Looking for a warm and tasty meal? You'll love this Savory Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! With juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for any day. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy. I’ll walk you through each step, ensuring a comforting bowl of soup that's ready in no time. Let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days when you need something cozy and nourishing.
- Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delicious meal in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of herbs and fresh vegetables adds depth and richness to the broth, making every spoonful delightful.
- Customizable: This recipe is easily adjustable; feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices for a personalized touch!
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Detailed measurements
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of chicken thighs, which gives a rich taste.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the veggies.
- 1 medium onion, chopped for sweetness.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced for flavor.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced to add color and crunch.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced for a fresh taste.
- 8 cups of chicken broth for a hearty base.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for aroma.
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for depth.
- 1 bay leaf to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- 2 cups of egg noodles for a comforting finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped to add freshness when you serve.
Suggested garnishes
When serving, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It brightens the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick. If you enjoy more toppings, consider shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. These simple touches can make your soup even better!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation steps
- Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop one medium onion, two cloves of garlic, three medium carrots, and two celery stalks. Slice the veggies into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Take one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs from the fridge and set them aside.
- Setting up the Instant Pot: Plug in your Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Wait for the oil to shimmer, which shows it's ready for cooking.
Cooking process
- Sautéing vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about three to four minutes until the onion is translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra 30 seconds. This adds a nice aroma. Now, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Stir them around for two to three minutes to soften slightly.
- Pressure cooking chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the pot. Season them with salt, pepper, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. Pour in eight cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add one bay leaf. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid. Close the lid, set the pressure valve to "Sealing," and select the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the timer for ten minutes.
Finishing touches
- Shredding chicken: Once the cooking time is done, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for five minutes. Then, switch to quick release for any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully and take out the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Adding noodles and final seasoning: Stir in two cups of egg noodles. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again. Cook for five to seven minutes, or until the noodles become tender. Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a lovely finish.
Tips & Tricks
How to enhance flavor
To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Try adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary. You can also toss in a bay leaf for depth. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you love garlic, add more cloves. Lemon zest can brighten the taste. Experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for warmth. Each little addition can change the soup’s profile.
Avoiding common mistakes
One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just enough until it shreds easily. If you leave it too long, it will get dry. Keep an eye on the noodles too. They can become mushy if cooked too long. Taste the soup as you go to find the perfect balance.
Making it ahead of time
Meal prep can save time. Cook the soup and let it cool before storing. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. When you reheat, add a little broth. This keeps the noodles from soaking up too much liquid. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Just store it in an airtight container.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor of your soup compared to dried herbs. Add them at the end of cooking for a brighter taste.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas or corn for added texture and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Perfect Noodle Texture: To prevent overcooking, add the egg noodles towards the end of the cooking process and keep an eye on them to achieve your desired tenderness.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Variations
Alternative proteins
You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken breasts are leaner but still tasty. You can also use turkey. Turkey creates a similar flavor and works well in soup. Just follow the same steps, and your soup will still be great.
Vegetable modifications
Feel free to change up the veggies. You can add green beans, peas, or corn for more color. Spinach or kale adds a nice touch too. If you want, you can skip the celery. Just adjust the amount to fit your taste. Each veggie adds its own flavor to the soup.
Noodle options
If you want to try something different, swap egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles. Rice or quinoa also works well. These options make the soup unique while keeping it hearty. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the noodle type you choose.
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
Store your leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Label the container with the date to keep track.
Freezing instructions
To freeze your soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the bags tightly and label them with the date. Your soup can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating tips
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Heat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy your warm, cozy soup!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember that cooking time will change. If your chicken is frozen, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time. The Instant Pot will still cook it safely and evenly. Just make sure the chicken is in the broth to ensure it cooks well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free. You just need to swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles. Many brands offer great options, so look for ones made from rice or quinoa. Always check the label to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
How can I make it spicier?
To spice up your soup, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you like heat, add these spices during the sauté step for the best flavor. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. We discussed essential ingredients like chicken thighs, vegetables, and seasonings. I shared detailed measurements and garnishes for extra flavor. You learned key steps for preparation, cooking, and finishing touches.
Consider our tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Explore variations with different proteins and noodles to customize your soup. Lastly, remember best practices for storage and reheating. Enjoy making this warm, comforting dish anytime you crave it!
