This chicken soup came about on an especially chaotic Tuesday, when I needed something quick but not bland. It’s my go-to because it’s forgiving and flexible, with a punch of lemon that wakes everything up. The Instant Pot makes it almost too easy, which is a blessing on busy days.
Why I keep making this soup
It’s simple, forgiving, and always hits the spot. The lemon keeps it lively, even on the gloomiest days. Plus, it’s a reminder that good food can come together fast without sacrificing flavor or soul.
Breaking down the ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they become tender and shreddable, perfect for adding protein.
- Onion, celery, carrots: The classic soffritto base, adding sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Garlic and thyme: Aromatic and earthy, they deepen the flavor, with garlic adding a subtle pungency.
- Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, use good quality or homemade for richness.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brightens up the entire bowl with citrus zing, a real flavor lift.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme): Finish with herbs for color and freshness, a quick aroma boost.
Tools of the trade for this chicken soup
- Instant Pot (or pressure cooker): Fast, hands-off cooking to tenderize chicken and develop flavors.
- Sharp knife: Chop vegetables evenly and safely.
- Cutting board: Protect surfaces and provide a stable chopping area.
- Ladle: Serve the soup without splashing.
Step-by-step guide to a cozy, bright chicken soup
Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode, and add a splash of oil.
Step 2: Sauté diced onion, celery, and carrots for about 5 minutes until they soften and smell sweet.
Step 3: Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, add chicken breasts, and secure the lid.
Step 5: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, do a natural release for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Open the lid carefully. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the soup.
Step 7: Stir in lemon juice and zest, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh herbs.
Cooking checkpoints to get it just right
- Vegetables should be tender but not mushy, with a slight crunch.
- Chicken should be shredded easily and remain juicy.
- Soup should have a clear, flavorful broth with a bright lemon aroma.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Not enough liquid, resulting in a gloopy or burnt base.? Add more broth if the soup is too thick or concentrated.
- Overcooked chicken becoming stringy.? Reduce cooking time slightly if chicken is overcooked and dry.
- Lemon flavor is muted or bitter.? Add a splash more lemon juice to brighten flavor if too dull.
- Herbs losing potency in the soup.? Use fresh herbs for a vibrant finish, or dry if out of season.
Bright Lemon Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil, letting it heat until shimmering and fragrant.
- Add diced onion, chopped celery, and diced carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release a sweet aroma, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in minced garlic and sprinkle in thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth, then place the chicken breasts directly into the liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, remove the chicken breasts, and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add lemon zest and squeeze in fresh lemon juice, stirring well to combine and brighten the flavors.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve steaming hot, enjoying the vibrant flavor and comforting warmth.
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