Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup (Under 30 Minutes)

Let's face it: sometimes you crave a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, but who has time to spend hours simmering broth? That's where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in! This article will guide you through making an incredibly delicious "instant pot chicken noodle soup in under 30 minutes," a recipe so easy, even a beginner can master it. We'll cover everything from the essential ingredients and equipment you'll need to a step-by-step cooking guide that'll have you savoring a flavorful, homemade soup in a fraction of the usual time. Along the way, we'll also share expert tips and tricks to elevate your soup game, plus some fun variations to keep things exciting. Get ready to ditch the hours of simmering and embrace the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot without sacrificing flavor! Prepare to be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this comforting classic. Ready to dive in? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment: What You'll Need

Gathering Your Arsenal: Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Alright, let's talk ingredients! For this 30-minute wonder, you'll need the essentials: boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer a richer flavor!), chicken broth (low sodium is best!), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, egg noodles (or your favorite type!), and seasonings like salt, pepper, and maybe some dried thyme or bay leaves for extra oomph. Don't forget the water! Oh, and if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness. For a shortcut, check out our recipe using rotisserie chicken – it's a game-changer!

Now, about the equipment. You’ll obviously need your trusty Instant Pot! A cutting board and knife are essential for chopping your veggies. Measuring cups and spoons are crucial for accuracy. A large spoon or ladle will be needed for serving. And finally, a bowl for shredding that perfectly cooked chicken. If you're looking for the best recipe overall, check out our best instant pot recipe!

• Instant Pot
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Ladle or Large Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

StepbyStep Cooking Guide: From Pot to Bowl in Under 30 Minutes

Okay, let's get cooking! First, sauté your chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. A couple of minutes until they're softened, then add in your minced garlic – just a minute or two more to release those fragrant aromas. Now, toss in your chicken breasts, chicken broth, seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf – go wild!), and about 2 cups of water. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is nicely submerged.

• Sauté veggies (onion, carrots, celery)
• Add garlic
• Add chicken, broth, water, and seasonings
• Stir well

Next, secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to sealing. We're going for high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before carefully doing a quick release of any remaining pressure. This step is super important to prevent burns! Once the pressure is completely released, carefully open the lid. If you're looking for a detailed, step-by-step guide, check out our step-by-step guide.

Now for the fun part! Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside. Add your egg noodles to the broth. Cook them according to package directions—usually about 2-3 minutes on the Instant Pot's sauté function. Stir in the shredded chicken and, if you like, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. And there you have it – a perfectly delicious bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup in under 30 minutes! For a richer flavor, consider using this recipe for the best results.

• Shred chicken
• Add noodles and cook
• Stir in chicken and parsley
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Variations: Mastering Your Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

So, you've made a killer batch of Instant Pot chicken noodle soup – congrats! But let's talk about taking it to the next level. First, don't be afraid to experiment with your veggies. Add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness, or throw in some frozen peas or corn for a pop of sweetness during the last few minutes of cooking. Love mushrooms? Sauté them with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy depth of flavor. And remember, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. More salt? Less pepper? A dash of hot sauce for a kick? It's your soup, make it your own!

• Add potatoes for extra heartiness
• Incorporate frozen peas or corn for sweetness
• Sauté mushrooms for an earthy flavor
• Adjust seasonings to your preference

Another game-changer? Using rotisserie chicken! Skip the step of cooking the chicken completely and just shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken into your soup during the last few minutes. This is a fantastic shortcut if you're short on time, and it's incredibly flavorful. Looking for more ideas on using rotisserie chicken? Check out our rotisserie chicken soup recipe!

For those who prefer a thicker soup, you can easily thicken it after cooking. A simple cornstarch slurry (mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water) whisked into the broth at the end will do the trick. Let it simmer for a minute or two, and you'll have a delightfully thick and creamy soup. Alternatively, if you're a noodle enthusiast, you could even add more noodles! Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of noodles you use. The best approach is to follow the instructions on the noodle package for perfect results. If you are looking for the best recipe overall, try this one!

• Thicken with cornstarch slurry
• Add more noodles (adjust cooking time)
• Experiment with different noodle types

Finally, don't forget the power of herbs and spices! A little bit of fresh dill or Italian seasoning can add a completely different dimension to your soup. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. And remember, leftover soup is even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready for another delicious bowl. For a detailed guide, check out our step-by-step instructions.