This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is quick, cozy, and oh-so-delicious! Juicy chicken, soft noodles, and fresh veggies come together in a warm broth that warms your heart.
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything in the pot, set it, and forget it! Perfect for those busy days or when you need a comforting meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor when sautéing the veggies. You can use any cooking oil like avocado or canola oil if preferred.
Onion: A medium onion adds a sweet flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, consider using shallots or omit them altogether.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is great to control salt levels. If you don’t have broth, you can use water—just add more spices for flavor.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred. Thighs can also be used for a richer taste, as they tend to be juicier.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap for whole-wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken may seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! After the chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull apart the meat. Here’s how:
- Take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool for a minute.
- Using one fork to hold the chicken, use the other fork to pull apart the meat.
- Continue until you have shredded chicken to your desired size.
- Return it to the soup for that perfect hearty texture!
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups egg noodles or any preferred pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy soup will take about 10 minutes of prepping time and 20 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal in around 30 minutes—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
First, turn your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot (about a minute), toss in the diced onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent—around 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for another 2 minutes to bring out their flavors.
2. Add the Broth and Chicken:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts to the pot. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. This is where all the flavors start to blend!
3. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid tightly and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure—just make sure to keep your hands and face away from the steam.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully take out the chicken breasts; they will be hot! Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Add Noodles and Finish Cooking:
With the chicken out, turn the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Add the egg noodles (or any pasta you prefer) to the broth and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Combine and Serve:
Once the noodles are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper. Then, ladle the delicious soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy your comforting, hearty Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup! It’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you want a warm hug in a bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, just increase the pressure cooking time to about 12-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through. You can skip thawing since the Instant Pot will handle it, but make sure to separate the chicken pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead! Just follow the recipe until you add the noodles. Refrigerate the soup without the noodles, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the Instant Pot and then add the noodles to cook fresh.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, omit the noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy. You can always cook fresh noodles when reheating!
What Should I Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor!
