Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

An easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need on chilly days! This comforting dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for busy weekdays. Its hearty flavors and nourishing ingredients make it a standout choice, ensuring everyone will enjoy a warm bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Made in the Instant Pot, this soup comes together in about 55 minutes from start to finish.
• Comforting Flavor: A blend of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously comforting taste.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or paired with bread, rolls, or crackers for an easy meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and lean protein, it’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this soup can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Serving bowls

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time significantly while infusing flavors beautifully.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps in accurately measuring spices and other ingredients for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

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

• 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
• 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 to the pot. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies start to soften—about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic. Press Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Add dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and broth to the pot. Stir well. Nestle the chicken into the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to sealing position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Note that it will take about 20 minutes to come up to pressure before cooking begins.

Step 4: Release Pressure

When cook time ends, allow a natural release for 10 minutes. Then carefully release remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

When pin drops down, open the lid. Remove bay leaf and discard. Transfer chicken onto a clean plate or cutting board; let rest briefly before shredding with forks.

Step 6: Cook Noodles

Press Cancel again to turn off warm setting; then press Sauté. Add noodles to pot and simmer for about 5 minutes until just tender. Turn off Instant Pot.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Stir shredded chicken back into soup. Taste your creation! Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot with fresh parsley sprinkled on top if desired.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Instant Pot chicken noodle soup can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Here are some delightful ways to enhance your meal experience and make it even more comforting.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping in the soup.
• Sourdough Rolls: Soft and tangy sourdough rolls add a delightful contrast to the soup’s flavors.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and a creamy dressing complements the soup’s richness.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.

Include Crackers

• Saltines: Classic saltine crackers are great for adding texture while soaking up the broth.
• Herbed Crackers: Flavorful herbed crackers can elevate the taste and provide an aromatic experience.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

To ensure your Instant Pot chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference; seasoning enhances flavor.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for better flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley can add brightness.
• Proper pressure release: Allow for natural pressure release before venting; this helps keep the chicken tender.
• Cook noodles separately: If you prefer firmer noodles, consider cooking them separately and adding them just before serving.
• Use low-sodium broth: This allows you to control the saltiness of your soup, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Freeze leftovers: Store extra soup in airtight containers for quick meals later on; simply reheat when needed.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot chicken noodle soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement the dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is a delicious accompaniment that pairs perfectly with soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can make for a hearty side option.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and flavors to your meal.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs complement the warm soup nicely.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides texture and freshness, balancing the warmth of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté vegetables can result in a flat flavor. Always take the time to soften your onions, carrots, and celery first.
• Using Regular Chicken Broth: Opting for regular broth instead of low sodium can lead to overly salty soup. Choose low sodium broth for better control over seasoning.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Pressure cook just until done, then shred it for a tender texture.
• Not Allowing Natural Release: Failing to let the pressure release naturally may cause the soup to lose flavor and depth. Always allow for at least 10 minutes of natural release.
• Adding Noodles Too Early: Adding noodles before the chicken is cooked can result in mushy pasta. Wait until after cooking to add them for the best texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is a quick and easy recipe made using an electric pressure cooker that combines tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can add extra vegetables like peas or spinach, swap out egg noodles for whole grain or gluten-free options, or use different herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen chicken breasts can be used directly in the Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

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

The total time is around 55 minutes including prep time (20 minutes) and cooking time (15 minutes) with pressure buildup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.

Conclusion

Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is a comforting dish ideal for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Give this easy recipe a try; you’ll love how quickly it comes together!

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