Cozy Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Tucked away in my culinary arsenal, this pressure cooker chicken orzo soup brings comfort straight to your bowl with unexpected ease.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a warm embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked orzo, delivering a hearty meal in minutes.

Weeknight dinner challenges dissolve when you harness the magic of pressure cooking techniques.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Rich broth infused with herbs whispers stories of home-cooked goodness.

Grab a ladle and let this soup chase away any lingering chill or hunger pangs.

Why Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Is Fast And Full Of Flavor

• Speed Up Meal Prep: This pressure cooker chicken orzo soup transforms from raw ingredients to a comforting meal in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is limited.
• Simplify Cooking Process: The one-pot method eliminates multiple dishes, allowing home cooks to create a delicious soup with minimal cleanup and straightforward techniques that even beginner chefs can master easily.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like swapping herbs, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels make this recipe adaptable to personal tastes and pantry availability, ensuring a personalized dining experience every time.
• Nutrition in a Bowl: Packed with lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich vegetables, and wholesome orzo, this soup delivers a balanced meal that provides comfort and nourishment in a single satisfying serving.

Everything You’ll Need For Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the heart of the soup, lean and easy to shred.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base providing depth of flavor and additional chicken essence.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and savory undertones, adding texture and nutrition.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer with robust, sharp notes.
• Thyme, Oregano: Warm, earthy herbs that complement chicken perfectly.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that adds satisfying texture to the soup.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that lifts the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a clean, green finish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat element for those who enjoy a slight kick.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sauteing vegetables and building initial flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish for added richness (not in cooking process).

How To Make Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Gently sauté until vegetables soften and release their sweet essence. Sprinkle in minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the spices dance and become fragrant for a quick moment.

Step 2: Infuse the Chicken

Nestle whole chicken breasts into the aromatic landscape. Pour chicken broth, ensuring the protein is completely submerged. Secure the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to sealing position. Activate high-pressure cooking for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb surrounding flavors. After cooking, permit a natural 5-minute release, then carefully manually release remaining pressure.

Step 3: Transform the Chicken

Extract chicken breasts and use two forks to transform them into delicate, tender strands. Reactivate the saute mode and introduce orzo pasta. Stir occasionally, coaxing the pasta to become perfectly tender over 5 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Reunite the shredded chicken with the soup. Brighten the entire dish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Ladle into bowls, optionally garnishing with additional parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips That Help With Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to add unique aromatic notes to your soup, giving it a personalized touch.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to reduce cooking time and add more depth of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute orzo with gluten-free rice or quinoa to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Volume Enhancement: Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.

How To Store Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• Preserve your delicious chicken orzo soup with smart storage techniques.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Properly stored soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its hearty flavors.
• When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as orzo tends to become mushy and absorb too much liquid when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration time and savor every comforting spoonful.

What To Serve With Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the soup's bright lemon and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Grab a hearty slice of toasted sourdough to soak up the delicious broth, adding a delightful textural contrast and extra comfort to the meal.
• Enhance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the soup's citrusy notes, providing a refreshing and light accompaniment to balance the warm, hearty soup.
• Serve with Herbed Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top or alongside the soup, introducing a tangy, creamy element that complements the herb-infused chicken and orzo.

Fun Twists On Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken for tender lamb, add diced zucchini, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings Mediterranean warmth to your soup.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace thyme and oregano with chili powder and cumin, add black beans and corn, then top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Harvest Edition: Stir in roasted butternut squash, replace lemon juice with apple cider, and finish with a splash of heavy cream for a rich, autumn-inspired soup that feels like a cozy hug.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate quinoa instead of orzo, add diced cooked bacon, mix in white beans, and garnish with chopped kale for a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal that energizes your day.

Common Questions About Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

• What makes this chicken orzo soup special in a pressure cooker?

This soup is incredibly quick and convenient, taking just 20 minutes total. The pressure cooker allows the chicken to cook perfectly tender while infusing deep flavors into the broth, creating a hearty and comforting meal much faster than traditional stovetop methods.

• Can I use different types of herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for thyme and oregano, you can easily swap in fresh rosemary, basil, or dill. Just remember that fresh herbs generally provide more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs, so adjust quantities accordingly.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, this soup offers a great balance of protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. It provides essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal that supports overall health and wellness.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

You can increase protein by adding extra chicken, including a can of white beans, or stirring in some beaten egg at the end for an egg drop soup-style protein boost. These additions will make the soup even more filling and nutritionally dense.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort flows through this hearty pressure cooker chicken orzo soup, blending tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and comforting orzo pasta. Rich Mediterranean flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing, soul-satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale
• 0.5 cup frozen peas

Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.75 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in the pressure cooker’s sauté mode. Gently sauté a medley of diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender.
2. Introduce minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. Allow the herbs and spices to bloom and release their fragrant oils for a brief moment.
3. Nestle whole chicken breasts into the vegetable-herb foundation, then carefully pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring the meat is completely submerged.
4. Secure the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to sealing, and initiate high-pressure cooking for 10 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, permit a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully venting any remaining pressure.
5. Extract the chicken breasts and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces.
6. Activate the sauté function and introduce orzo pasta into the aromatic broth. Stir periodically, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb the flavorful liquid until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
7. Reintegrate the shredded chicken into the soup, creating a harmonious blend of tender meat and pasta.
8. Brighten the soup’s flavor profile by stirring in fresh lemon juice and finely chopped parsley. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning as needed.
9. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, offering an optional garnish of additional parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added depth and richness.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts around 6-8 ounces for consistent cooking and easy shredding.
• Prevent orzo from sticking by stirring frequently during the cooking process and adding an extra splash of broth if needed.
• Transform this soup into a gluten-free version by substituting orzo with quinoa or rice, maintaining similar cooking times and liquid ratios.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg