Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo is a flavorful, zesty dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked with aromatic herbs and lemon in a rich chicken broth along with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This one-pot meal is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a comforting blend of herbal and citrus notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Pasta & Broth
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Herbs & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure they are well-flavored.
- Sauté Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add olive oil and brown the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until they release their fragrant aroma.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine the flavors evenly.
- Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, distributing it evenly throughout the broth mixture to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Return Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, placing them into the orzo mixture.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes for perfectly tender chicken and al dente orzo.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Finish and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the orzo gently with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- To reheat, warm the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
