Lemon, Chicken and Farro Soup

You catch the smell through the steam vent and suddenly you are starving. It’s like this warm hug of lemon and chicken hitting your nose and drawing you close. You spot the steam swirling and can't wait to dig in.

At the same time, you recall how sometimes lame soups just don’t fill you up or excite your taste buds. But this one? It’s got that chewy farro and fresh lemon zing that’s gonna flip the whole soup game.

You remember when you spent hours on soups before your pressure cooker stepped in. Now you’re gonna have dinner on the table way faster, without losing any of that cozy, slow-cooked feel. This soup’s a win for your taste buds and your time.

What Makes Pressure Cooking Win Every Round

• Pressure cooking traps steam inside thanks to the sealing ring which amps up the heat and cooks things faster.
• It locks in flavors real good, so your soup tastes deeper even when it’s done quicker.
• You can do a natural release for gentle cooking or quick release if you’re in a hurry.
• Steam cues help you know exactly when it's safe to open without losing too much heat or moisture.
• The pressure cooker switches between slow release and natural release easily, giving you control over your dish’s texture.

Everything You Need Lined Up

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup farro, rinsed
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Having all this stuff ready beforehand makes the whole cooking session way smoother. You won’t stop halfway to lookin for that one sneaky carrot or forget the garlic.

Make sure you’ve rinsed the farro well. That little step helps get rid of dust and makes it taste cleaner in your soup.

Oh and don’t skip the lemon zest and juice at the end! The brightness it adds is what kinda lifts this whole dish to the next level.

Walking Through Every Single Move

First, you gotta heat up the olive oil in your pressure cooker pot on medium heat. Wait until it’s shimmering but not smoking.

Next, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. You wanna sauté them until they get tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. It’s when those veggies start smelling really good.

Add your minced garlic, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir it all up and cook for a minute. This helps wake up the spices and garlic without burning them.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This is when your soup is really starting to come alive.

Add the rinsed farro, then close the lid making sure your sealing ring is set and the valve is on sealing. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes.

When the timer goes off, use a natural release for ten minutes so it finishes gently. Then do a quick release for any leftover pressure before opening. Stir in your shredded chicken, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat through a minute more and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.

Quick Tricks That Save Your Time

• Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to cut down your prep time a lot.
• Chop your veggies the night before or grab pre-chopped fresh veggies so you skip extra slicing.
• Rinse farro in bulk and keep it in the fridge so it’s ready when soup day hits.

These lil shortcuts mean less staring at the fridge and more enjoying that bowl of soup.

Your First Taste After the Wait

You spoon that first hot bowl and your taste buds catch that bright hit of lemon first. It’s fresh and lively and kinda wakes you up.

The farro’s got this chewy, nutty punch that plays so well with the tender chicken you can’t help but smile.

The warmth from thyme and a little red pepper gives this soup a tiny kick that keeps it interesting bite after bite.

And all of it together? It’s cozy, filling, and comforting. Just the soup you wanna curl up with after a long day.

How to Store This for Later

After you’ve enjoyed your soup, let the leftovers cool down a bit before storing. This keeps the texture from getting weird.

Store in airtight containers in the fridge and it should keep good for about 3 to 4 days. You’ll wanna give it a quick stir when reheating.

If you wanna save it longer, freezing works great. Just portion it out and use freezer-safe containers. It’ll last up to 3 months.

When thawing frozen soup, try to thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for best results without overcooking.

The FAQ Section You Actually Need

• Can I use other grains instead of farro? Yeah, you can swap in barley or brown rice, but cooking times might change so keep an eye on it.
• What if I don’t have fresh lemon? Bottled lemon juice works fine in a pinch, though fresh zest adds way more flavor.
• How do I avoid overcooking the chicken? Add cooked shredded chicken after the pressure cooking so it warms up without getting dry.
• What’s the difference between quick release and natural release? Quick release vents steam fast so you can open the cooker sooner; natural release lets pressure drop slowly and is better for tender results.
• Can I prepare this soup vegetarian? Sure thing, just swap chicken broth for veggie broth and skip the chicken or add beans for protein.
• What’s the sealing ring and why’s it important? It’s the rubber band inside the lid that traps steam to build pressure. Make sure it’s clean and properly fitted or your cooker won’t seal right.

For more warm recipes that can be made in a flash, check out our Delicious Enchilada Pasta and enjoy a cozy Tex-Mex fusion dish. If you love quick and savory snacks, you might also enjoy our Cheesy Taco Sticks, perfect for parties or family gatherings. And for a comforting Italian classic, try our Garlic Mushroom Pasta recipe with its rich flavors and simple preparation.

Don’t forget to explore other easy meals like Balsamic Chicken that pairs deliciously with simple sides and offers healthy protein packed meals. Or for a fun and unique snack, our Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels bring cheesy gooey centers combined with aromatic herbs.

For a nutritious grain option, check out the Ultimate Quinoa Instant Pot Cooking Guide to prepare fluffy quinoa with minimal effort. Lastly, spice up your snack time with the viral sensation, Taco Bell Nacho Fries, recreated for your kitchen.