the soup.
• Lemon- The star ingredient, offering zesty brightness to the dish.
• Fresh Herbs- Fresh dill and parsley bring a burst of herbaceous flavor.
• Salt and Pepper- To season to perfection.

How To Make Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Let's dive into the simple steps for crafting this soul-soothing Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup in your Instant Pot:

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic. Start by using the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot to cook diced onions and minced garlic until they become aromatic and translucent.
2. Add Chicken and Veggies. Next, introduce boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the pot and brown them briefly. Then, add sliced carrots and celery for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
3. Pour in Broth. Pour in your chicken broth to create the soup's foundation. It's the heart of the dish, infusing it with a rich and savory essence.
4. Season and Pressure Cook. Add uncooked orzo pasta, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
5. Shred Chicken. Once the cooking is complete allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. then manually release all remaining pressure. Remove the lid and shred the tender chicken thighs in the pot. They will effortlessly fall apart, adding to the soup's luscious texture.
6. Serve and Garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish each serving with fresh dill, parsley, and a touch of lemon zest for that final burst of citrusy goodness.

Tips And Tricks

Creating the perfect Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delightful culinary adventure, and here are some tips and tricks to make it even better:

• Sauté for Flavor. Use the sauté function to cook the onions and garlic before adding other ingredients. This step enhances their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
• Use Chicken Thighs. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy in the Instant Pot. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results.
• Adjust Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon juice is key to the soup's bright flavor. Adjust the quantity to your taste, keeping in mind that bottled lemon juice may vary in acidity.
• Mind the Orzo. Be careful not to overcook the orzo. Follow the recommended cooking time in the recipe, and consider that it may continue cooking as the soup cools.

Variations

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is already bursting with zesty flavor, but you can add some exciting variations to suit your taste preferences or change things up for different occasions. Here are some creative variations to consider:

• Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup- Add Greek flavors with ingredients like oregano, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of lemon and feta creates a delightful contrast of tangy and zesty.
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup- Stir in a touch of heavy cream or coconut milk to make the soup creamy and luscious. This variation creates a rich and velvety texture while preserving the lemony essence.
• Spicy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup- If you love some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce into the soup. The spiciness pairs well with the bright lemon flavor for a zesty kick.

What To Serve With Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a standalone delight, but it pairs wonderfully with some delightful accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette to sop up the flavorful broth.
• Salad- A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the soup's zest.
• Grilled Cheese- For a classic pairing, enjoy your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy, comforting meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup will remain fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop as needed.

Can You Freeze It?

Absolutely! This soup is freezer-friendly. To freeze, allow it to cool to room temperature and portion it into airtight containers or resealable freezer bags. Remember to label and date them for reference.

Properly frozen Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising its quality.

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes

• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
• Pumpkin Soup Recipe
• Sauerkraut Soup
• Instant Pot Taco Soup
• Chicken Fajita Soup

Pin It!

If you adore this Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup recipe as much as we do, don't forget to share it with your fellow food enthusiasts on social media. And, of course, pin it for easy access whenever you need a bowl of soul-soothing, lemony comfort.