Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

An easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need for cold winter days! This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a quick lunch. With its warm flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot allows you to make this soup in just 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs create a rich and satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal: Perfectly pairs with bread, rolls, or crackers for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean chicken and vegetables, this soup is nutritious and low in calories.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This versatile tool not only speeds up cooking time but also enhances flavor through pressure cooking.
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: A good cutting board paired with a sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

An easy recipe for Instant Pot chicken noodle soup, perfect for cold winter days! Serve it with bread, rolls or crackers for a quick, easy and comforting meal.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
– 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
– 4 ribs celery (chopped)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 8 cups low sodium chicken broth (can use 4 cups broth and 4 cups water, if desired)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 ounces egg noodles
– chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil to the pot. Once the pot is hot:
1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies start to soften (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic.
4. Press Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Chicken

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
1. Dried oregano
2. Dried thyme
3. Bay leaf
4. Salt
5. Black pepper
6. Chicken broth

Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid securely:
1. Turn the valve to the sealing position.
2. Pressure cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
3. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before cooking begins.

Step 4: Release Pressure Naturally

When cooking time ends:
1. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes.
2. Carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to venting using a long spoon handle.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

When the pin drops down:
1. Open the lid of the Instant Pot.
2. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
3. Take out the chicken and place it on a clean plate or cutting board.
4. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Cook Noodles

Press Cancel again to turn off warm settings:
1. Press Sauté.
2. Add egg noodles to the pot.
3. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes until just tender.
4. Turn off the Instant Pot once cooked.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Stir shredded chicken back into the soup mixture:
1. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
2. Serve hot with fresh parsley sprinkled on top if desired.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is simple and delightful. This comforting dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a savory touch that complements the soup perfectly.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkling fresh parsley on top brightens up the soup both visually and in flavor.
• Thyme Leaves – A few fresh thyme leaves can enhance the herbal notes of the dish.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – A Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, making it a satisfying side.
• Mixed Greens Salad – Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Serve with Crackers

• Saltines – Classic saltines are perfect for adding a little crunch to each bite.
• Herbed Crackers – Flavorful herbed crackers can elevate your soup experience.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup ensures every bowl is delicious. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Quality Broth – Start with low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness, allowing you to adjust to taste.
• Sauté Veggies First – Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavors, creating a more robust base for your soup.
• Shred Chicken After Cooking – Letting the chicken rest before shredding helps retain moisture and results in tender pieces.
• Adjust Seasonings After Cooking – Taste your soup before serving; adjusting seasonings at the end allows for perfect balance.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles – Add noodles toward the end of cooking to keep them from becoming mushy in the broth.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing, grilled cheese adds comfort and satisfaction alongside your soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.
4. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges bring texture and heartiness, making them a great companion.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and veggies create a filling side that complements the soup’s flavors.
6. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw provides refreshing crispness, balancing the warmth of the soup.
7. Rice Pilaf – Lightly seasoned rice pilaf can be served alongside or even added directly into the soup for extra heartiness.
8. Pita Chips with Hummus – For a healthy crunch, serve pita chips with hummus as a flavorful side snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Instant Pot chicken noodle soup can be a breeze, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient selection: Using low-quality or expired ingredients can affect the flavor. Always check the freshness of your produce and broth.
• Bold ignoring cooking times: Overcooking the chicken or noodles can lead to mushiness. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best texture.
• Bold skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning before serving can result in bland soup. Always sample your dish and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Bold neglecting natural release: Rushing the pressure release process may result in uneven cooking. Allow for natural pressure release before opening the lid for optimal results.
• Bold overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can prevent proper cooking. Follow the recipe’s guidelines for ingredient amounts to ensure even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is a quick and easy one-pot meal made with chicken, vegetables, broth, and egg noodles, perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! Feel free to substitute egg noodles with whole wheat noodles, gluten-free options, or even pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.

How can I customize my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can add more vegetables such as peas or green beans, spice it up with red pepper flakes, or use different herbs like basil or rosemary for varied flavors.

How long does it take to make this soup?

The total time from start to finish is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time in the Instant Pot.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it great for meal prep and quick dinners later on.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm you on cold days!

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