Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo

Making dinner can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on busy weeknights. However, I found a hidden gem in my kitchen that dramatically changed my routine: the Instant Pot. One of my favorite go-to recipes is Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo. It’s a delightful dish that effortlessly combines juicy chicken breasts with tender orzo pasta, all infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself, this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo apart from your typical weeknight meals? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. As someone who values time in the kitchen, I appreciate that this dish offers a robust flavor profile without extensive prep work or long cook times. Plus, the Instant Pot streamlines everything, allowing you to sauté, pressure cook, and serve all in one pot!

Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a delicious, hearty meal in just about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy families, and it’s kid-approved too—citrusy flavors paired with savory chicken and pasta mean it’s a hit at the dinner table. As one excited home cook mentioned, “This recipe has become a staple in our home! Quick, delicious, and my kids love it!”

Preparing Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo

Let’s break down the process a bit. Start by searing the chicken to lock in all that juicy goodness. After sautéing some garlic for a fragrant base, the magic continues with the bright flavors of lemon juice and zest. Then, it’s just a matter of layering the orzo and chicken, closing the lid, and letting the Instant Pot do all the work. In no time, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter dish or quinoa instead of orzo for a gluten-free option.

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir to combine well.
5. Add the orzo, then place the seared chicken on top of the orzo mixture.
6. Close the lid and set the pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is done, allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release for the remaining steam.
8. Fluff the orzo with a fork and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

What to Serve It With

To enhance your dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a nutritious side. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with citrus undertones complements the lemony notes beautifully. For a bit of crunch, you could also add some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top.

Best Way to Store Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), you can store it easily. Place the cooled chicken and orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.

Pro Chef Tips

• For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before cooking.
• If you’re in a hurry, opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it at the end, just to warm through.
• Experiment with additional spices like paprika or crushed red pepper for a little kick!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Different Pasta: Swap the orzo for other small pasta like farro or or pasta shapes like ditalini.
• Vegetable Addition: Stir in some spinach or kale in the last minute of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange juice and zest alongside the lemon for a refreshing twist.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to cook?

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes! Feel free to use chicken thighs for a more tender option or try tofu for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the orzo from being mushy?

Keep an eye on the cooking times, as overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. A quick stir after pressure cooking can also help redistribute moisture.

This Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo is a fantastic meal that proves convenience doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. You’ll find it becoming a regular on your dinner rotation in no time!

Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken with Orzo

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Adaptable

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken breasts with tender orzo pasta, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add the orzo, then place the seared chicken on top.
6. Close the lid and set the pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is done, allow for a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release for the remaining steam.
8. Fluff the orzo with a fork and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for an hour before cooking. Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, Lemon Herb Chicken, Orzo, Quick Dinner, Easy Recipe