Description
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!
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Lock the lid in place, ensuring the steam valve is sealed.
- Press the “Soup” button on your Instant Pot and adjust the time to 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it into the soup.
- 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!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
