Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly simple and flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings together tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and comforting noodles in record time. Say goodbye to lengthy simmering and hello to a hearty, homemade soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
Effortless Weeknight Dinner: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless classic, a beloved staple that evokes warmth and nostalgia. While traditional stovetop methods can be time-consuming, requiring constant attention, the Instant Pot revolutionizes the process, delivering a rich, deeply flavored soup with minimal effort. This pressure cooker version ensures every spoonful is packed with taste, from the perfectly cooked chicken to the tender-crisp vegetables and satisfying noodles. It truly simplifies the art of making delicious, homemade chicken noodle soup, transforming it into an accessible weeknight meal.
The Instant Pot has become an indispensable kitchen appliance for many, offering a swift solution for creating delicious meals. If you’ve recently acquired one or are looking to expand your pressure cooking repertoire, this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s incredibly forgiving and consistently yields outstanding results, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss. My family absolutely adores this recipe, and it’s frequently requested on those hectic weekdays when time is a luxury. For more innovative recipes designed for your Instant Pot, explore our extensive collection of Instant Pot Recipes, where you’ll find countless ways to simplify your cooking and impress your loved ones.
Unlock Flavor and Efficiency with Your Instant Pot
The magic of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to combine multiple cooking functions into one device, significantly reducing cooking time and cleanup. For chicken noodle soup, this means you can perform several crucial steps—like searing your chicken and sautéing your aromatics—all in the same pot, building incredible layers of flavor right from the start. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the chicken quickly, infusing it with the rich broth and vegetable essences, creating a depth of flavor that typically requires hours of simmering on the stovetop. This method is not just about speed; it’s about maximizing flavor extraction and achieving perfectly cooked ingredients every single time. The sealed environment locks in moisture and nutrients, making every spoonful more vibrant and delicious. It truly makes homemade comfort food accessible, even on your busiest days.
The Wholesome Benefits of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Beyond its comforting taste, homemade chicken noodle soup offers numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing meal. It’s an outstanding source of lean protein from the chicken, which is vital for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness. The medley of vegetables—onions, carrots, and celery—provides a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting your immune system and contributing to overall well-being. The warm, hydrating broth is particularly soothing, helping to alleviate symptoms of a cold or flu, such as a sore throat or congestion. By preparing it at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid excessive sodium, artificial flavors, or preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. It’s a truly nourishing meal that feeds both the body and the soul, perfect for families and individuals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed and convenience, you can certainly adapt this recipe for traditional stovetop cooking. For a detailed guide, refer to our dedicated Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. The general process involves: 1. Adding broth, chicken, and seasonings to a large pot. 2. Covering and cooking on medium to medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (measuring 165°F with an internal meat thermometer). 3. Carefully removing, shredding, and then returning the chicken to the pot. 4. Cooking egg noodles separately according to package directions and adding them to the soup, either to the main pot or directly to individual servings. This method ensures the noodles retain their perfect texture without becoming overly mushy in the larger batch.
Yep, the slow cooker is another excellent alternative for a hands-off approach, though it requires more cooking time. Our existing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe provides comprehensive instructions. Typically, for a slow cooker, you would: 1. Add broth, chicken, all vegetables, and seasonings to your slow cooker. 2. Place the lid on to cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender. 3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot. 4. Break pasta into small pieces (if using longer strands like spaghetti) and add to the slow cooker. 5. Return the lid and continue to cook for another 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. You can also opt to cook the noodles separately and add them at serving time for best texture.
Absolutely! Making this soup gluten-free is straightforward and just as delicious. Simply choose your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta and cook it separately according to the package instructions. To prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft or disintegrating into the soup, we recommend adding the cooked gluten-free noodles directly to individual servings of the soup just before serving. Gluten-free pasta tends to be more delicate than traditional wheat pasta and can become mushy very quickly if cooked within the Instant Pot or left to sit in the hot soup for extended periods.
This comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. A crusty loaf of warm French or Italian bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, flavorful broth. For a lighter option, a crisp, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Classic saltine crackers are always a hit, especially for a traditional soup experience. You could also consider serving it with cheesy garlic bread, a toasted grilled cheese sandwich, or a light fruit salad to round out a truly satisfying and wholesome meal for any occasion.
While you can technically skip the searing step, we highly recommend against it for optimal flavor. Searing the chicken breasts until lightly golden creates a rich, caramelized crust on the outside, which adds a significant depth of flavor to both the chicken itself and the overall broth. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, enhances the savory notes of the soup, making a noticeable difference in the final taste profile. It takes only a few extra minutes but contributes immensely to the soup’s complexity and deliciousness, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.
