When the chill of the day calls for comfort, nothing soothes quite like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. But what if you could conjure up this classic, heartwarming remedy in a fraction of the time-without sacrificing depth of flavor or nourishing goodness? Enter the Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, your swift and cozy culinary companion. This guide will walk you through transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of savory warmth, all under the magic lid of your Instant Pot. Get ready to embrace speed, simplicity, and soul-soothing satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: Quick & Cozy Guide begins with selecting the freshest ingredients that elevate every spoonful of this classic comfort food. A perfectly crafted broth sets the stage, brimming with deep, savory notes that come alive through quality chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant aromatics. Combined with expertly timed Instant Pot cooking techniques, you’ll achieve tender chicken and delightfully al dente noodles – a harmonious texture that will make every bowl irresistible.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 15 minutes
- Cooking (Instant Pot): 25 minutes
- Total: 40 minutes
Yield
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for richest flavor and tenderness)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 oz wide egg noodles (or your favorite noodle, see notes for alternatives)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- Fresh herbs for finishing: ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
- Optional spice add-ins: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and wait until shimmering. Toss in chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and veggies start to soften,about 5 minutes,stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant,careful not to burn the garlic.
- Brown the chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. Sear each side until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. This step imparts extra depth to your broth.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom. These flavorful bits prevent the dreaded ’burn’ warning on the Instant Pot and enrich the broth.
- Add remaining broth and season: Pour in the rest of the chicken broth (7 cups), add salt, and gently stir to combine.
- Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on ‘manual’ high pressure for 15 minutes. This timing perfectly cooks the chicken through while infusing the broth.
- Quick release and shred: When cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release.Remove the chicken thighs and shred the meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return shredded chicken & add noodles: switch back to ‘Sauté’, stir shredded chicken into the broth, and add egg noodles. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until noodles reach al dente texture.
- Finish with fresh herbs and optional spices: Stir in chopped parsley and thyme along with optional red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a warm, layered flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle piping hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Tips for Success
- Choosing broth: For the richest taste, opt for homemade chicken broth or quality low-sodium options that allow you to control the salt level.
- Noodle note: Use wide egg noodles for a chewy yet tender texture; if gluten-free, spiralized zucchini or rice noodles work wonderfully-just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make-ahead: Prepare broth and shredded chicken in advance and refrigerate separately. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for a non-mushy soup experience.
- Herb customization: Swap thyme with rosemary or add a bay leaf for an earthy touch. Cilantro works well if you prefer more brightness and a fresh finish.
- Cleaning hack: Soak the Instant Pot insert with warm soapy water immediately after cooking to loosen stuck-on bits, simplifying cleanup significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your soup in rustic, deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of carrots, celery, and fresh green herbs. A piece of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll pairs beautifully for dipping into the rich, savory broth.For extra indulgence, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A light drizzle of chili oil adds an exciting kick for adventurous palates.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
Looking to expand your comfort food repertoire? Check out our Instant Pot Beef Stew for another hearty,one-pot wonder.For more on broth nutrition and health benefits,visit Healthline’s detailed guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – Quick & Cozy Guide
Q1: What makes this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup “ultimate”?
A1: It’s the perfect blend of speed, comfort, and flavor. Using the instant Pot means you get a rich, homemade broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles-all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. It’s the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl,ready before your craving even hits peak intensity!
Q2: Can I customize the veggies in this soup?
A2: Absolutely! While classic carrots,celery,and onions create that traditional base,feel free to sneak in spinach,kale,corn,or even mushrooms. The Instant Pot handles all these vibrantly, so your soup stays nutritious and bursting with color.Q3: How do I prevent noodles from turning mushy in the Instant Pot?
A3: Timing is everything! Add your noodles after pressure cooking the broth and chicken. Simply release the pressure, then stir in the noodles and use the sauté function for just long enough to cook them tender but not mushy-usually around 5-7 minutes, depending on noodle type.
Q4: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A4: Yes! The Instant Pot is magical with frozen chicken. Just add an additional couple of minutes to the pressure cooking time, and it’ll cook perfectly without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Q5: What’s the best noodle type for this recipe?
A5: Egg noodles are the classic choice-soft, slightly chewy, and perfect at absorbing that savory broth. However, feel free to get creative with rice noodles for a gluten-free twist, or even spiralized veggies for a low-carb option.
Q6: How can I make this soup extra rich and flavorful?
A6: Start by sautéing your veggies right in the Instant Pot to coax out their natural sweetness.Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth, and finish with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up. A dash of garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
Q7: Can I store leftovers, and how long will they keep?
A7: Definitely! Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, hold off on adding noodles until reheating to keep them from getting too soft. Frozen soup lasts about 2-3 months for best quality.
Q8: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
A8: yes, it’s an ideal meal prep hero! Cook the base soup ahead, and portion out servings without noodles if you like. When ready to eat, just add fresh noodles and heat through. Quick, cozy, and convenient-just what meal prep dreams are made of.
Q9: Any tips for making this soup kid-kind?
A9: Keep it mild with gentle seasoning and bite-sized chicken and noodle portions. You can even puree part of the broth with veggies for picky eaters, then stir in the noodles. A sprinkle of cheese on top is often a kid-approved finishing touch!
Q10: Can I adapt this recipe for other Instant Pot models?
A10: Absolutely! Whether you have a Duo, Ultra, or Nova, the principles remain the same-adjust the cooking times slightly if your model runs hotter or cooler, but the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic will deliver cozy comfort every time.
The Way Forward
As the comforting aroma of your Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup fills the kitchen, you’re not just serving up a meal-you’re delivering warmth, simplicity, and a touch of homemade magic in every bowl. This quick and cozy guide proves that nourishing comfort food doesn’t have to come with hours of prep or wait time. So next time the chill sets in or you need a wholesome, satisfying dish in a flash, remember: your Instant Pot is your secret weapon for turning humble ingredients into soul-soothing goodness. Cozy up, sip slow, and let every spoonful remind you that sometimes, the fastest recipes are the most heartfelt.
