Chicken Soup (with Homemade Bone Broth)

Looking for a hearty and nourishing chicken soup made with real ingredients? This homemade chicken soup recipe features a rich and flavorful bone broth made from scratch, tender shredded chicken, orzo pasta, fresh herbs, and vegetables — all cooked in the Instant Pot for ease and depth of flavor. It's the ultimate feel-good soup for any day of the week.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Equipment: Instant Pot multicooker

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 260 g shredded cooked chicken (leftovers work great)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 100 g orzo pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bone Broth:

• 1 or more chicken carcasses (from roasted or cooked chicken)
• 2 L reserved broth from “0-minute chicken” or plain water
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 g fresh thyme
• 4 g fresh parsley
• 1 onion, halved (skin on)
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 head of garlic, top trimmed off
• 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bone Broth
Remove any leftover meat from your cooked chicken and set aside about 260 g for the soup.
Place the chicken carcass into the Instant Pot along with the reserved chicken broth (or water) and all bone broth ingredients.

Secure the pressure cooking lid. Select Pressure Cook, set to High Pressure, and cook for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Once done, release the pressure carefully. Strain the broth, discarding the bones and aromatics.

Return the strained broth to the Instant Pot. Press Cancel to end the cooking cycle, then select Sauté mode.

Step 2: Add Vegetables
When the broth begins to simmer, add the chopped carrots, celery, chili flakes (if using), and grated ginger.
Cancel the sauté function, then select Pressure Cook → High Pressure → set to 0 minutes to gently soften the vegetables.
Quick release the pressure when finished.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Chicken
Add the orzo pasta and select Sauté on the highest setting. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the shredded chicken and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
This comforting and flavorful chicken soup is perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or when you need an immune-boosting meal.