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Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This soup feels warm and bright on busy days. It has soft chicken, cozy orzo, and a splash of lemon that tastes like sunshine. It is simple, gentle, and perfect for family nights when life feels a little too loud.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 carrots medium chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 onion small diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1-3 tablespoons lemon large juiced about
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • 1½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons parsley fresh chopped optional

Method
 

  1. Turn on saute mode. Add olive oil. Cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add chicken, chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Close the Instant Pot lid. Pressure cook until the chicken gets tender.
  4. Open the lid. Remove the chicken. Shred it with two forks. Put the chicken back in the pot.
  5. Add the orzo. Turn on saute again. Cook until the orzo turns soft.
  6. Taste the soup. Add more lemon if you want more bright flavor.
  7. Spoon into bowls. Add parsley if you feel fancy.

Notes

Tips

  • Add more broth if the soup gets too thick.
  • Stir the orzo often so it does not stick at the bottom.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Double the recipe if your family eats big bowls like mine.

Variations

  • Add spinach at the end for extra color.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to make it faster.
  • Add peas for sweetness.
  • Try chicken thighs for extra tender bites.