25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that comes together in no time, you’re in for a treat. I absolutely love this 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe because it’s bright, flavorful, and so satisfying, especially when you want something hearty but not heavy. When I first tried this soup, it blew me away how quickly the Instant Pot made everything tender and infused with lemony goodness. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips so you’ll nail this delicious soup every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that lovely balance of comforting and refreshing in this 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe, I stick with a simple, clean ingredient list that lets the flavors shine through. Here’s what I always pick up at the store or keep on hand.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and shred easily, perfect for a quick soup.
• Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
• Carrots: Large dice works best to keep some texture after pressure cooking.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, but always add gradually—taste as you go!
• Lemon pepper: Brings a subtle citrus zing without overpowering the soup.
• Garlic powder: Simple, yet adds warmth and heartiness.
• Dried thyme: Gives a gentle herbal note that complements the lemon.
• Chicken stock: The soup’s base—homemade is best, but store-bought works well, too.
• Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed last for the freshest and brightest flavor kick.
• Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end for color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
• Minced fresh thyme: Added fresh for a final layer of herbal fragrance.

Variations

I love how flexible this 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is—because who doesn’t want a bit of creativity in the kitchen? Feel free to play with it depending on what you have or want to suit your taste buds.

• Vegetable swaps: I often add celery or zucchini instead of carrots for a different texture—both work beautifully.
• Herb variations: Sometimes I use rosemary or parsley if I don’t have thyme on hand. It changes up the flavor but keeps that herby brightness.
• Go gluten-free or paleo: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb. I like to add some cauliflower rice for a filling twist.
• Mild heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice subtle kick if you want some warmth.

How to Make 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients into the Instant Pot

First things first, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Instant Pot. I’ve found that putting the chicken on the bottom helps it cook evenly and absorb all those lovely spices layered on top. Then add your diced yellow onion and large diced carrots—they’ll steam up nicely inside. Sprinkle in the salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a quick stir to distribute the seasonings. Don’t worry about over-mixing; this is all about setting the flavor foundation.

Step 2: Pressure Cook and Shred the Chicken

Seal your lid and make sure the valve is set to “seal.” Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick manual release right away. Carefully remove the chicken breasts—they’ll be incredibly tender and juicy. Use two forks to shred them right in the kitchen; I like to go for a nice fine shred so it’s easier to scoop up in every bite. Then pop the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach, Fresh Thyme, and Lemon

Now, for the bright finishing touches—stir in a big handful of fresh spinach and the minced fresh thyme. I discovered this trick: add spinach at the end so it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy; it just softens a bit and adds vibrant color and nutrition. Then squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon right in. Give it a good stir, taste, and add more salt if you need it. That’s it! Your soup is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually go simple with garnishes—a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra minced thyme adds a nice fresh herbal note. A few lemon zest curls on top are my favorite, too, because they amp up that citrus aroma. If you like a little crunch, toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds make an unexpectedly delicious contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup feels so cozy alongside a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. My family goes crazy for garlic bread with it, and sometimes I whip up a quick grain side like quinoa or couscous to make it more filling without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this soup in pretty white mugs with a lemon wedge perched on the rim—it adds a lovely pop and invites guests to squeeze in extra lemon if they want. Another fun idea is ladling the soup over cooked rice or orzo right in individual bowls for a comforting “soup and grain” combo that’s perfect on chilly nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. After the first day, the flavors actually mellow and deepen, which I love. Just be sure to stir it gently before reheating since the spinach might settle to the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to save portions for later. I usually freeze it before adding fresh spinach, and then stir in fresh spinach after reheating for the best texture. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer a gentle simmer on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender and the spinach fresh. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling after adding lemon juice to keep the flavor bright.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This 25 Minute Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe has become my go-to when I want a quick dinner that feels homemade and special without hours in the kitchen. I’m always impressed by how the lemon brightens everything up, balancing the rich chicken and veggies perfectly. I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as my family does—so give it a try, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite tweaks!

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