Craving a bowl of warm, comforting soup that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in a flash? This **Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup** recipe delivers exactly that. It’s the ultimate cozy, no-fuss meal, perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you simply need a little extra TLC. Thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful homemade chicken noodle soup in just over half an hour, making it an absolute game-changer for your meal rotation.
There’s something truly special about a classic chicken noodle soup. It’s a timeless comfort food, bringing warmth and a sense of home with every spoonful. In my kitchen, this soup is a frequent visitor, especially when the seasons shift, or a little sniffle makes its rounds. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its simplicity, relying on wholesome, accessible ingredients like tender chicken, fresh carrots, hearty potatoes, and classic egg noodles – all things I typically have on hand. The Instant Pot transforms a traditional stovetop process into an effortlessly quick and convenient experience, ensuring that even on your busiest days, a nutritious, delicious meal is within reach.
If you’re a fan of nourishing, chicken-and-carb comfort meals, you’ll also want to explore other favorites like our Easy Beef Noodle Soup, the creamy Chicken Orzo Soup, or this satisfying Healthy Lasagna Soup. Each offers a unique twist on the beloved comfort food theme, ensuring there’s a warm bowl of goodness for every craving.
Recipe Overview
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
There are countless reasons why this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup will become a staple in your home. It’s not just about speed; it’s about achieving deep, complex flavors in a fraction of the time, making healthy eating convenient and delicious. Here’s what makes it so special:
- **Effortlessly Fast:** The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time. What typically takes hours on the stovetop is ready in just 35 minutes, including prep!
- **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimize cleanup with a single pot from start to finish. Sauté, pressure cook, and simmer all in one appliance.
- **Incredibly Flavorful:** Pressure cooking infuses the broth with rich chicken and vegetable flavors far more quickly than traditional methods, giving you that ‘simmered all day’ taste without the wait.
- **Wholesome & Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and satisfying noodles, it’s a balanced meal that nourishes the body and soul.
- **Versatile & Adaptable:** Easily customize with your favorite vegetables, different types of noodles, or even other cuts of chicken. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal touch.
- **Perfect Comfort Food:** Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving something warm and cozy, this soup hits all the right notes, offering warmth and satisfaction.
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Success
To ensure your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind before you begin cooking:
- **Chicken Selection & Removal:** When using a mix of chicken drumsticks and breasts, remember that drumsticks, being bone-in, tend to become extremely tender and can fall apart easily. For easier shredding and to prevent them from disintegrating too much, remove the drumsticks first after cooking. Shredding them while they’re still hot makes the process much smoother and quicker.
- **Uniform Vegetable Dicing:** For even and rapid cooking under pressure, it’s crucial to chop all your vegetables (carrots, celery, parsnip, potatoes) into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook through simultaneously, preventing some vegetables from being mushy while others are still crunchy.
- **Perfectly Cooked Noodles:** Nobody likes mushy noodles! The key is to undercook them slightly in the Instant Pot during the sauté phase. They will continue to absorb liquid and soften as they sit in the hot broth after the Instant Pot is turned off. This technique guarantees perfectly al dente noodles that retain their texture.
- **Don’t Overfill:** Be mindful of the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot. Adding too much liquid or too many ingredients can prevent the pot from coming to pressure or even cause spluttering during release.
- **Sauté for Flavor:** Don’t skip the initial sautéing step for your aromatics (onions, garlic, celery, carrots). This step is vital for building a deep flavor base that truly elevates the soup beyond just boiled ingredients. It creates a rich foundation for your broth.
Common Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
For the most robust flavor and desirable texture, I highly recommend using a mix of bone-in chicken drumsticks and boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The drumsticks contribute a profound richness to the broth and add depth of flavor, while the chicken breasts are ideal for shredding into tender, lean pieces. If you prefer, you can certainly use just one type of chicken, but the combination offers the best of both worlds.
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is a fantastic time-saver. When using frozen chicken, you can skip the initial sautéing step for the chicken itself. Simply add the frozen chicken directly into the Instant Pot with the broth and vegetables. You’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time by approximately 3-5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly. Always confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before shredding to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Certainly! While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed and convenience, you can achieve a delicious chicken noodle soup using traditional methods. For a classic approach, try our Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup. If you’re looking for a quick stovetop option, our Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, often made with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, is another excellent alternative.
