Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

An easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need on a chilly day! This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its savory flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Plus, the Instant Pot makes preparation a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, letting you enjoy your soup in under an hour.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables combine to create a rich and satisfying broth.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone dish or served with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for added comfort.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious veggies, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is simple and fast.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking times while infusing flavors efficiently.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Ensures safe and precise chopping of ingredients for even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

An easy recipe for Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is perfect for cold winter days! Serve it with bread, rolls, or crackers for a quick, easy, and comforting meal.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
• 4 ribs celery (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Broth and Noodles

• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth (can use 4 cups broth and 4 cups water, if desired)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 ounces egg noodles
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Once hot:
1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies start to soften (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic.
4. Press Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Chicken

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
1. Dried oregano
2. Dried thyme
3. Bay leaf
4. Salt
5. Black pepper
6. Chicken broth

Stir well and nestle the chicken breasts into the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely:
1. Turn the valve to sealing position.
2. Pressure cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
3. It will take about 20 minutes to reach pressure before cooking begins.

Step 4: Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete:
1. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully switch the steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

When pin drops down:
1. Open lid carefully.
2. Discard bay leaf.
3. Remove cooked chicken to a clean plate or cutting board.
4. Let it rest briefly before shredding with two forks.

Step 6: Cook Noodles

With shredded chicken set aside:
1. Press Cancel again then select Sauté.
2. Add egg noodles directly into the pot.
3. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until just tender.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Finally:
1. Stir shredded chicken back into soup mixture.
2. Taste your soup; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect as a hearty meal any day!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is a delightful experience that brings comfort to any meal. Here are some creative ways to enhance your serving experience.

Pair with Warm Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of a freshly baked baguette for dipping into the broth.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the soup perfectly.

Add Fresh Greens

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette can add freshness to your meal.
• Spinach Salad: Toss fresh spinach with nuts and fruit for an added crunch.

Top it Off

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese for creaminess.

Create a Cozy Setting

• Serve in Individual Bowls: Presenting soup in personal bowls makes it feel special.
• Add Crackers on the Side: Crunchy crackers can provide a nice texture contrast.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

To achieve the best Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, consider these key tips.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs when possible to elevate the taste profile.
• Quick Shredding: Use two forks to shred the chicken quickly after cooking.
• Noodle Timing: Add noodles during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Complementing your soup with delicious side dishes can create a full meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits topped with melted cheese make for a satisfying pairing.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness to balance the savory soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa and served alongside for extra sustenance.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrients while enhancing flavors.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping into the warm broth.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate after each bite of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Not Sautéing the Vegetables: Skipping this step can result in a lack of flavor. Always sauté onions, carrots, and celery first to enhance the soup’s taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended pressure cooking time for juicy chicken.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: If you don’t taste and adjust salt and pepper after cooking, your soup may be bland. Always taste before serving and season as needed.
• Using Regular Broth: Regular broth can be too salty or overpowering. Opt for low sodium options for better control over flavors.
• Adding Noodles Too Soon: If you add noodles at the beginning, they may turn mushy. Wait until after the chicken is shredded before simmering them in the soup.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered oven-safe dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

The total time is about 55 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

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

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if preferred.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can add different vegetables like peas or spinach and adjust herbs according to your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prepping.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own. We encourage you to try this easy recipe on a chilly day!

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