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Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. Whether battling a cold, seeking comfort on a rainy day, or simply craving a hearty meal, this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is your perfect companion.
With fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs, this dish combines traditional homemade soup’s warmth and the modern cooking convenience of the Instant Pot®. Thanks to this time-saving device, you can create this classic dish in record time without sacrificing its rich, comforting flavors.
Ready to fall in love with your next go-to soup recipe? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is truly special because it combines the nostalgia of homemade soup with the ease and speed of an Instant Pot®. Here’s what makes it shine:
- Effortless Yet Flavorful: Traditional chicken noodle soup often requires simmering a whole chicken for hours, but this recipe achieves the same flavor profile in just a fraction of the time. The inclusion of a fresh bouquet garni elevates the flavor without adding complexity.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you’re a fan of thighs, breasts, or even shredded rotisserie chicken, this recipe adapts to what you have on hand. Want to sneak in extra vegetables? Need to make it gluten-free? Go for it! Simple substitutions like rice noodles will do the trick.
- Meal Prep Superstar: This soup makes a big batch and is perfect for freezing or refrigerating for quick meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a practical choice for busy families or anyone who loves leftovers.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: The mild yet savory flavor is a hit with kids, while the herbaceous notes and zesty lime wedges add sophistication for adult palates. It’s a dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.
- Seasonal and Timeless: While perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is light enough to enjoy year-round. The fresh ingredients make it equally fitting for spring or summer.
No matter what your kitchen skill level is, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Ingredients
Below is everything you need to create this delicious soup, along with tips and substitutions:
| INGREDIENT | NOTES/SUBSTITUTIONS |
|---|---|
| Parsley stems | Use fresh for optimal flavor, or substitute with 2 tsp dried parsley in a sachet. |
| Thyme sprigs | You can substitute with 1 tsp dried thyme. |
| Rosemary sprigs | Adds an earthy aroma; oregano or sage can be used instead. |
| Bay leaves | Essential for depth; no substitutions recommended. |
| Olive oil | Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness. |
| Garlic | Pre-minced garlic can save time, but fresh offers the best flavor. |
| White onion | Yellow onion works as an alternative. |
| Carrots | Feel free to add more if you love carrots in soup. |
| Celery | Adds crunch and flavor; adjust quantity as desired. |
| Chicken broth | Use at least 50% broth for richness; water can make up the rest. |
| Chicken thighs | Thighs add tenderness; substitute with drumsticks if preferred. |
| Chicken breasts | A lean option; you can use all thighs for a richer texture. |
| Egg noodles | Gluten-free noodles work for dietary restrictions. |
| Lime wedges (optional) | Use fresh for optimal flavor, or substitute with 2 tsp dried parsley in a sachet. |
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for seamless preparation:
| TOOL | PURPOSE | TIP |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot® | It speeds up cooking. | Use a 6-quart or larger model for best results. |
| Wooden spoon | For stirring and submerging ingredients. | A silicone spatula can be used as an alternative. |
| Kitchen twine | For tying the bouquet garni. | If unavailable, use cheesecloth to secure herbs. |
| Chef’s knife and cutting board | For chopping vegetables and herbs. | Ensure knives are sharp to make prep easier. |
| Ladle | For serving soup. | Helps portion out even servings. |
| Rimmed plate | For shredding cooked chicken. | A cutting board with grooves can also be used to collect juices. |
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-By-Step Recipe!
Ingredients
Bouquet Garni Ingredients:
- 6-8 ea. – Fresh parsley stems
- 10-12 ea. – Fresh parsley sprigs
- 3 ea. – Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2 ea. – Whole bay Leaves
- Kitchen twine
Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients:
- 1 T. – Olive oil – extra virgin
- 3-4 ea. – Garlic cloves – minced
- ½ ea. – Large white onion – chopped
- 4 ea. – Medium carrots – sliced
- 8 c. – Chicken broth – You can use a combination of chicken broth and water if desired. For best results, use at least 50% chicken broth.
- 1 lb. – Chicken thighs – boneless, skinless
- 1 lb. -Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless
- ½ 12oz. bag – Homestyle egg noodles
- 1 ea. – Large lime cut into thin wedges – optional
- Sea salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the 'bouquet garni' by assembling the parsley, thyme, and rosemary sprigs.
- Secure them with kitchen twine on a clean work surface.
- Securely tuck the bay leaves inside the twine to hold. Set aside.
- Press the "Sauté" button on the Instant Pot® and adjust to the highest setting.
- Add the olive oil to the pot.
- Chop the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery before starting the recipe, then add them to the Instant Pot.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop a bit of color, approximately 4-5 minutes. Turn the unit off.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot.
- Add the chicken thighs and breasts.
- Push the chicken pieces into the liquid with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully submerged.
- Add the 'bouquet garni' on top and gently push into the liquid.
- Add the lid and lock into place. Set the pressure release valve to "Sealing" and select the "Manual" button on the high setting. Adjust cook time to 10 minutes.