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent substitute! Boneless and skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They offer a rich flavor and remain wonderfully moist and tender after pressure cooking. You can swap them in directly for the drumsticks or even use them in place of chicken breasts for a slightly richer soup.
Don’t worry! This recipe is very flexible. If you don’t have parsnip, simply add a little extra carrot or potato, or even some zucchini for a fresh touch. The core vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery form the essential flavor base, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup & Notes
Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is the first step to making an exceptional homemade chicken noodle soup. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with notes on substitutions and tips for best results. The full quantities for this delicious Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken Drumsticks: These bone-in pieces impart incredible depth and richness to your broth. For a slightly different texture, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and cook up just as tender.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Perfect for shredding into lean, tender strands that beautifully complement the soup. If you prefer a richer flavor throughout, you can swap these for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as well.
- Fresh Vegetables: You’ll need a vibrant mix including sweet onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, garlic, and potatoes. This combination provides a hearty base and essential nutrients. If parsnip isn’t available, simply boost the amount of carrots or potatoes, or add a handful of chopped zucchini for an extra green touch. Ensure all vegetables are diced to a consistent, smaller size for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing your vegetables, which helps to build a foundational layer of flavor. Avocado oil is a fantastic, neutral-tasting substitute if you prefer.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple yet effective blend of dried herbs that adds aromatic complexity without needing multiple spice jars. If you’re out, a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme will work beautifully.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth gives you complete control over the saltiness of your soup, allowing you to season to perfection. Regular chicken broth is fine, but you may need to adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Egg Noodles: The traditional choice for chicken noodle soup, offering a wonderfully tender and comforting texture. For those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for an alternative, gluten-free noodles work just as well; just be sure to undercook them slightly as they can become mushy quickly. Any other quick-cooking pasta you have on hand can also be used.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: These foundational seasonings are crucial for bringing out all the vibrant flavors. Adjust to your personal preference throughout the cooking process.
- Fresh Parsley: While optional, a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving adds a burst of fresh flavor, bright color, and a delightful aromatic finish to your soup.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup (Step-by-Step Guide)
Creating this delicious, comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for perfect results every single time:
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
Begin by seasoning your chicken drumsticks and boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This ensures the chicken itself is flavorful. Next, activate the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This crucial step develops a rich flavor base for your soup, so don’t be tempted to skip it, even if you’re short on time!
2️⃣ Incorporate Chicken and Potatoes
Once your vegetables are softened and aromatic, it’s time to add the protein and heartiness. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces (both breasts and drumsticks) into the Instant Pot. Then, add the diced potatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the seasonings and ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed before adding the liquid.
3️⃣ Add Broth and Pressure Cook to Perfection
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged and well combined with a final stir. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure it’s properly locked. Set the steam release valve to the SEALING position. Select the MANUAL (or PRESSURE COOK) setting and set the cooking time for 15 minutes at high pressure. Once the timer completes, it’s time for a quick release. Exercise caution when performing a quick release; stand back and use a long-handled utensil or a kitchen towel to open the valve to avoid steam burns. The steam will release rapidly, and the float valve will drop.
4️⃣ Shred Chicken and Cook Noodles Separately
Carefully open the lid and remove the cooked chicken pieces from the pot, placing them on a large plate or cutting board to cool slightly. Press the SAUTE button again on your Instant Pot. Add the egg noodles directly into the hot soup broth, stirring gently. Let them cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until they are just shy of being fully cooked (al dente). They will continue to soften in the residual heat. While the noodles are cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken, discarding any bones from the drumsticks. This simultaneous process saves valuable time!
5️⃣ Combine and Let Flavors Mingle
Once the noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, press CANCEL on the Instant Pot. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the soup. Stir everything together gently to ensure the chicken, noodles, and vegetables are well distributed. Allow the soup to rest for a minute or two; this brief pause allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the noodles to absorb a little more of that delicious broth. This is also a perfect moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve Hot
Ladle generous portions of the steaming Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup into individual bowls. For an added touch of freshness and vibrant color, top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and savor every warm, comforting bite!
Creative Variations & Pro Tips for Your Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to customize and elevate your bowl:
- **Boost the Herbaceousness:** For an even deeper, more complex flavor profile, consider adding a bay leaf to the pot before pressure cooking. Remember to remove it before serving. You can also experiment with other dried herbs like a pinch of rosemary or sage.
- **A Bright Citrus Finish:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top of each serving just before eating works wonders. The acidity brightens all the flavors in the broth, adding a zesty, fresh dimension.
