If you are craving a hearty, soul-soothing bowl of comfort, look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. This recipe is a perfect harmony of tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and fresh vegetables all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. What makes it even more special is how quickly and effortlessly it comes together in the Instant Pot, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. From the first spoonful, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into this classic soup reinvented for today’s kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the soup’s beautiful depth of flavor, vibrant color, and comforting texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, unsalted): Provides a luscious base to sauté vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Gives sweetness and depth as it softens and releases flavor.
- Carrots (2 medium, chopped): Add a pop of color and subtle natural sweetness.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch before cooking down.
- Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon or to taste): Adds a gentle heat and aromatic warmth.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon dry or 1 tablespoon fresh): Brings an earthy, herbal note essential to chicken soup.
- Parsley (1 tablespoon fresh, chopped): Provides brightness and a fresh finish.
- Oregano (1 tablespoon fresh chopped or 1 teaspoon dry): Adds a slightly peppery, warm undertone.
- Chicken bouillon (1 cube or powder): Intensifies the chicken flavor in the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The savory base that creates the soothing liquid that holds everything together.
- Chicken (2 pounds with skin and bones, at least 1 breast): The star protein, cooked tender and shredded for the perfect bite.
- Water (4 cups): Helps create the perfect balance and consistency in the soup.
- Egg noodles (5 ounces uncooked, about 2 cups): The classic noodle choice that cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot for a tender texture.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function to get it ready for cooking your vegetables and melting butter. This initial step allows you to build layers of flavor right from the start, warming the pot perfectly before adding your ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
Add butter to the heated pot and let it melt fully, infusing the base with richness. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them for about 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent—this is when the sweet aroma starts filling your kitchen and sets the soup up for success.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then stir in thyme, parsley, oregano, and chicken bouillon. These seasonings layer in such a vibrant herbal and savory profile, perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables and preparing the broth for depth and coziness.
Step 4: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the chicken pieces, then add the additional water. The broth and water together create a soothing, flavorful liquid that will tenderize the chicken while marrying all the ingredients into a harmonious soup.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Select the Soup setting or Manual/High Pressure for 7 minutes. This quick but effective cooking tenderizes the chicken beautifully and allows the flavors to concentrate into a delicious broth.
Step 6: Release the Steam
After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes to ensure everything finishes cooking gently. If you’re pressed for time, carefully use the quick-release function, but the natural release gives the best texture and flavor development.
Step 7: Remove Chicken and Shred
Once it’s safe to open, remove the chicken pieces and shred the meat using two forks. This shredded chicken brings body and satisfaction to your soup, making every spoonful hearty and delightful.
Step 8: Cook Noodles
Return the pot to sauté mode and add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the broth. Cooking them uncovered for about 6 minutes lets them absorb the wonderfully seasoned broth and cook to tender perfection without getting mushy.
Step 9: Finish the Soup
Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing cancel, then stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, and if you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herby notes.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh parsley or a little sprinkle of cracked black pepper goes a long way in adding freshness and visual appeal. For an extra kick, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the broth and lift the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a light green salad to round out your meal with some fresh greens and crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or crock bowls for a cozy presentation. You could also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few drops of hot sauce to customize each bowl to your liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy this soup later. For best results, freeze the broth and shredded chicken separately from the noodles, as noodles tend to change texture when frozen. Then combine them when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge to make reheating easier and preserve the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken adds more depth and richness to the broth. If using boneless, consider adding a chicken stock cube to boost flavor.
Can I substitute different noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and cook quickly, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo also work great, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken and broth with vegetable broth and add extra hearty veggies or tofu for protein. The herbs and seasoning still create a comforting bowl.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting by design, perfect for all ages. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce when serving for a little heat.
Can I prepare this soup without an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this on the stove by simmering the chicken and vegetables for about 45 minutes until tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that makes it both a comforting classic and a time-saving weekday hero. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll have a warm, wholesome meal ready in no time that feels like a big hug from the inside out. Once you experience the ease and deliciousness of this soup, it just might become your favorite go-to comfort food too.
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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a quick and easy recipe that delivers rich flavors and tender chicken in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly days or when you need some soothing nourishment, it features fresh vegetables, herbs, and homemade broth all cooked to perfection using your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube or powder
Liquids & Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth (or no sodium vegetable broth)
- 4 cups water
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (with skin and bones, including at least 1 chicken breast)
- 5 ounces uncooked egg noodles (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Prep the Instant Pot. Make sure your Instant Pot is clean, plugged in, and ready for use.
- Saute the vegetables. Turn the Instant Pot to the 'Saute' setting. Add the butter and let it melt. Then add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add seasoning. Season the veggies with salt and pepper. Add thyme, parsley, oregano, and chicken bouillon, stirring to combine all the flavors.
- Add broth and chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, add the chicken pieces with skin and bones, then add the additional 4 cups of water.
- Pressure cook the soup. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the 'Soup' program and set the timer to 7 minutes. If your Instant Pot lacks a Soup setting, use the Manual or High Pressure setting instead.
- Release steam naturally. Once cooking completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before carefully unlocking and removing the lid.
- Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat with two forks, discarding bones and skin if desired.
- Cook the noodles. Add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the soup in the Instant Pot. Set to the 'Saute' function and cook uncovered for approximately 6 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and serve. Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing 'Cancel.' Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir well, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if preferred, then serve hot.
Notes
- Using chicken with skin and bones enriches the broth, but you can use boneless if preferred.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor but dried can be substituted; adjust quantities accordingly.
- Natural pressure release prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken tender.
- For a lower sodium option, use no-salt-added broth and reduce added salt.
- Egg noodles cook quickly—monitor closely to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American


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