A bowl of this Instant Pot Chicken Lentil Soup will keep you warm during cold winter days. This simple soup is perfect for your electric pressure cooker!
This Instant Pot Chicken Lentil Soup is a twist on the classic recipe. I came across this recipe in an old cookbook and figured it would work perfectly in a pressure cooker.
And let me tell you I was not disappointed. Actually, when I made this chicken lentil soup for the first time, it reminded me of a soup my mom would make us when we were kids. As far as I remember there was no chicken in it and she would also add a splash of vinegar to it.
Now when I made this Instant Pot chicken lentil soup for the first time I found it very thick so I increased the amount of liquid and also adjusted a few ingredients. This version is my most favorite when it comes to consistency but this can be changed to your liking.
Are you looking for Instant Pot recipe inspiration? Check out these easy recipes:
How to make chicken lentil soup in Instant Pot
First things first: Gather all the ingredients and plug in your pressure cooker. I like to turn on the sauté function right away and pour the oil in the inner pot. Then I move onto peeling and dicing the onion. It usually takes about the same time so I am not wasting any time.
The diced onion goes right away into the pot. To get the best flavor out of it you need to sauté it until translucent. Now the time can vary but I usually sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. Make sure you stir occasionally.
The next part is pretty straight-forward: add the rest of the ingredients apart from the half-and-half/light cream. When it comes to chicken breasts I like to butterfly the breasts so they cook evenly. Butterflying is just slicing them horizontally.
Now give everything a good stir and lock the lid in its position. Turn the vent to “sealing” position, press the “manual” button and adjust the timer to 10 minutes.
When the cooking cycle is finished, wait 10 minutes before releasing the pressure manually. Be careful as the steam is extremely hot. When the pin has dropped down, open the lid.
Remove the chicken and shred it.
Press the sauté button and pour in the half-and-half. Mix it until well combine and bring to a boil. Turn off, throw in the shredded chicken and you are ready to serve.
Good to know before making Instant Pot chicken lentil soup
- Sunflower oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or olive oil.
- I used 2/3 cup of uncooked lentils. If you prefer having more lentils in it increase to 1 cup. You can also increase the amount of potatoes from 2 large to 3 large.
- Chicken stock can be substituted with chicken broth, vegetable broth. Have you tried making Instant Pot chicken stock?
- Rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken is also perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and add the pieces to the soup right at the end – just to heat them up. The amount of chicken added depends on your taste so feel free to use more or less.
- You can also increase the amount of chicken breasts but I recommend to not go over 0.80 pound. I normally go for the largest chicken breasts I can find so one is enough for us (it’s usually a bit over 0.5 pound/300 g).
- If you decide to increase the amounts of all 3 ingredients (lentils, potatoes and chicken) note that your soup will turn way thicker.
- When using shop-bought chicken stock check if it contains salt. If it does, I recommend reducing the amount of salt stated in this recipe and seasoning at the very end of the cooking process – only if it is needed.
If you are an Instant Pot owner and like to find some more inspiration, I have more Easy Instant Pot Recipes on the blog. So check them out!
Want to see how to make Instant Pot Chicken Lentil Soup? Watch the video!
Instant Pot Chicken Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Sunflower Oil
- 1 Medium Onion , minced
- 2 Large Potatoes
- ⅔ cup Uncooked Lentils (150 grams)
- ½ cup Quick Oats (50 grams)
- 1½ teaspoon Salt
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- ½ pound Chicken Breast , uncooked (250 grams)
- 6 cups Chicken Stock (1.5 liter)
- 1 cup Half and Half or 18% Cream (250 ml)
Recommended Products
Instructions
- Turn on Instant Pot and press SAUTÉ. Pour in oil. When hot, add minced onion. Meanwhile, dice the potatoes. When the onion is translucent, throw in the potatoes, rinsed lentils, oats, salt and pepper and give it a good stir. At last add the chicken breast and stock. Cancel the SAUTÉ function.
- Lock the lid and turn the steam release to SEALING.
- Press the MANUAL (PRESSURE COOK) button and adjust the time to 10 minutes.
- When the cycle is finished, wait 10 minutes before releasing the pressure (you can also wait until the pressure drops naturally).
- Press the SAUTE button. Stir half and half (or 18% cream) and bring to a boil. Turn off and serve.
Notes
- This recipe was made in a 6-quart/6-liter Instant Pot.
- The cooking time stated in the recipe does not include the time needed for the pot to come to the pressure and time needed for it to drop its pressure (count with an extra 20-25 minutes).
- Chicken – if you have some leftover cooked chicken, add this after you pour the half and half in.
- Salt – the amount of salt needed can vary – this will depend on the level of saltiness your chicken stock has. So if not sure, add the salt at the very end after tasting the soup first.
- The amount of lentils and potatoes can be slightly increased to make the soup thicker.
Rebecca says
I bet this is delish!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Yes, it is, Rebecca!
Sues says
This sounds so delicious! Always looking for new fun things to make in my Instant Pot, so I’ll have to add this one to the list!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Happy to hear that! :)
Demeter says
Sounds like a fantastically filling recipe for these cold weather days!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Definitely!
Traci says
This looks divine! I love lentils, and chicken, and potatoes, and all the things that make this creamy soup what it is. I’m bookmarking and sharing this recipe. Can’t wait to make it! :)
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thank you so much, Traci!
Vicky @ AvocadoPesto says
This soup sounds so delicious! I never thought to add oats into soup before – I’m super intrigued! WIll have to try making this on the stove top since I don’t currently own an Instant Pot or pressure cooker : ((
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I am sure the stove top version will be equally delicious :) The oats are a great addition here.
Lynn Osborne says
Loving the look of this recipe! I do have one question though. Can I substitute coconut milk for the half & half or cream? Can’t tolerate the dairy. Thank you Julia!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I have never thought of using coconut milk but I don’t see a reason why not!Not sure about the amount though. Maybe add a little less first.Taste it and add more coconut milk only if you feel it’s needed. Let us know if you do give it a go!
Gail Spiegelhoff says
There is chicken broth listed in the ingredients but not in the directions. Please proofread and make sure all steps are included
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks for letting me know, Gail! I have rewritten the first step so that the instructions are clearer. There is also a video which you can watch, if in doubt. Thank you.