- **Whole Grain Goodness:** For a boost of fiber and a slightly chewier texture, swap traditional egg noodles for whole wheat noodles. Just keep an eye on them as they cook, as cooking times can vary.
- **Add More Color and Sweetness:** Stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn kernels right before serving. The residual heat of the soup will warm them through perfectly, adding a pop of color, natural sweetness, and extra vitamins.
- **Spice It Up:** If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper added with the Italian seasoning can give your soup a delightful kick.
- **Creamy Texture:** For a richer, creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the very end, once the chicken has been added back to the pot. This will add a luscious texture and a decadent feel.
- **Vegetarian Option (Broth Only):** While this is a chicken soup, the vegetable base is fantastic. You could omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian noodle soup, adjusting protein sources as desired.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Your Chicken Noodle Soup
This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is fantastic for meal prep and leftovers, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever hunger strikes. Proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness:
- **Refrigeration:** Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight!
- **Freezing for Future Meals:** If you plan to freeze portions, it’s best to do so *without* the noodles. Cooked noodles tend to get mushy and lose their texture once thawed and reheated. Store the chicken and vegetable broth in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then cook fresh noodles just before serving and add them to the reheated broth.
- **Gentle Reheating:** To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot. If you froze the soup, remember to cook fresh noodles separately and stir them into the hot, reheated broth.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a quick and cozy one-pot dinner made with real ingredients, perfect for cold nights, busy days, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken drumsticks, or boneless thighs
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, or 2 small, diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 parsnip, finely diced
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 ounces egg noodles
Optional:
- freshly chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
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Season the 1 pound chicken drumsticks and 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts with Kosher salt and ground pepper on both sides. Turn on the SAUTE function of the Instant Pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sauté the 1 medium sweet onion, 3 medium carrots, 3 stalks celery, 1 parsnip, and 1-2 garlic cloves for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the diced 3 medium potatoes, seasoned chicken, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning to the pot.
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Pour in the 12 cups low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine. Secure the lid, set the valve to SEAL, and cook on the MANUAL or SOUP setting for 15 minutes. When done, carefully quick-release the steam.
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Remove the chicken and place it on a large plate. Press SAUTE again and add the 5 ounces egg noodles to the soup. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then press CANCEL. While the noodles cook, shred the chicken and discard any bones.
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Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to mix everything together.
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Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Dice all your vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly under pressure.
- Always add the egg noodles after the pressure cooking stage to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Shredding the cooked chicken while the noodles simmer is an efficient way to save time and streamline the cooking process.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the very end will brighten the entire flavor profile of the broth.
- For an appealing pop of color and extra subtle sweetness, stir in a handful of frozen peas or corn kernels right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
- Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is heated through. If you froze the soup, cook fresh noodles separately and stir them into the hot broth just before serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Cholesterol: 86mg
Sodium: 275mg
Potassium: 1136mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 3884IU
Vitamin C: 21mg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
A warm, hearty bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its comforting flavors. Think about adding something that can soak up every last drop of that savory broth or provide a contrasting texture.
- **Crusty Bread or Rolls:** There’s nothing quite like a slice of warm, crusty bread to dip into a rich soup. Try serving it alongside homemade favorites like Homemade Dinner Rolls, a fragrant slice of Italian Focaccia, or a wholesome piece of Whole Wheat Bread. The soft interior and crispy crust are perfect for sopping up all the delicious broth.
- **Green Salad:** A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. It adds a fresh, vibrant element and a welcome crunch.
- **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** For the ultimate comfort food pairing, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is an unbeatable choice. The gooey cheese and crispy bread make a perfect companion to the warm soup.
- **Cornbread:** A slice of sweet or savory cornbread can add a delightful Southern-inspired touch, offering a different texture and flavor profile that complements the chicken and vegetables.
More Delightful Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love a good bowl of soup, you’re in the right place! We have a wide array of comforting and flavorful soup recipes to warm you from the inside out. Be sure to check out some of these other fantastic options:
- Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
- Creamy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Hearty Chicken, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
- Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Classic White Bean Tuscan Soup
- Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe
You May Also Enjoy These Healthy Recipes
Beyond soups, we offer a collection of other healthy and delicious meals and treats that are perfect for any occasion:
- Nutrient-Packed Tunacado Sandwich
- Moist and Flavorful Carrot Cake Loaf
- Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Quick Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
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