Looking for a quick and tasty meal? My Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup packs comfort and flavor into one pot. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up hearty soup, even on a busy night. In this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, share tips on making it shine, and explore tasty variations. Let’s get cooking and bring warmth to your kitchen!
Ingredients
List of Necessary Ingredients
– Chicken and Broth Components
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– Vegetables and Aromatics
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
The key to a great Instant Pot chicken noodle soup lies in the ingredients. Start with fresh, quality chicken and a good broth. I prefer low-sodium chicken broth because it allows you to control the salt. Always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor.
Next come the vegetables and aromatics. The onion, garlic, carrots, and celery bring depth and a lovely aroma. Together, they add a comforting touch to your soup.
Lastly, don’t forget the seasonings. Thyme and oregano pair perfectly with chicken. The bay leaf adds a subtle depth. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh parsley gives the soup a nice finish and brightens the flavor.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this cozy dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Aromatics
Sautéing the Vegetables
First, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat for about one minute. Once hot, add 1 medium diced onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks. Stir the veggies and cook for around 5 minutes. The goal is to soften them up and let their flavors mingle.
Adding Garlic for Flavor
Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in and cook for an extra minute. This step adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to your soup.
Adding Chicken and Seasonings
Properly Seasoning the Chicken
Once your vegetables are ready, it’s time to add the main star: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Make sure to coat the chicken well with the seasonings.
Combining Ingredients Before Cooking
After seasoning, pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine all the flavors.
Cooking Process
Setting the Instant Pot
Now, close the lid of your Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens.
Quick Release Techniques
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Be cautious as steam will escape.
Final Steps Before Serving
Shredding the Chicken
Open the lid and take out the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Cooking the Noodles in the Soup
Now, add 3 cups of egg noodles into the soup. Close the lid again, ensuring the pot is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for another 4 minutes. After this, let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of this cozy Instant Pot chicken noodle soup. If you want to see the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor
To make the broth pop, use quality chicken broth. Low-sodium options let you control salt levels. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. A touch of acid brightens the taste. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley boost flavor too.
When it comes to seasoning, start small. I recommend adding salt and pepper gradually. Taste your soup as you go. This way, you can adjust to your liking. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf early. It infuses the broth with depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Use a cooking time of 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you cook it too long, the meat becomes dry and tough.
Another mistake is soggy noodles. To avoid this, add the noodles later. After shredding the chicken, cook the noodles for just 4 minutes. This keeps them firm and tasty. Remember, they will soak up some broth. So, don’t worry if they soften a bit!
These tips help you create a soup that’s rich and comforting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Adding Extra Vegetables
You can make your soup even better by adding more veggies. Extra vegetables not only boost flavor but also add nutrients to your meal. Here are some great options:
– Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach right before serving. It wilts quickly and adds a nice color.
– Peas: Frozen peas are easy to add and bring a sweet taste.
– Zucchini: Slice it thin and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
These add-ins can make your soup healthier and more colorful. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home!
Protein Alternatives
If you want to change the protein in your soup, there are many options. Here are some ideas:
– Different Cuts of Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken. Just adjust the cook time as needed.
– Vegetarian or Vegan Versions: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full veggie flavor.
These alternatives keep the soup tasty while changing things up. Try different proteins to find your favorite! You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections to see how to make these variations shine.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can refrigerate the soup for up to three days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating.
Freezing and Reheating Tips
If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. For reheating, put it in a pot over medium heat. Stir often until it’s hot. You can also microwave it in a safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup from getting too hot in spots. If the soup seems thick after freezing, add a bit of broth or water when reheating. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through the process!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot?
Cooking chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot takes about 40 minutes. This includes the time to sauté the vegetables, pressure cook the chicken, and cook the noodles. The actual pressure cooking time is just 10 minutes for the chicken and an additional 4 minutes for the noodles.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. The Instant Pot can cook frozen chicken safely and quickly. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches a safe temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you need a substitute for egg noodles, try using whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta. You can also use rice or quinoa for a different texture. Adjust the cooking time based on your choice to ensure they cook well in the soup.
How do I make it gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chicken noodle soup, replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Check the labels of your broth and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time. If you plan to freeze it, remember to add the noodles after reheating for the best texture. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
In this post, we explored making chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot. We covered all the ingredients, from chicken and broth to seasonings and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect flavor and cooking. With tips to avoid common mistakes and variations to try, you can customize this dish to fit your taste.
Remember, cooking is fun! Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup, and don’t forget to share your creations!
