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Close-up of a beautifully plated Instant Pot Lemon Frozen Chicken with Orzo, featuring pan-seared chicken on creamy pasta, garnished with lemon zest, Parmesan, and parsley.

Instant Pot Lemon Frozen Chicken with Orzo: Zesty One-Pot Meal

An effortless one-pot Instant Pot dinner made with frozen chicken, zesty lemon, creamy orzo, and simple pantry ingredients. Vibrant, comforting, and quick — perfect for busy nights.
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Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 large lemons, juiced and zested
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium shallot or yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 oz baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 large egg (optional, for thickening)
  • Kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
  • cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Tongs and whisk
  • Zester or microplane

Method
 

  1. Finely dice the shallot (or onion) and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  2. Set Instant Pot to 'Sauté' on High. Heat oil or butter, then add shallots. Cook 2–3 mins until softened. Add garlic and sauté 1 min until fragrant.
  3. Add frozen chicken breasts on top of aromatics. Pour in broth to mostly submerge. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Do not stir.
  4. Secure lid and set valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 10–12 minutes (based on thickness).
  5. Quick release. When safe, open lid and remove cooked chicken. Shred or dice with forks.
  6. Add orzo and spinach into hot liquid. Stir gently to submerge but avoid over-mixing.
  7. Pressure cook again on High for 3–4 minutes. Quick release after cooking.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice with egg. Slowly pour into hot orzo while stirring to temper egg. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  9. Return chicken to pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

Use thawed chicken by reducing pressure time to 6–8 minutes. For a dairy-free version, skip Parmesan and butter. Swap orzo with ditalini or elbow macaroni. To thicken without egg, use a cornstarch slurry. Add extra lemon zest at the end for brightness.