Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is quick to prepare in your Instant Pot. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles, it’s a one-pot meal that satisfies everyone. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe stands out for its rich flavors and ease of preparation.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
• Step 3: Pressure Cook
• Step 4: Release Pressure
• Step 5: Shred Chicken
• Step 6: Cook Noodles
• Step 7: Combine Ingredients
• How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• With Fresh Herbs
• With Bread
• With Salads
• With Cheese
• How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
• How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
• Can I add more vegetables?
• How do I store leftover soup?
• What kind of noodles work best?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your meal in under an hour.
• Flavorful: Packed with aromatic herbs and spices, this soup delivers a depth of flavor that traditional methods cannot match.
• Nutrient-Rich: With plenty of vegetables and lean protein, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta types to suit your taste preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This pressure cooker speeds up the cooking process while infusing flavors effectively.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise and quick chopping of ingredients.

Ingredients

For this easy-to-make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces pasta or egg noodles

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to sauté mode. Wait until it indicates hot.
2. Add the olive oil and heat until warm.
3. Incorporate the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the pot.
4. Season with basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaves; stir to combine well.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the pot carefully.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

1. Close the lid securely and seal it.
2. Set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes (ensure valve is set to sealed).
3. Wait for the Instant Pot to build pressure; it will beep when ready.

Step 4: Release Pressure

1. After cooking time ends, perform a manual pressure release by turning to venting.
2. When the valve drops down safely, remove the lid.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

1. Take out the chicken from the pot and set aside for a few minutes to cool down.
2. Shred using two forks or your preferred method.

Step 6: Cook Noodles

1. Return to sauté mode on the Instant Pot once more until liquid boils.
2. Add noodles according to package instructions; boil until cooked through.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

1. Remove bay leaves from the pot after noodles are finished cooking.
2. Stir in shredded chicken back into the soup mixture.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Now you’re ready to serve up a comforting bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup! Enjoy this wholesome dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is not just delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or need a quick lunch, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this comforting soup.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and enhances the flavor.
• Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme leaves can elevate the dish with a fragrant touch.

With Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful side that complements the soup perfectly.

With Salads

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad balances the richness of the chicken noodle soup.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for added depth and creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese can give a delightful twist to each bowl.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but these tips will help you achieve perfection in every batch.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavors significantly compared to dried ones.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Opt for Low-Sodium Broth: This allows you to control the salt level while still providing a rich broth base.
• Meal Prep Noodles Separately: Cooking noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy if you have leftovers.
• Shred Chicken Efficiently: Use two forks or a hand mixer to quickly shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing sides with your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Toast: Perfect for dipping in the soup, this buttery treat adds a savory crunch.
2. Crackers: A variety of crackers, such as saltines or whole grain, provide extra texture and flavor.
3. Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of chicken noodle soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty sides can be filled with rice and veggies for added nutrition.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings brightness and sweetness that balances the meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables first builds flavor. Skipping this step leads to a bland soup.
• Overloading the Instant Pot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent the pot from sealing properly. Stick to the recipe quantities for best results.
• Not using enough broth: Insufficient liquid can result in an undercooked dish. Ensure you use the right amount of chicken broth for a hearty soup.
• Forgetting to season: If you don’t season your soup adequately, it may taste flat. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Skipping the shredded chicken step: Leaving the chicken whole can lead to uneven cooking. Always shred it for even distribution throughout your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What kind of noodles work best?

Egg noodles or any small pasta shape works best. Adjust cooking times based on noodle type as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on your preferences. You can add different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!