Step by Step Method: instant pot chicken noodle soup
Nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, and with the Instant Pot, you can whip up this classic dish in no time!
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a flavorful, hearty soup that’s sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 ½ cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Turn on the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Add Oil: Pour in the olive oil and let it heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) directly into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the 8 cups of chicken broth to the pot.
- Season: Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
- Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to ‘Sealing’.
- Set Cooking Time: Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Step 5: Natural Release
- Natural Release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then switch to quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and carefully take it out. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
Step 7: Add Egg Noodles
- Add Egg Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode again.
- Cook Noodles: Allow the noodles to cook for about 5-6 minutes until they’re tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Step 9: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutritional Data (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg (depending on broth used)
instant pot chicken noodle soup:2024!
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium6
servings15
minutes30
minutes300
kcalInstant Pot chicken noodle soup is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth. With just a few simple steps, you get a flavorful and satisfying soup ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 ½ cups egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
- Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil and sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add chicken broth to the pot, ensuring it covers the ingredients.
- Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Close the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing’, and select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in egg noodles. Set to “Sauté” mode again and cook for 5-6 minutes, until noodles are tender.
Serve hot, garni
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sauté a mix of onions, garlic, and celery in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients. This step enhances the base flavor of your soup. Additionally, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level and keep the soup healthier.
Why Chicken Noodle Soup is a Favorite
Chicken noodle soup holds a special place in many hearts, and for good reason. Here are the top five reasons why it is a beloved dish:
1. Comforting Flavor
Chicken noodle soup offers a warm, savory taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The combination of rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles creates a familiar and soothing flavor profile that many find comforting, especially on a chilly day.
2. Nutritious Ingredients
Packed with vegetables, lean chicken, and whole-grain noodles, chicken noodle soup is a nutritious option.
The carrots and celery not only add flavor but also provide vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.
3. Healing Properties
Traditionally, chicken noodle soup has been considered a remedy for colds and flu. The warm broth can help soothe a sore throat, while the chicken provides protein to boost your immune system.
This association with comfort and healing makes it a go-to during times of illness.
4. Easy to Make
The simplicity of preparing chicken noodle soup makes it a favorite among home cooks.
Whether using an Instant Pot, stove top, or slow cooker, the steps are straightforward, and once you have all the ingredients, it typically comes together in about 30 minutes.
5. Versatile Customization
Chicken noodle soup is highly customizable. You can easily tailor it to your taste by adding spices, using different vegetables, or switching out noodles for gluten-free options.
This versatility allows everyone to make it their own, whether you prefer a more traditional recipe or a spicy twist.
Benefits of Cooking with an Instant Pot
Cooking with an Instant Pot has transformed the way many people prepare meals, offering a range of advantages that make it a beloved kitchen appliance.
Here are ten benefits of using an Instant Pot, along with simple examples for each.
1. Time-Saving
Example: Instead of cooking chicken noodle soup on the stovetop for hours, an Instant Pot can cook it in about 30 minutes. This allows for quick, homemade meals even on busy days.
2. Versatility
Example: An Instant Pot can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and sauté pan all in one, enabling you to make everything from soups and stews to yogurt and desserts.
Enjoy this instant pot chicken noodle soup.
3. Energy Efficiency
Example: Cooking in an Instant Pot uses less energy compared to traditional cooking methods, as it cooks food faster and requires less heating time. This not only saves on electricity bills but is also more environmentally friendly.
4. Nutrient Preservation
Example: The pressure cooking process helps maintain more vitamins and minerals in your food compared to boiling or sautéing, making your meals healthier. For instance, vegetables retain more nutrients when steamed in the Instant Pot.
5. Easy Clean-Up
Example: With the Instant Pot, you only have one pot to clean after cooking. Its non-stick inner pot is also dishwasher safe, simplifying the post-meal clean-up process.
6. Consistent Results
Example: The Instant Pot features precise temperature control and cooking times, ensuring your dishes are cooked consistently every time. For example, you can reliably get perfectly tender beef stew with each use.
7. Safe
Example: Instant Pots come equipped with safety features like pressure regulation and lid locking, allowing you to cook without the fear of accidents that might arise from traditional pressure cooking methods.
8. Flavor Enhancement
Example: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot locks in flavors and aromas, resulting in tastier dishes. For instance, meats cooked under pressure become incredibly tender and flavorful.
9. Batch Cooking Made Easy
Example: You can prepare large portions of food at once, such as chili or soups, which can be stored for future meals. This makes meal prepping efficient and convenient.
10. Ideal for Tough Cuts of Meat
Example: Tough cuts like beef chuck or pork shoulder become tender and juicy when cooked in the Instant Pot, reducing cooking time from hours to just minutes, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without the long wait.
Using an Instant Pot not only makes cooking faster and easier but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook, the benefits of this versatile appliance are hard to resist!
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Creating a delicious Instant Pot chicken noodle soup requires a handful of essential ingredients. Here’s a list of the top 10, along with their specific roles in the recipe:
1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Use: The main protein in the soup, providing substance and flavor. Both breasts and thighs work well, depending on your preference.
2. Chicken Broth
Use: The base of the soup, adding depth and richness to the flavor. Opt for low-sodium varieties if you are watching your salt intake.
3. Carrots
Use: Adds sweetness and color, as well as essential vitamins. Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they soften nicely during cooking.
4. Celery
Use: Provides a crunchy texture and a fresh flavor that complements the other vegetables. Diced into small pieces, it enhances the overall taste.
5. Onion
Use: Offers a foundational base flavor; sautéing it at the start brings out its sweetness and depth.
6. Garlic
Use: Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor. Minced garlic adds a punch of taste that elevates the overall dish.
7. Egg Noodles
Use: A classic addition to chicken noodle soup, these noodles provide heartiness. They cook quickly in the Instant Pot, absorbing the soup’s flavors.
8. Olive Oil
Use: Used for sautéing the vegetables, the oil helps prevent sticking and adds richness to the base of the soup.
9. Dried Thyme
Use: This herb contributes an earthy flavor that complements the chicken. A key seasoning in many soups, it helps tie all flavors together.
10. Fresh Parsley
Use: Used as a garnish at the end, adds a fresh, bright finish to the soup while boosting its visual appeal.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to whip up a comforting and flavorful Instant Pot chicken noodle soup that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions
1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Example: Top your soup with chopped fresh parsley or dill to add a burst of freshness and color.
2. Add a Squeeze of Lemon
Example: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the bowl for a bright and zesty flavor.
3. Serve with Crusty Bread
Example: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread or baguette slices for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
4. Accompany with a Side Salad
Example: A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette makes a fresh companion to the hearty soup.
5. Sprinkle with Grated Cheese
Example: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar on top for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
1. Cool Down First
Example: Allow your chicken noodle soup to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to a shallow container.
2. Use Airtight Containers
Example: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. This helps to prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Look for BPA-free plastic or glass containers with secure lids.
3. Portion It Out
Example: Consider dividing the soup into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need without reheating the entire batch, preserving the quality of the remaining soup.
4. Label and Date
Example: Use masking tape or labels to write the date and content on each container. This way, you can easily keep track of how long the soup has been stored, ensuring you consume it while it’s still fresh.
5. Freezing for Later
Example: If you want to store the soup for a longer period, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion as the soup freezes. Be sure to consume it within 2-3 months for the best flavor.