- When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining steam. Turn the unit off.
- Carefully remove the lid and discard the "bouquet garni."
- Transfer the chicken pieces to a large, rimmed plate. Shred the meat using two forks and set aside.
- Select the "Sauté" function on the highest setting and bring the liquid inside to a boil. Add the egg noodles and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Tip: Do not overcook the noodles, or they will become mushy. They will continue to soften some in the hot liquid.
- Turn the unit off and carefully remove the pot from the unit. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
- Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
- To serve, transfer the soup to individual bowls and offer fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing if desired. Enjoy!
Video
RECIPE DIRECTIONS
1) Prepare the Bouquet Garni:
- Lay the parsley, thyme, and rosemary on a clean surface.
- Bundle the herbs and tie them securely with kitchen twine. Tuck the bay leaves inside the twine.
2) Sauté the Vegetables:
- Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot® and adjust it to high.
- Add olive oil, garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop color.
3) Add Chicken and Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth in and add the chicken thighs and breasts.
- Submerge the chicken fully and place the bouquet garni on top.
4) Pressure Cook:
- Lock the lid in place, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select “Manual” (high pressure) for 10 minutes.
5) Release Pressure:
- Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
6) Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
7) Cook the Noodles:
- Use the “Sauté” mode to bring the liquid to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8) Combine and Adjust Seasoning:
- Turn off the Instant Pot®, add the shredded chicken, and stir. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
9) Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.
- Nothing beats a delicious bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Unfortunately, preparing from scratch with a chicken carcass can be a bit time-consuming. This no-muss, no-fuss version is faster and easier, yet still incredibly tasty, thanks to the addition of cost-conscious chicken thighs and the subtle infusion of flavor from a fresh ‘bouquet garni.‘
- The ‘bouquet garni‘ originated in France and traditionally includes a blend of parsley, thyme, and bay leaves. However, any combination of fresh or dried herbs can be used to create one. The version shown here includes rosemary in addition to the classic trio.
- If using dried herbs, a section of cheesecloth is used to create a sachet that is then dropped into soups or stews while cooking. A length of kitchen twine binds fresh herbs to make picking out the woody stems and bay leaves easier before serving.
Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving is a welcome addition to most broth-based soups.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
The key to perfecting this Instant Pot® Chicken Noodle Soup is in the details. Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time:
| TIP | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Layer Your Flavors | Start by sautéing the vegetables to caramelize their natural sugars and deepen the soup’s flavor. Don’t skip! |
| Use Fresh Herbs When Possible | Fresh herbs bring a vibrant aroma and taste that dried herbs can’t quite replicate, though dried work in a pinch. |
| Customize the Noodles | Keep noodles separate when serving a crowd to avoid sogginess in leftovers. |
| Boost the Flavor with Citrus | A squeeze of lime or lemon before serving cuts richness and adds brightness to the broth. |
| Prevent Overcooked Chicken | Remove cooked chicken promptly, shred it, and return it to the pot at the end to avoid overcooking. |
| Experiment with Add-Ins | Add red pepper flakes for spice or half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy version. |
| Make It a One-Pot Meal | Include hearty vegetables like potatoes or zucchini for a more filling dish. |
With these tips, you’ll not only create a delicious soup but also refine it to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but why stop there? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Bread Pairings: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or flaky buttermilk biscuits to soak up the flavorful broth. Garlic bread is another excellent choice for those who love bold flavors.
- Salad Side: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness. Consider a spinach and arugula mix with cherry tomatoes and a lemony dressing.
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess or a few crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
- Turn It Into a Complete Meal: Pair the soup with a protein-packed side, like a grilled cheese sandwich or a ham and cheese croissant.
- Make It Elegant: Serve in individual bowls with lime wedges on the side, and drizzle some high-quality olive oil for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
This soup will impress your family and guests no matter how you serve it.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot® Chicken Noodle Soup recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and reminds you of home. The blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken makes it a must-have for your recipe rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking for yourself, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and nutrition.
With the Instant Pot®, you can skip the hours of simmering without sacrificing that signature homemade taste. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your family’s preferences. One bowl of this soup, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite across all seasons.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot®, and give this recipe a try. When you do, let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below.
Don’t forget to share photos of your soup on social media using #InstantPotChickenNoodleSoup. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our blog for quick, easy, and delicious recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.
Happy cooking!
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can use pre-cooked chicken by shredding it and adding it to the soup after the noodles are cooked. This saves time and works well for leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
What other noodles can I use?
You can substitute egg noodles with spaghetti, rice noodles, or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Add fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I use instead of a bouquet garni?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, use a mix of dried herbs tied in cheesecloth or add them directly to the broth. Remember to remove any woody stems or bay leaves before serving.
How do I thicken the broth?
To thicken the broth, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir until the soup thickens. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Frozen chicken works, but you’ll need to increase the pressure cooking time by 5–7 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
Hey There! Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means that as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Learn more on my Affiliate Disclosure page.
