Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Cozy and Comforting Meal

Feeling chilly or under the weather? Let's create a bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup that warms you up! This cozy recipe is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious noodles, it brings comfort right to your table. Join me as we whip up this soothing meal that everyone will love! Let’s dive into the ingredients you need to get started.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 6 cups chicken broth

- 2 cups water

- 1 cup carrots, sliced

- 1 cup celery, sliced

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 8 ounces egg noodles

Seasonings and Oil

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnishing

- Fresh parsley, chopped

I love using fresh, simple ingredients for my chicken noodle soup. The chicken breasts are the main protein. They become tender and juicy in the soup. Chicken broth adds rich flavor. Water helps balance the taste and ensures a nice soup base.

I always add carrots and celery for crunch and sweetness. These veggies are classic in chicken soup. The diced onion gives depth to the flavor. Garlic adds a nice kick.

For seasonings, I use thyme and rosemary. They bring warmth and earthiness. A bay leaf adds even more flavor. I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, I like egg noodles. They soak up the soup while staying tender. For garnish, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh touch. It makes the soup look lovely and inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Vegetables

Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. Once hot, add one medium diced onion, one cup of sliced carrots, and one cup of sliced celery. Sauté for about three to five minutes. You want the veggies to soften. Stir often to cook them evenly.

Adding Chicken and Broth

Next, stir in three cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. Cook for another minute until you smell the herbs. Now, add one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in six cups of chicken broth and two cups of water. Toss in one bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking in the Instant Pot

Close the lid tightly, making sure the valve is set to 'Sealing.' Select 'Pressure Cook' and set the timer to ten minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for five minutes. After that, do a quick release for any leftover pressure. Be careful when doing this.

Final Steps

Take out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir in eight ounces of egg noodles. Set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode. Cook for another five to six minutes until the noodles are tender. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To make your soup taste its best, adjust the seasoning. I suggest adding more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor. You can also try adding a splash of lemon juice. This gives a bright finish to the soup.

Sautéing is key for building flavor. When you start, let the olive oil heat up before adding the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they soften. This step makes a big difference. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary last. This helps release their full flavors.

Cooking Preferences

Cooking times depend on the chicken size. For chicken breasts, ten minutes works well. If you use larger pieces, add a few extra minutes. Always check that your chicken is fully cooked.

For noodles, you can adjust the cook time for your preference. If you like firm noodles, cook them for just five minutes. For softer noodles, let them simmer a bit longer. Stir them in after you shred the chicken.

Time-Saving Suggestions

Prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop your veggies and store them in the fridge. This way, you can make the soup in a flash.

Using rotisserie chicken is another great tip. It cuts your prep time in half. Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth. This makes your soup quick and easy.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up the protein in this soup. Rotisserie chicken works well. Just shred it and add it in. You can also use turkey if you want a different taste. For veggies, think about using peas or corn. They add nice color and flavor. You can mix and match to suit your taste.

Broth Options

You can use either homemade or store-bought broth. Homemade broth has great flavor and is easy to make. Just simmer chicken bones with veggies for hours. If you choose store-bought, look for low-sodium options. To boost the broth's taste, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill. This can elevate the flavor and make your soup even better.

Specialty Diets

If you need gluten-free options, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles. They cook quickly and taste great. For those watching sodium, look for low-sodium broth alternatives. You can also make your own broth to control the salt. This way, everyone can enjoy a warm bowl of soup without worry.

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep your soup fresh, store it in a sealed container. Let it cool before sealing. This helps avoid steam buildup. Chicken noodle soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label your container with the date, so you know when to eat it.

Long-term Storage

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken noodle soup. Use an airtight freezer bag or container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth for better flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your warm soup with crusty bread or crunchy crackers. A slice of sourdough or a warm baguette works great. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a little crunch, try serving it with croutons. They add a fun texture to your cozy soup!

FAQs

How long can you store chicken noodle soup in the fridge?

You can store chicken noodle soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to put the soup in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it instead.

Can you substitute different noodles for egg noodles?

Yes, you can use other types of noodles. Options like whole wheat, gluten-free, or even rice noodles work well. Just remember that cooking times may change. Check the package for cooking instructions. The taste may vary but will still be tasty.

What to do if the soup is too thick?

If your soup turns out too thick, you can easily fix it. Just add some extra chicken broth or water. Stir it in slowly until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Can this recipe be doubled for larger servings?

Absolutely! You can double this recipe for more servings. Just keep in mind that cooking time may stay the same. Make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to hold everything. This soup is great for gatherings or meal prep!

This blog post covered a simple recipe for chicken noodle soup. We talked about the ingredients, cooking steps, and variations. I shared useful tips to enhance flavor and fast prep ideas. Storing your soup can be easy with short and long-term methods.

If you follow these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a warm, tasty soup any time. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights or when you need comfort food. Take these tips and make your soup a family favorite!