Yes, using frozen chicken breasts is a convenient option that saves thawing time! If you’re starting with frozen chicken, simply increase the pressure cooking time to 20-22 minutes instead of the standard 15 minutes. This extended time ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, especially when cooking from frozen, to ensure food safety and optimal texture.
Absolutely! For those extra busy days when every minute counts, pre-chopped vegetables are your best friend. Many grocery stores, including popular ones like Trader Joe’s, offer pre-packaged mirepoix (a convenient mixture of diced onions, carrots, and celery) in their produce section. Using these ready-to-go veggies completely eliminates the need for chopping, significantly cutting down on your prep time. This simple shortcut allows you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort, without compromising on the fresh, aromatic base of your soup.
Yes, it’s a common issue for pasta to continue absorbing liquid and soften further when stored in soup, potentially becoming mushy. To avoid mushy noodles in your leftovers, we strongly recommend cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual servings of the soup just before eating. Alternatively, if you plan to make a large batch for meal prep, you can cook only a portion of the noodles with the soup and keep the rest separate, adding them as needed. This simple trick ensures that every bowl of soup, whether fresh or reheated, has perfectly tender noodles.
For optimal freshness and safety, store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s hot throughout, or microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally. If you plan to freeze a batch for longer storage, it’s best to do so *without* the noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, heat it on the stove, and then cook a fresh batch of noodles to add directly to the reheated soup. This method ensures your noodles remain firm and delicious, preventing them from becoming overly soft or mushy during freezing, thawing, and reheating.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust and comforting flavor profile you expect from a classic homemade soup. Below is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need, along with helpful tips and potential substitutions to ensure your soup is nothing short of amazing.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We recommend using approximately three boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe due to their lean protein content and ease of shredding. However, boneless chicken thighs can be a fantastic alternative, offering a richer flavor and often staying even more tender and juicy under pressure. Ensure your chicken is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen (and remember to adjust the cook time accordingly, as mentioned in the FAQs for frozen chicken).
- Onion, Carrots, Celery (Mirepoix): This aromatic trio, classically known as a “mirepoix,” forms the foundational flavor base of your soup. Freshly diced vegetables are always best, contributing a vibrant flavor and appealing texture. As a convenient shortcut for busy days, many grocery stores (including popular chains like Trader Joe’s) offer pre-chopped mirepoix in their produce section, saving you valuable prep time without sacrificing taste or quality.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable pungent aroma and deep, savory flavor that elevates any soup. While we prefer fresh garlic for its superior taste and complexity, jarred minced garlic can certainly be used in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference – some prefer a subtle hint, while others love a robust garlic kick!
- Chicken Broth: The quality of your broth significantly impacts the final taste of your soup. We suggest using two 32-ounce containers (totaling 8 cups) of good quality, low-sodium chicken broth. For an even richer, more homemade taste, consider making your own Homemade Chicken Broth. Alternatively, vegetable broth can also be used as a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative, though the recipe would then be classified as a vegetarian noodle soup.
- Bay Leaves: Often overlooked and sometimes questioned for their contribution, bay leaves are actually crucial for adding a subtle, herbaceous, and slightly floral depth to the soup that’s hard to replicate. While the flavor might not be immediately obvious, omitting them leaves the soup feeling less complex and robust. Trust us, they truly make a difference in achieving that authentic, comforting soup flavor profile. Remember to remove them before serving.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme is a superstar herb for chicken dishes, imparting an earthy, savory, and slightly minty note that complements chicken beautifully. It’s a key ingredient for that classic chicken noodle soup taste. If dried thyme isn’t readily available, an equal amount of poultry seasoning can be used as a suitable substitute, offering a similar aromatic profile.
- Wide Egg Noodles: These classic, tender noodles are quintessential for chicken noodle soup. You’ll typically use about ¾ of a 12-ounce bag (approximately 8 ounces) for this recipe. While wide egg noodles are traditional, medium, extra-large, or homestyle egg noodles will work equally well. Just be mindful that different noodle sizes may require slight adjustments to the cooking time and potentially the amount of broth needed to ensure they are fully submerged and cooked perfectly. Other types of small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, can also be used if preferred for a textural variation.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the soup. Always adjust to your taste preferences throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, olive oil adds a foundational layer of rich flavor and helps in developing that desirable golden crust on the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): An optional but highly recommended garnish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a bright, fresh finish to each serving, enhancing the overall presentation and aroma.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow these detailed steps to create a rich, savory, and satisfying chicken noodle soup using your Instant Pot. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring a delicious result every time, even for beginner pressure cooker users.
