This recipe takes a familiar comfort—chicken soup—and infuses it with a bright, zesty twist that wakes up tired taste buds. The Instant Pot makes it quick, but the real magic is in how the ginger and lemongrass elevate simple ingredients into something lively and nourishing. It’s a go-to when you want warmth with a punch of fresh flavor.
Why This Soup Calls You Back
The bright, spicy warmth of ginger mixed with the clean citrus notes of lemongrass makes every spoonful lively. It’s easy to adapt, so I keep tweaking it—more greens, a splash of soy, or a handful of rice noodles. This soup feels like a quick hug after a long day, keeping me grounded and comforted.
Breaking Down the Key Flavors
- Chicken breasts: Lean, cooks quickly, keeps the broth light and tender.
- Carrots: Sweet, crunchy, adds subtle color and sweetness.
- Celery: Aromatic base, crisp texture, balances flavors.
- Ginger: Spicy, warm aroma, brightens the broth.
- Lemongrass: Citrus, floral, adds a fresh, lemony zing.
- Chicken broth: The flavor foundation, choose low-sodium if possible.
- Garlic: Pungent, savory, enhances overall depth.
Tools of the Trade for This Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot: Main appliance for fast, tender cooking.
- Chef’s knife: Chops vegetables and chicken efficiently.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for prep.
- Ladle: Serves the hot soup without spills.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Soup from Scratch
Step 1: Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and chop 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks, and a small onion. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger.
Step 2: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a splash of oil, then toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, until the kitchen smells warm and spicy.
Step 3: Add the chopped carrots, celery, 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts, and 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Drop in a stalk of lemongrass (lightly smashed) for that citrusy boost.
Step 4: Seal the lid, set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, carefully do a quick release. The chicken should be tender, and the broth bubbling with flavor.
Cooking Checkpoints to Keep in Mind
- The chicken should shred easily with a fork—if not, give it a few more minutes under pressure.
- The broth should be clear and aromatic—if cloudy, simmer gently to develop flavor.
- Vegetables should be tender but not mushy—test with a fork at the 15-minute mark.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Forgot to season the broth properly.? Add more salt if the broth tastes flat.
- Overcooked chicken leaving it dry.? Reduce pressure time if chicken isn’t tender.
- Using dried or old ginger.? Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
- Steam escaping, leading to undercooking.? Ensure the valve is sealed tight.
Bright Lemongrass Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and chop the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces, and peel and chop the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger, setting everything aside for easy access.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Pour in a splash of oil, then add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant, with the aroma filling your kitchen and the ingredients softening slightly.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well, letting the vegetables absorb the fragrant base for a minute or two.
- Place the chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Lightly smash the lemongrass stalk and add it to the soup for a fresh citrus aroma.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. As it cooks, you'll notice the broth bubbling gently and the flavors melding beautifully.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure. Open the lid and check that the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces. Discard the lemongrass stalk if desired, and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir the soup well, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not mushy. The broth should be clear, aromatic, and vibrant with fresh flavors.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the lively aroma and comforting warmth.
