Instant Pot Chicken Orzo Soup with lemon and kale is a simple weeknight meal that balances the craving for something light and fresh while staying cozy and comforting. It’s thick and chunky and comes together easily in the pressure cooker!
I can’t believe it has taken me so long to share this recipe with you guys. I’ve been making it for a while, but the timing has never felt right to share it. It’s definitely a soup fit for cozy soup season, but the fresh lemony vibe makes it a suitable springtime recipe.
Looking for more cozy chicken soup recipes? This chicken fajita soup has all the spicy flavours of a chicken fajita served up in a warming bowl of soup!
Details on the ingredients
- Orzo. This is a short-cut pasta that looks like a large grain of rice. It’s normally made from white flour, but you can also get it in whole wheat. I haven’t been able to find any here, so this recipe is made with white flour orzo.
- Chicken. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the soup as lean as possible. I haven’t tested this recipe with bone-in breasts or thighs.
- Herbs. I used dry herbs for convenience but I also find they hold up better in soups. You can use chopped fresh herbs, especially if they are in season and that’s your preference. Just triple the amount as fresh herbs are not as potent as dried. I would also keep the basil leaves whole and add them at the end.
- Fresh lemon. Please don’t use bottled lemon juice here. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and a garnish of lemon slices gives this soup so much flavour.
- Carrots and celery. These should be cut into 1-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the soup ingredients. If you cut your veggies too thinly, they will cook quickly and get too soft.
- Broth. I used no salt added chicken broth, but you can use low-sodium or regular chicken broth. Just be sure to taste test the soup before adding any more salt.
- Kale. I love adding greens to soups, and kale is a hearty green that holds up well. If you don’t have kale, you can use spinach. Just wait until the very end to add it to the soup as it cooks down quickly.
How to make lemon chicken orzo soup in the Instant Pot
- Add your chicken to the Instant Pot and season with the herbs, garlic, salt and pepper. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the orzo and kale.
- Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure.
- Hit cancel and, with the lid off, set the Instant Pot to sauté for 7 minutes. Stir in the orzo. After 3-4 minutes, add the kale. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t burn onto the bottom of the insert.
- When the timer goes off, carefully remove the chicken, shred it and return it to the Instant Pot. Stir together and serve it up.
Frequently asked questions
- What’s the total cooking time for this soup in the Instant Pot? The soup will take about 52 minutes in the Instant Pot. I know this sounds like a long time, but most of the time is hands off. It will take 25 minutes for the pressure to build as the Instant Pot will be full. It will then take 10 minutes to cook at high pressure and 10 minutes to depressurize. The soup is finished off on sauté mode for 7 minutes to cook the orzo and kale.
- What’s the best way to reheat this chicken orzo soup? You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Leftover soup will thicken in the fridge, and the orzo will absorb a lot of broth, so before reheating leftovers you may want to add some more broth or water.
- Can you freeze soup with orzo in it? I don’t recommend freezing this soup. The orzo will not hold its texture once frozen and defrosted, which will make your soup mushy.
Additional recipe tips and suggestions
- If your chicken breasts are large, they may take a little longer to cook. Just make sure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165F.
- This recipe was made in a 6-quart Instant Pot and the insert was almost full.
- I usually go a little light on the salt as you can always add more but it’s difficult to take it away. So feel free to season the soup with more salt, or even pepper, garlic and/or lemon juice.
- This is a thick and chunky soup. If you prefer a less chunky soup, just add a little bit more broth or water.
More Instant Pot soup recipes
More orzo pasta recipes
If you make this lemon chicken soup with orzo, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.
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Instant Pot Chicken Orzo Soup (with Lemon and Kale)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Instant Pot Chicken Orzo Soup with Lemon and Kale is a simple weeknight meal that’s thick and chunky and comes together easily in the pressure cooker!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups chopped carrots (1-inch thick slices)
- 2 cups chopped celery (1-inch thick slices)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 8 cups no salt added chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh kale, packed and torn
Instructions
- Grease the Instant Pot insert with cooking spray and add the chicken. Season with basil, oregano, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the carrots, celery, onion, lemon juice and broth. Stir to combine.
- Lock the lid in place and turn the valve to seal. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. (It will take about 25 minutes for pressure to build).
