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Bright Lemon Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot

This quick and forgiving chicken soup uses the Instant Pot to tenderize chicken breasts and develop rich flavors, with a vibrant kick of lemon that brightens every spoonful. The dish features a comforting base of sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and shredded chicken, resulting in a clear, flavorful broth with tender vegetables and juicy chicken pieces. Perfect for busy days, it offers a cozy yet lively eating experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts lean and quick-cooking
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 carrots carrots sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or good quality
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • to taste salt and pepper seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release a sweet aroma, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Place the chicken breasts into the broth, ensuring they are submerged.
  4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and set aside to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, then stir in the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.
  7. Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, with crusty bread if you like.

Notes

For an extra hearty version, add cooked noodles or rice to the soup before serving. Using fresh herbs enhances brightness, but dried herbs work in a pinch. Adjust lemon to taste for a perfect zing.