Sear the Chicken: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function (usually labeled “Normal” or “More” for higher heat). Once the inner pot indicates “Hot” or feels sufficiently heated, add the olive oil. Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Brown them lightly for approximately 3 minutes per side. This crucial step develops a delicious fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot, which contributes immensely to the depth of flavor in your broth. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken through at this stage; we’re just aiming for that golden, caramelized crust.
The initial searing of chicken creates a rich, foundational flavor base for the entire soup. Sauté the Aromatics: After browning the chicken, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until they begin to soften and become fragrant, ensuring the garlic is aromatic but not burnt. This step further develops the foundational flavors and sweetness of your soup, creating a robust base.
Sautéing the mirepoix with garlic builds essential layers of flavor before the liquid is added. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon or spatula. This crucial step is called deglazing and adds even more concentrated flavor to your broth while preventing the “BURN” error on your Instant Pot. Then, add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the broth.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Set the steam release valve to the sealing position (usually turned clockwise). Select the Pressure Cook (or Manual) setting and set the cooking time for 15 minutes on high pressure. This precise time allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and become incredibly tender, while all the aromatic flavors meld beautifully under pressure.
Natural and Quick Release: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes. This means letting the pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes after the cooking timer goes off, allowing the pressure to drop gradually. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the hot steam escaping from the valve.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully open the lid away from your face. Using tongs, remove and discard the bay leaves. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be incredibly tender and easy to shred after being cooked under pressure.
Bay leaves are removed, and the perfectly tender chicken is shredded into succulent pieces, ready to be returned to the broth. Cook the Noodles: Set the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function. Add the wide egg noodles directly into the hot broth. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender to your liking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as egg noodles cook relatively quickly and can become mushy if left too long. Taste test for doneness.
The egg noodles are added and cooked directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the wonderful tastes. Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the cooked noodles. Stir everything gently to combine and heat through for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper) as needed. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of vibrant color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup—a quick, comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day!
The final delicious Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, beautifully garnished and ready to be served hot, providing ultimate comfort.
Looking for More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of comforting and easy-to-make recipes that are sure to become family favorites. Explore these related dishes to discover your next culinary adventure:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: For those days when you want to set it and forget it, yielding a deeply flavored soup.
- Classic Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup: The traditional method with all the beloved flavors, perfected for your kitchen.
- Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole: A baked twist on a classic, perfect for potlucks or a satisfying family dinner.
- 25 Warming Fall Soup Recipes: A diverse collection of cozy soups ideal for cooler weather and comforting meals.
- Old-Fashioned Hearty Chicken and Noodles: A rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying comfort dish reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.
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- Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie: All the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie, made incredibly easy in your pressure cooker.
- Instant Pot Vegetable Soup: A wholesome and quick vegetable-packed meal, perfect for a light and healthy option.
- Instant Pot Artichoke Chicken: An elegant and simple chicken dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
- Versatile Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: A staple recipe, perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more, prepared with ease.
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- Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: A rich and quick pasta dish ideal for busy evenings when you need something satisfying fast.
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- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper Stroganoff: A nostalgic and easy one-pot meal that comes together quickly for a comforting dinner.
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers: A flavorful and healthy meal, made simpler and faster with the power of pressure cooking.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
8
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken broth 2 – 32 ounce containers
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounce wide egg noodles about ¾ of a 12 ounce bag
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Heat the olive oil and brown the chicken breasts until lightly golden, about 3 minutes per side.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook mode and cook for 15 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaves and transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the egg noodles and cook for 6-7 minutes until tender.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For more detailed information on ingredient substitutions, preparation tips, or answers to common questions, please refer to our comprehensive FAQ section and ingredient list above.
- Always adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences throughout the cooking process. A final taste test before serving is highly recommended.
- To avoid mushy noodles in leftovers, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them to individual servings just before eating. This preserves their perfect al dente texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Dinner, Main Course, Soup
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 25g |
Protein: 24g |
Fat: 8g |
Sodium: 1285mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information provided is an estimate based on common ingredients and cooking methods. If specific calorie counts or other nutritional values are crucial for your dietary needs, we strongly recommend calculating them yourself using your preferred online nutritional calculator and the exact brands of ingredients you use, as values can vary considerably. This information should be used for general guidance only.