Warm your soul with a hearty, nourishing chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting bowl to fight off a cold. This Instant Pot version is a game-changer it’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory broth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Nutritious & Delicious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and comforting flavors.
- Perfect for Cold Days: A classic recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Flavorful Broth
- 2 pounds of chicken (skin-on, mixed parts like breast and legs)
- 2 quarts (8 cups) of water
- 1 heaping tablespoon of Chicken Better Than Bouillon (or 4 chicken bouillon cubes)
- 1 Spanish or yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Phase 2: Building the Soup
- 2 large carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced, with leafy tops reserved
- 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- A few strands of fresh dill (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of cooking sherry
- 1/2 tablespoon of seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 cups of egg noodles (wide ribbon-style preferred)
How To Make
Step 1: Start with the Broth
- Prepare the Base: Add the chicken and water to your Instant Pot. Ensure the chicken is completely submerged.
- Enhance the Flavor: Stir in Better Than Bouillon (or bouillon cubes), onion chunks, Italian seasoning, lemon-pepper, crushed garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high pressure for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release when done.
- Strain the Stock: Use tongs to remove the chicken and set it aside to cool. Discard the bay leaves and onion with a slotted spoon.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup
- Shred the Chicken: Once cool, remove the meat from the chicken bones, discarding skin and cartilage. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Veggies: Add carrots, celery, parsley, dill, cooking sherry, and seasoned salt to the Instant Pot. Stir well.
- Pressure Cook Again: Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Perform another quick release.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- While the veggies cook, boil a pot of water on the stove.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Serve: Place cooked noodles in bowls and ladle the soup over them. Garnish with extra parsley or dill if desired.
- Enjoy: Savor the heartwarming goodness of this homemade chicken noodle soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and dill elevate the flavor significantly.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: For a hint of brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup before serving.
- Make It Ahead: The flavors deepen if made a day in advance, making it ideal for meal prep.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more depth to the broth.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store soup and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients
Phase 1:
- 2 pounds of chicken (skin-on, mixed parts)
- 2 quarts (8 cups) water
- 1 heaping tbsp Chicken Better Than Bouillon (or 4 bouillon cubes)
- 1 Spanish or yellow onion, quartered
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Phase 2:
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 tbsp parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- Few strands of dill (optional)
- 2 tbsp cooking sherry
- 1/2 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1-2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Make the Broth: Add chicken, water, bouillon, onion, and spices (Phase 1) to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 10 minutes and quick release. Remove chicken and shred. Discard onion and bay leaves.
- Cook the Veggies: Add Phase 2 ingredients (except chicken and noodles) to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 5 minutes and quick release.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook noodles on the stove and drain.
- Combine & Serve: Add shredded chicken to the soup. Serve over noodles and enjoy!