Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This recipe allows you to create a hearty soup with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and comforting noodles, this soup promises to satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Preparing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup takes just minutes of hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich flavor profile that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish; it’s great for lunch or dinner, any day of the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
• One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pots or pans; everything cooks together in the Instant Pot for easy cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This electric pressure cooker saves time by cooking ingredients quickly while infusing flavors.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when chopping your vegetables, leading to even cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

For this delicious 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 Vegetables

Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to sauté. Once it says hot:
Add the olive oil and heat it until warm.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Season with basil, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken

Add the chicken broth and bay leaves:
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Put the top on the Instant Pot:
Ensure it’s sealed properly.
Set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
Make sure the valve is set to sealed before starting. The pot will beep once it begins building pressure.

Step 4: Release Pressure

Once cooked:
Use a manual pressure release by turning it to venting.
Once the valve has fallen, remove the top carefully.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot:
Set aside to cool slightly before shredding (check out my favorite method for shredding chicken).

Step 6: Cook Noodles

Turn back to sauté:
Once boiling:
Add noodles according to package instructions.
Boil them until they are tender.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

After cooking noodles:
Remove bay leaves from soup.
Return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Now you have a bowl of comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup ready for serving! Enjoy this delightful dish that warms hearts as much as it fills bellies!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a twist, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch.

Accompanying Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread to enhance the comforting experience.

Adding Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: Top your soup with grilled chicken slices for extra protein.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice hard-boiled eggs and add them for richness.

Creamy Finish

• Heavy Cream Drizzle: A light drizzle of heavy cream adds a rich texture.
• Cheese Shavings: Grate some parmesan or cheddar on top for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

To make the best Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your soup is not only delicious but also perfectly cooked.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Shred Chicken Easily: Use two forks or a stand mixer to shred chicken quickly and evenly.
• Noodle Type Matters: Choose the right noodles; egg noodles work well for this recipe.
• Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables beforehand builds a flavorful base for your soup.

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 great options to consider:

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch.
2. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad balances the savory flavors of the soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers provide a hearty complement to your soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are perfect for dipping in the broth.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring out natural sweetness and textures.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it may turn dry. Stick to the recommended 5 minutes on high pressure for perfectly moist chicken.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables adds depth to your soup’s flavor. Don’t skip this step; it only takes about 5 minutes.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
• Using regular pasta: Some pastas can become mushy in the Instant Pot. Opt for egg noodles or pasta designed for pressure cooking to maintain texture.
• Ignoring the bay leaves: Bay leaves enhance the flavor significantly. Always remember to add them and remove them after cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries.

Can I use frozen chicken in Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

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

How do I customize my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can add vegetables like peas or corn. You can also substitute spices according to your taste preferences.

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

The total time is around 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick meal option!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta or noodles that suit your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any day of the week. It’s not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to cater it to your family’s tastes. Try adding different veggies or spices to make it your own!