Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

This Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, soft orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Made quickly in the pressure cooker, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a warm, nourishing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
• Comforting and hearty – Loaded with tender chicken, orzo, and veggies.
• Perfect for meal prep – Freezer-friendly and tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap proteins, or make it creamy.
• One-pot meal – Made entirely in the pressure cooker for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ½ cup baby spinach (for extra greens)
• ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy version)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)

Directions

1. Sauté the aromatics:

• Set the pressure cooker to Sauté mode.
• Heat olive oil, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add broth and chicken:

• Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
• Place chicken breasts (or thighs) into the broth.

3. Pressure cook:

• Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 10 minutes.
• Once done, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for the remaining pressure.

4. Shred the chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Cook the orzo:

• Set the pressure cooker to Sauté mode again.
• Stir in the orzo and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

6. Finish the soup:

• Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley for brightness.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve:

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, extra parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk at the end.
• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead.
• Low-Carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding extra broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Skip the pressure cooking step for the chicken and add 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken after cooking the orzo.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

If making ahead, cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Increase the cooking time to 15 minutes on High Pressure and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or couscous works well.

How do I make the broth extra rich?

Use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth for added flavor.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Yes, but use only 1 teaspoon dried parsley since it’s more concentrated.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan and heavy cream, or use a plant-based alternative.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just ensure your pressure cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume.

Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Absolutely! Homemade broth will make the soup even more flavorful.

Conclusion

This Pressure Cooker Chicken Orzo Soup is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a meal prep option, or a nourishing soup to fight off a cold, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a warm, homemade bowl of goodness!

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