Homemade Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Craving a bowl of warm, comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup? Imagine sinking your spoon into a rich broth, filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and savory vegetables. The aroma alone is enough to soothe your soul.

This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup recipe. It’s a streamlined, foolproof method designed for busy weeknights, delivering the taste of homemade goodness without the all-day simmer. Looking for more comforting soup recipes? Consider trying our Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.

This Instant Pot version ensures consistently perfect results, empowering even novice cooks to create a truly exceptional dish. Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for perfect soup, every time.

Quick Look: Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Want the highlights? Here’s a snapshot of what makes this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup so quick and easy. This overview will give you a taste of what’s to come, and help you decide if this recipe is right for you.

Fast Facts

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy

• Sauté aromatics in butter.
• Add broth, water, chicken, and seasonings.
• Pressure cook for 7 minutes, then natural release.
• Shred chicken and cook noodles.
• Combine everything and serve.

Now that you have the quick version, let’s dive into some expert tips to make the best soup.

Why This Recipe Works: Chef’s Secrets for the Best Soup

This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a carefully crafted method designed to deliver perfect, comforting soup every time. Let’s explore the key techniques and ingredient choices that make this recipe a success, empowering you to replicate restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Mastering Your Instant Pot for Soup

The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that uses pressure to cook food quickly. This recipe utilizes the ‘Soup’ setting, which is pre-programmed to cook soup efficiently.

For the most tender chicken, it’s crucial to allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) after the cooking cycle. NPR means letting the pressure release on its own, which takes about 10 minutes, resulting in juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

Flavor Foundation: Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

The foundation of any great soup is its ingredients. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. This is important because chicken broth and bouillon can already contain sodium.

Similarly, using low-sodium chicken broth is best. You can always add more salt to taste, but you can’t take it away. Fresh herbs, like parsley and oregano, add a vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well too; just remember to use about a third of the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

A bouillon cube or powder enhances the chicken flavor, adding depth and complexity to the broth.

Tip: Always adjust the seasoning at the end. This allows you to taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.

Tip: If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately. Add the cooked noodles to the soup when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy during the freezing and thawing process.

Understanding these secrets will ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a success. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

Now that you understand the key ingredients and techniques, it’s time to bring this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup to life. Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for a guaranteed delicious result.

Step 1: Building the Flavor Base

Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting; this will allow you to build the soup’s foundational flavors. Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and cook until melted, coating the bottom of the pot.

Next, add the 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion starts to soften and become translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.

Step 2: Adding the Liquids and Chicken

Season the softened vegetables with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your taste. Add 1 teaspoon of dry thyme, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano, and 1 chicken bouillon cube or powder; stir to combine and let the herbs bloom.

Pour in the 4 cups of no-sodium-added chicken broth. Then, add the 2 pounds of chicken pieces with skin and bones, followed by 4 cups of water. Using chicken with the skin and bones adds incredible depth and richness to the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking to Perfection

Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Set the Instant Pot to the Soup setting and set the timer for 7 minutes.

Once the Instant Pot cycle is complete, resist the urge to do a quick release. Allow for a natural pressure release (NPR), which should take about 10 minutes. As explained in the “Expert Tips” section, this is crucial for achieving incredibly tender chicken.

Carefully unlock and remove the lid, being mindful of any remaining steam.

Step 4: Shredding the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the soup using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a cutting board or plate.

Use two forks to shred the chicken, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.

Step 5: Cooking the Noodles

Add the 5 ounces (about 2 cups) of uncooked egg noodles to the soup. Set the Instant Pot back to the saute setting.

Cook the noodles for about 6 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remember, if you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy upon thawing.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Turn off the Instant Pot. Add the shredded chicken back to the soup, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the broth.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. As mentioned in the pro-tips, seasoning at the end allows you to fine-tune the flavors to your liking.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

With your soup ready, you can now explore some creative twists to make this recipe your own, so keep reading!

Creative Twists & Troubleshooting Tips

Even the most straightforward recipes can sometimes present unexpected challenges. This section is designed to help you navigate those moments and inspire you to customize this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup to perfectly suit your taste and dietary needs.

We’ll address common soup mishaps, offer ingredient substitutions, and suggest some flavor enhancements to take your soup to the next level.

Common Soup Hiccups & How to Fix Them

Bland soup is a common issue, but easily fixed. Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end; a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.

Mushy noodles are another potential problem. Remember, if you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating.

Tough chicken can result from skipping the natural pressure release. Allowing the pressure to release naturally ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.

Swapping Ingredients with Confidence

Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions to tailor the soup to your preferences. If you’re avoiding butter, olive oil works just as well for sautéing the vegetables.

While egg noodles are classic, other pasta shapes like ditalini or rotini can also be used. You can also use gluten free pasta, just make sure to check the cooking time.

For a leaner option, boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks can replace the whole chicken. Note that chicken thighs may require slightly less cooking time, so monitor them closely.

Jazz Up Your Soup!

Additions can elevate this soup even further. Stir in a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.

Sautéing sliced mushrooms with the onion, carrots, and celery creates a richer, earthier flavor base. A splash of lemon juice or a dash of chili garlic sauce just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a little zing.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to create a perfect bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup every time. Now, let’s move on to answering some frequently asked questions!

Share Your Delicious Creation!

We hope you enjoyed this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! Now, we’d love to hear from you.

Loved this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

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