- Once the timer goes off, quick release the pressure. (This will take about 10 minutes).
- Remove the lid. Hit cancel and set the Instant Pot to sauté for 7 minutes. Add the orzo. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t burn onto the bottom of the insert.
- After the orzo has cooked for 3-4 minutes, add the kale.
- When the timer goes off, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Shred it and add back to the soup.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and lemon juice, if necessary. Serve immediately.
- Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.
Notes
- This recipe was made in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- If your chicken breasts are large, they may take a little longer to cook. Just make sure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165F.
- Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
I always remember growing up hearing that Newfoundland was about to be hit by a snow storm, as I could see the blubs start to sprout in our garden! One day I’m going to have to invest in an instant pot, this looks really delicious and healthy! Who doesn’t love a bowl of good chicken soup, and the orzo helps seal the deal!
Thanks Matt! Yes, it’s not unheard of for us to get storms in late March and early April. The garden won’t start to bloom until June! Hope you’re doing well. Chicken soup is much in need these days!
Lol @ Sprinter, Leanne!! I think it might just be a Newfoundland thing…we haven’t gotten hardly any winter at all! In fact, today was 70 degrees here in NC! Either way, I’d still love to curl up with a bowl of this delicious soup! So hearty and I love that lemon for all the citrus goods!
Thanks Haylie! While I love some outdoor winter activities, I’m tired of the snow now. Please send some of that warmer air this way!;)
We’re in sprinter here too – skiff of snow this morning! So I’m definitely craving soup – and this one looks perfect! So hearty and full of flavors I love!
Thanks Marissa! Hope your sprinter ends soon! 😉
This recipe would be perfect for this transitional weather! I love orzo so much so it’s a great way to use it.
Thanks Christie!
Orzo in soup is a favorite of mine and this one looks so filling and comforting!! I’m hoping that you all get some weather relief soon; the snow you’ve gotten this year is unreal!!
Thanks Tasia! We love orzo in soup too. Take care!
I see orzo popping up everywhere these days and I love the idea of using it in a soup like this! And those flavour sound incredible, Leanne! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks so much Katerina! We’re loving orzo lately!
Such a lovely soup and perfect for enjoying year round! Sorry about your Sprinter. March for use is always really still Winter. But April … that’s a different story. And coming soon 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! I hope our spring arrives by April! Fingers crossed!
Just love soups like this – warming and hearty!
I especially love that you can do this in the instant pot! Delicious!
Thanks Alex! I love being able to set it and almost forget it in the Instant Pot!
Haha, Leanne. Sprinter is so awkward, isn’t it!? I’m never sure how to dress the kids (or myself, for that matter) and just when you think you’ve got it nailed, the weather changes and it’s suddenly freezing or hot. Gah! At least that means REAL spring is on its way! And speaking of spring, this soup is perfect for it!! I just love a good Instant Pot soup recipe!! Pinning and trying soon! XO
Thanks so much Katherine! I’m glad you can relate. The wardrobe is a definite challenge for sprinter!!
I never thought of using orzo in soup…so thanks for the idea! Looks like a great recipe. Photos are great.
We love orzo in soup! Thanks Terry. Happy weekend!
We do both have orzo on the brain today Leanne! Love the lemon too, This soup is the perfect way to stay warm. Pinned!
Thanks Mary Ann! We do. Love the look of your orzo salad!
It’s one of our faves too! Love the freshness and pop of flavour from lemon! I was so happy to get all that rain yesterday, but so disappointed that we have more snow on the way this weekend. By the way it’s going, we’ll have snow on our lawn for quite some time. Soup is always a good idea, no matter the time of year so I would love a bowl today! Looks super hearty for sure. Happy weekend ahead 🙂 Stay cozy!
It’s definitely going to take until June for all the snow to melt around here!! Especially after the dumping we had last night. Thanks Dawn. Here’s hoping we have more rain and fog soon! haha!
Light and fresh and cozy and comforting?! I’m in!! Pinned!
Thanks so much Annie!
Haha! I love “sprinter!” (I mean the word, not the thought of snow in April, haha!) I absolutely LOVE the sound of this soup, Leanne! So cozy and warming!
Haha! Thanks Kelsie. Yep, not my favourite season!