I’ll never forget the day I first made instant pot chicken noodle soup. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just gotten home from a long day at work. I was tired, my muscles ached, and all I wanted was something warm and nourishing to fill me up. That’s when I remembered the trusty instant pot sitting on my kitchen counter – I knew it was the perfect tool to whip up a batch of homemade chicken noodle soup in no time.
As I gathered the ingredients and started prepping the veggies, the familiar aroma of onions, celery, and fresh herbs filled the air. I couldn’t wait to sink my spoon into that rich, savory broth. Before long, the instant pot was working its magic, and the sound of the steam release valve gently hissing filled the kitchen. I eagerly waited for the timer to go off, practically pacing back and forth.
When the instant pot beeped, signaling the instant pot chicken noodle soup was ready, I couldn’t resist taking a quick peek. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant vegetables looked absolutely mouthwatering. I ladled the steaming soup into a big bowl, garnished it with fresh parsley, and settled into the couch, ready to savor every last bite. That first spoonful was pure comfort – the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and instantly lifts your spirits. It was exactly what I needed after a long, tiring day.
From that moment on, instant pot chicken noodle soup became a go-to in my household. It’s the kind of recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Whether I’m craving a classic version or want to switch things up with fun add-ins, the instant pot makes the whole process a breeze.
Why This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
What makes this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe so special is the way the instant pot works its magic. By pressure cooking the chicken, vegetables, and broth together, you end up with an incredibly flavorful and nourishing soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. The high heat and steam infuse every ingredient with robust flavor, resulting in a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The heart of the soup, these cook up tender and juicy in the instant pot.
– Carrots, celery, and onion: The classic vegetable trio that provides the foundation for the broth.
– Fresh thyme and parsley: Aromatic herbs that lend incredible flavor.
– Egg noodles: For that classic chicken noodle soup texture and heartiness.
– Chicken broth: The liquid base that becomes the rich, savory broth.
– Salt and pepper: To season the soup and bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
This instant pot chicken noodle soup comes together quickly, in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. All you need is your trusty instant pot and a few simple ingredients. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. This classic veggie trio will form the base of the soup’s flavor.
2- Next, add the diced vegetables, chicken breasts, thyme, and chicken broth to the instant pot. Secure the lid and set the pressure cook function to 15 minutes.
3- Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
4- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be fork-tender and practically falling apart.
5- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, along with the egg noodles. Bring the soup to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Finally, stir in the fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best instant pot chicken noodle soup, be sure to let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes. This helps the chicken stay nice and juicy. Additionally, keep a close eye on the noodles during the final cooking step to prevent them from getting mushy. And don’t be afraid to customize the soup with your favorite veggies or herbs – the instant pot makes it easy to experiment.
Serving and Storing Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
This instant pot chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the broth. For a heartier meal, you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. And of course, no bowl of chicken noodle soup is complete without a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade to balance out the rich flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover instant pot chicken noodle soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and gently warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stovetop.
For meal prepping, you can easily double or triple the recipe and portion it out into individual servings. That way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade instant pot chicken noodle soup ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
The beauty of this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Try adding some diced potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness, or swapping the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. You can also play around with different herb combinations, like swapping the thyme for rosemary or basil.
Making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe more diet-friendly, you can opt for low-sodium broth and use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or even riced cauliflower. And for a vegan or vegetarian spin, use vegetable broth and swap the chicken for diced tofu or chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken breasts or thighs on hand, you can absolutely use them in this recipe. Just increase the pressure cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.
Q: How long does it take to make instant pot chicken noodle soup?
A: This instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe comes together quickly, in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. The pressure cooking step takes 15 minutes, and the final cooking of the noodles is another 5-7 minutes.
Q: Can I make this instant pot chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prepping! The leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Simply reheat the desired portion on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q: How many servings does this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 4-6 servings, depending on how hungry you are! The amounts can easily be doubled or tripled if you need to feed a larger crowd.
Q: What if my noodles get mushy in the instant pot?
A: To avoid mushy noodles, be sure to only add them during the final 5-7 minutes of cooking. This will prevent them from overcooking and turning to mush.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade instant pot chicken noodle soup to warm the soul. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the instant pot. Whether you’re craving a classic version or want to get creative with fun add-ins, this versatile soup is sure to become a go-to in your household.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up that trusty instant pot, and get ready to experience the comforting joy of instant pot chicken noodle soup. I promise it’ll be a memory you’ll cherish, just like I do. Bon appétit!
