Instant Pot Chicken & Lentil Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken & Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal that’s incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken thighs, protein-rich lentils, and flavorful spices, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, filling soup ready in just under an hour, with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken & Lentil Soup is a delicious one-pot meal that’s loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender and flavorful as they cook in the rich, aromatic broth. Green lentils add a satisfying heartiness, and the blend of garlic, cumin, paprika, and basil makes this soup aromatic and deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to make in the Instant Pot—just set it and forget it!

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cups dried green lentils
• 1 lb. chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup freshly chopped basil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ripe tomato, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp sea salt
• Fresh pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Thinly sliced green onions

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

Directions

1. Add ingredients to Instant Pot
   Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot, including the green lentils, chicken thighs, chicken broth, water, onion, green onions, basil, garlic, tomato, bay leaf, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, sea salt, and fresh pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Seal the Instant Pot
   Lock the lid in place, ensuring the steam valve is sealed.
3. Set the cooking time
   Press the “Soup” button on your Instant Pot and adjust the time to 30 minutes.
4. Pressure cook
   Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release the steam valve and remove the lid.
5. Shred the chicken
   Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it into the soup.
6. Serve
   Stir the soup well to combine all the ingredients. Ladle into bowls and garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for natural pressure release)
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breast: If you prefer chicken breast over thighs, you can substitute it. Just make sure to shred the chicken breast after cooking, as it may cook a bit faster than thighs.
• Add more vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when adding the other ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little more broth or water when reheating, as the lentils may absorb some of the liquid.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with dried red lentils?

Yes, you can substitute dried red lentils for green lentils, but keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, making the soup a bit thicker.

Can I make this soup without chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken if you want to save time. If using rotisserie chicken, add it after the soup is cooked to warm it through.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. Simply add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time, and the chicken will cook through perfectly.

How can I adjust the flavor?

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer more spice, add extra cumin, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne. For more depth, a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil before serving can enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken & Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor, and the Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare. The tender chicken, hearty lentils, and savory broth come together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. With plenty of options to customize the recipe, this soup will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation!

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