Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Warm up with this easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that is quick, comforting, and perfect for cozy days at home. This classic soup blends tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh vegetables into a delicious, wholesome meal made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re battling a chilly evening or just craving something soothing, this recipe delivers rich flavors and homey comfort with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Comfort: It cooks in less than an hour, giving you warm comfort fast without waiting all day.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and wholesome broth for a nourishing meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily tweak the herbs, veggies, or noodles to match your favourite tastes or diet.
• Perfect for Any Season: Great for cold days but light enough to enjoy year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Each component plays a role—from the tender chicken enriching the broth, to the fresh veggies adding crunch and sweetness.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for juicy, tender meat that shreds easily.
• Carrots: Provide sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
• Celery stalks: Add aromatic depth and a slight crunch.
• Yellow onion: Forms the savory base flavor when sautéed.
• Garlic cloves: Bring subtle warmth and richness.
• Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, giving it a rich, savory body.
• Egg noodles: Soft, tender pasta that soaks up the broth beautifully.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
• Fresh parsley and thyme: Herbal notes that elevate the flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to taste.

Variations for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Feel free to customize this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup to your liking—it’s incredibly easy to adapt for whatever ingredients you have or dietary preferences you follow. These variations make switching up the dish intuitive and exciting!

• Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.
• Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Herb Swap: Use rosemary, sage, or dill instead of thyme and parsley for new flavor profiles.
• Broth Variation: Use homemade bone broth or add a splash of white wine for depth.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add olive oil or butter, then cook chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. This builds your flavor base right in the pot.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Place the chicken thighs or breasts on top of the sautéed veggies, pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs. The broth should cover the ingredients completely.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook (high) for 10 minutes. This step cooks the chicken thoroughly and melds the flavors quickly without drying out the meat.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Shred Chicken

Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return the shredded meat back to the pot.

Step 5: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking

Stir in the egg noodles and set the pot to sauté mode again. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the noodles are tender and have soaked up some of the delicious broth.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

Taste your soup and add extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use Bone-In Chicken: For richer flavor, try bone-in thighs, then shred off the bone after cooking.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add noodles after pressure cooking to avoid mushy texture.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté vegetables first for deeper, caramelized flavors.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end boosts brightness and aroma.
• Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well and makes great leftovers, so cook extra for busy days.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Top your soup with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil to add both flavor and a satisfying look.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, simple green salad, or garlic toast for a complete meal that feels both cozy and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in rustic bowls or bread bowls for extra charm, or ladle it over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate noodles if possible to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Freeze without noodles for best texture, then add fresh noodles when reheating for a just-cooked taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Add fresh noodles during reheating if frozen separately.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work great and cook slightly faster, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in the Instant Pot.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are the classic choice, holding up well without getting mushy. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or gluten-free alternatives.

Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables first?

Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavor and sweetness, but you can skip this step to save time—though the soup will be less rich.

How do I avoid overcooked noodles?

Add noodles after pressure cooking is complete and cook them just until tender with the sauté function to keep their texture perfect.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, then add extra vegetables or plant-based protein to keep it hearty and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a true kitchen gem: simple, nourishing, and bursting with comforting flavors. It’s perfect for those cozy moments when you crave a homemade meal without the long wait. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth of this classic soup made easy!

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