The first chill of autumn air always makes me crave a comforting bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. There’s something about the warm aroma of simmering chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy garlic that dances through my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. I rediscovered this classic recipe during one of those rainy days when I was searching for something nourishing to lift my spirits. The best part? With the Instant Pot, this beloved dish transforms from a time-consuming project into a quick and easy meal that fits effortlessly into my busy schedule.
This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a bowl of deliciousness; it’s also a culinary hug that brings family and friends together. With tender chicken and extra-wide egg noodles in a seasoned broth, it’s sure to become a staple in your home, luring everyone to the table – even the pickiest eaters! Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply in need of a cozy dinner, this recipe is here to save the day. So, grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
Why love Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Speedy Preparation: In just minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Aroma: The comforting smell of simmering chicken and fresh vegetables fills your kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This dish appeals to everyone, turning even picky eaters into fans of homemade soup.
Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with fresh vegetables and protein, this soup nourishes both body and soul.
Versatile Flavor: You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
Enjoy the ease of a heartwarming meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
Transform your cozy soup dreams into reality with these essential ingredients!
For the Soup Base
- Olive oil – adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Carrots – their natural sweetness brightens the broth and adds nutrition.
- Celery – brings a lovely crunch and aromatic taste to the mix.
- Garlic – minced for its robust flavor, elevating the soup experience.
- Yellow onion – diced for a foundational sweetness that enhances the broth.
For the Chicken
- Whole chicken – provides tender meat and a rich, flavorful broth.
For Cooking
- Water – ensures the soup has a perfect consistency; 8 cups is just right!
- Salt – season to taste, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Ground black pepper – just a pinch adds warmth and a hint of spice.
For the Noodles
- Extra-wide egg noodles – ideal for soaking up that delicious broth and adding heartiness.
Get ready to whip up a batch of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup that will warm your heart and soul!
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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Heat the Oil: In your Instant Pot, select the sauté function and pour in the olive oil. Allow it to heat for a minute until it shimmers, creating a base for your flavorful broth.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, filling your kitchen with warmth.
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Add Chicken and Water: Carefully place the whole chicken into the pot, followed by the 8 cups of water. Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and bring it to a boil—this will create the delicious, rich broth that makes your soup special.
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Pressure Cook: Switch the Instant Pot to the manual or pressure cook setting, adjusting the timer to 25 minutes. Let it work its magic, cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
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Shred and Return: Once the time is up, do a quick release to vent the steam safely. Remove the chicken and shred the meat, returning it to the pot with all that lovely broth.
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Cook the Noodles: Add the salt, black pepper, and extra-wide egg noodles to the pot. Close the lid again and set to manual or pressure cook for another 5 minutes—this will allow the noodles to soak up all that delicious flavor!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup components are perfect for busy meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables (carrots, celery, garlic, and onion) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can season and refrigerate the whole chicken up to 3 days before cooking for deeper flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply sauté the prepped vegetables in the Instant Pot, add the chicken, water, and follow the original cooking instructions. This way, you’ll savor the same comforting, homemade taste while saving precious time on hectic days!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Set the stage for a delightful meal with these perfect accompaniments that enhance your comforting bowl of soup.
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Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic baguette or sourdough loaf adds a satisfying texture, perfect for dipping into the broth.
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Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, balancing flavors brilliantly.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic create a delicious pairing, inviting everyone to savor each bite together.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Their fluffy, cheesy centers provide a delightful contrast in texture, making them a great choice alongside your hearty soup.
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Steamed Veggies: Bright, vibrant steamed vegetables bring a touch of color and added nutrition, enhancing the overall meal experience.
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Fruit Salad: A sweet and tangy fruit salad offers a refreshing palate cleanser, delighting the senses after each comforting spoonful.
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Herbal Iced Tea: A glass of chilled herbal tea, infused with mint or lemon, brings a refreshing sip, perfectly quenching your thirst.
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Apple Crisp: To end the meal on a sweet note, serve a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream; it’s a cozy dessert that pairs wonderfully.
Storage Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Freezer: If you need to save it longer, freeze the soup (without noodles) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before sealing.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding more broth or water if needed for desired consistency.
Airtight Storage: Always use airtight containers to maintain flavor and freshness when storing your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
Feel free to personalize this delightful recipe with your favorite ingredients and substitutions to make it truly your own!
- Whole Grain Noodles: Swap extra-wide egg noodles for whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or rosemary during cooking for a fragrant twist that brightens the broth.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in additional veggies such as peas, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Rich Broth: For a deeper flavor, substitute half of the water with low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche at the end for a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a hint of heat that will warm you from the inside.
- Coconut Milk: Replace some water with coconut milk for a delightful and creamy tropical flavor.
- Quick-Prep Option: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of a whole chicken to speed up the cooking time even more.
Feel inspired, bring your unique touch, and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for every taste!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Dress Up the Broth: Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during cooking for a vibrant, aromatic soup.
Avoid Soggy Noodles: For perfectly cooked extra-wide egg noodles, don’t overcook them; 5 minutes in the Instant Pot will yield the best texture.
Season Last: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning after removing the chicken; flavors develop as the soup cooks, so start with less salt.
Pre-Cook Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use it! Skip the pressure cooking and simply add it in with the noodles.
Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store the noodles separately from the soup to keep them from absorbing too much liquid.
Enjoy the ease of making a heartwarming Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup that brings comfort in every bowl!
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the soup?
Absolutely! Using a whole chicken not only gives you tender meat but also creates a rich, flavorful broth. If you’re short on time, feel free to substitute with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; just add it in with the noodles instead of pressure cooking.
How should I store leftovers of the soup?
For sure! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, I recommend storing them separately in their own container.
Can I freeze Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you definitely can! Allow the soup to cool completely, then pour it without the noodles into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your containers for easy identification later!
What if my noodles are overcooked?
Oh no! If your noodles end up too soft, the best advice is to prevent it in the first place by cooking them for just 5 minutes in the Instant Pot. If by chance they are overcooked, consider adding a fresh batch of noodles or serving the soup with croutons for added texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Very much! You can definitely customize your soup with other vegetables like peas, corn, or even green beans. Just remember to adjust the sautéing time accordingly so everything is cooked to perfection!
Is this recipe suitable for my pets?
While Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious for humans, it’s not recommended to share it with pets, mainly due to the salt and other seasonings. However, plain boiled chicken and some veggies are a great treat for your furry friends!
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: Cozy Comfort in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your Instant Pot, select the sauté function and pour in the olive oil. Allow it to heat for a minute until it shimmers.
- Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Carefully place the whole chicken into the pot, followed by the 8 cups of water. Secure the lid with the valve set to sealing.
- Switch the Instant Pot to the manual or pressure cook setting for 25 minutes.
- Once the time is up, do a quick release to vent the steam safely. Remove the chicken and shred the meat.
- Add the salt, black pepper, and egg noodles to the pot. Set to manual or pressure cook for another 5 minutes.