Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction to Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is one of the most iconic comfort foods worldwide. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening, as a remedy for colds, or simply as a wholesome meal, it delivers warmth, nutrition, and satisfaction. The traditional chicken noodle soup recipe involves simmering chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth until everything blends together into a hearty dish. While stovetop methods have long been the standard, modern cooking appliances like the Instant Pot make preparing chicken noodle soup faster, easier, and more convenient.

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When people search for the best chicken noodle soup, they often want a recipe that is quick, foolproof, and packed with flavor. This is where instant pot chicken noodle soup shines. Not only can it be made with fresh chicken breast, boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even rotisserie chicken, but it also works with frozen chicken. With the Instant Pot, you can prepare comforting chicken soup recipes in under an hour, often in less than 30 minutes.

This comprehensive guide explores everything about instant pot chicken noodle soup—from traditional variations and essential ingredients to using rotisserie chicken, pressure cooker techniques, and even ideas for freezing and reheating. You’ll learn how to make this soup step by step and discover why so many families love this instant pot chicken noodle recipe.

Why Choose Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by making complex dishes easy. When it comes to soup recipes, the Instant Pot offers multiple advantages:

Speed: Cooking chicken and veggies that normally takes hours can be done in less than 30 minutes.
Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses broth, chicken, and vegetables deeply, making every bite satisfying.
Convenience: You can use rotisserie chicken, frozen chicken, or fresh boneless chicken thighs without adjusting much.
One Pot Cooking: It’s truly a one pot recipe where you sauté, pressure cook, and simmer in the same pot.

Many home cooks report that using the Instant Pot results in the most flavorful chicken noodle soup they’ve ever had. The ability to pressure cook at high pressure means the chicken comes out tender, juicy, and easy to shred. Add the noodles right before serving, and you’ll have a soup that rivals even homemade chicken soup simmered on the stove all day.

The Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Core Ingredients

At its heart, a chicken noodle soup recipe includes a few staple ingredients:

Chicken breast, boneless skinless chicken breasts, or chicken thighs – These provide protein and richness.
Egg noodles – Soft, chewy, and perfect for absorbing broth.
Onion, celery, and carrot – This trio, also known as mirepoix, builds the soup’s flavor base.
Chicken broth or chicken stock – Provides depth and ties the soup together.
Seasonings – Salt and pepper, thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and sometimes chicken bouillon for richness.

These elements come together in countless variations, but the Instant Pot makes following an easy recipe simple, even for beginners.

Cooking Technique

Sauté Aromatics: Use the sauté button on the Instant Pot to cook onion, celery, and carrot until softened.
Add Chicken and Broth: Place chicken breast, chicken thighs, or even a whole chicken into the pot with broth, seasonings, and herbs like thyme and bay leaf.
Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set it to high pressure, and cook the chicken. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes.
Remove the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and shred it.
Add the Noodles: Egg noodles to the pot should cook for about 3 minutes using sauté mode.
Return the Shredded Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper, fresh parsley, or extra chicken bouillon if desired.

That’s all it takes to make the best chicken noodle soup completely in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken adds incredible convenience and flavor. Many cooks love using Costco rotisserie chicken because it’s affordable, tender, and seasoned. Using rotisserie chicken for instant pot chicken noodle soup is a game-changer:

Step 1: Sauté onion, celery, and carrot in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Add chicken broth to the pot along with thyme, bay leaf, and parsley.
Step 3: Shred rotisserie chicken back, thighs, or breast meat and add to the pot.
Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil using sauté mode.
Step 5: Add noodles to the soup and cook until tender.

Since rotisserie chicken is already cooked, you don’t need to pressure cook the chicken. Instead, focus on infusing the broth and cooking the noodles. This method saves time and results in flavorful chicken noodle soup made with minimal effort.

Variations of Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Using Frozen Chicken

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. One of the biggest advantages of pressure cookers is that frozen chicken cooks safely and quickly. Simply add frozen chicken breasts or thighs to the pot with broth and vegetables. The Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure, but the chicken will still cook completely.

Using Chicken Thighs or Whole Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs: More flavorful and tender than chicken breast.
Whole chicken: Creates homemade chicken soup with rich stock, perfect for freezing.

Noodle Choices

Egg noodles are classic, but you can also use wild rice for a twist. Instant Pot wild rice soup provides an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with shredded chicken and veggies.

How to Make the Most Flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup

The secret to making the best chicken noodle soup lies in layering flavors:

Sauté Vegetables First: Sautéing onion, celery, and carrot adds depth.
Use Chicken Stock or Broth: Homemade chicken broth or store-bought chicken stock makes a difference.
Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme, parsley, and bay leaf enhance flavor.
Add Noodles Last: Always add the noodles to the soup right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Parsley brightens the dish before serving.

By following these tips, you can make the most flavorful chicken noodle soup every time.

Soup Recipes Beyond Chicken Noodle

While chicken noodle soup is a staple, Instant Pot soup recipes offer endless possibilities:

Chicken tortilla soup – Spicy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Crockpot chicken noodle soup – A slow cooker alternative.
Wild rice soup – Creamy and earthy with shredded chicken.

These soup recipes show just how versatile chicken recipes can be when using the Instant Pot.

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle for Busy Nights

One of the biggest reasons families love this instant pot chicken is that it’s an easy recipe. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, frozen chicken, or fresh chicken breast, the process is simple.

Add chicken and veggies.
Close the Instant Pot lid.
Pressure cook at high pressure.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
Add noodles to the pot.
Turn off the Instant Pot and serve hot.

It’s truly an easy to follow method that anyone can master.

Tips to Make This Recipe Even Better

Add the Chicken Later for Rotisserie: If you’re using rotisserie, add shredded chicken back after cooking noodles.
Freeze This Soup: Allow the soup to cool, portion into containers, and freeze for later.
Add Extra Veggies: Peas, corn, or spinach can add variety.
Use Chicken Bouillon: Enhances flavor if your broth is light.
Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Always cook noodles in broth to the pot for only 3 minutes.

Comforting Than Chicken Noodle Soup

Few dishes are more comforting than chicken noodle soup. Homemade chicken noodle soup, whether made with chicken breast, chicken thighs, or rotisserie chicken, is beloved for its nourishing quality. Using the Instant Pot and set correctly, you can make this soup quickly without sacrificing flavor. Families often say nothing is more comforting than chicken noodle soup made fresh at home.

Looking for a hearty, wholesome bowl of comfort? Whip up this satisfying Split Pea Soup Recipe – Easy, Delicious Soup Recipes with Split Peas and enjoy classic flavors in every spoonful!

Conclusion

Instant pot chicken noodle soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a go-to meal for busy families, a remedy for cold nights, and one of the most comforting soup recipes you can make. From using rotisserie chicken for convenience to experimenting with boneless chicken thighs or even frozen chicken, the options are endless.

By following an easy instant pot chicken noodle recipe, you’ll have a hearty soup ready in under 30 minutes. Remember to sauté your vegetables, cook the chicken until tender, remove the chicken to shred, add the noodles at the end, and return the shredded chicken right before serving. This guarantees the best chicken noodle soup every time.

No matter if you’re new to Instant Pot recipes or already a seasoned home cook, you’ll love this instant pot chicken noodle. Make this recipe today and discover why it has become a staple in so many households.