Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – Easy, Comforting & Ready in 30 Minutes

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, or you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort, nothing beats a steaming pot of chicken noodle soup. But instead of waiting hours for flavors to develop on the stovetop, you can make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup in a fraction of the time. This recipe is quick, nourishing, and absolutely delicious—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a little comfort food hug in a bowl.

Making chicken noodle soup for Instant Pot is not only a huge time-saver, but it also locks in flavor thanks to pressure cooking. You’ll get tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, flavorful broth—all without hovering over the stove. Whether you call it instapot chicken noodle soup, instant chicken noodle soup, or chicken noodle instant soup, this recipe delivers classic flavor with modern convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy families.
• Healthy & Nourishing: Lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome noodles.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Classic homestyle taste, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy soup at home. I’ve included measurements in US + metric, plus helpful substitution tips so you can adapt it to your diet or pantry.

Protein

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs give a richer flavor, while breasts keep it lean. You can also use bone-in chicken for deeper broth.
• Optional: Use leftover rotisserie chicken if short on time (add in Step 6).

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), diced – Yellow or white onions work best.
• 2 medium carrots (about 1 cup), sliced – Adds sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks (about 1 cup), sliced – Essential for the classic soup base.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic makes the broth more aromatic.

Broth & Seasoning

• 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth – Store-bought works, but homemade broth is next level.
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) – If your broth is salted, reduce this.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground adds depth.
• 1 tsp dried thyme OR 2 tsp fresh thyme – Earthy and comforting.
• 1 bay leaf – Optional, but adds a subtle background flavor.

Noodles

• 6 oz (170g) egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are classic.
• Substitutions: Gluten-free pasta, whole wheat noodles, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.

Garnish & Finish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens up the soup.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional) – Adds a fresh, zesty lift.

Optional Add-Ins

• Corn kernels – For sweetness and texture.
• Peas – Add during the last 2 minutes for color and nutrition.
• Spinach or kale – Stir in at the end for extra greens.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup in the Instant Pot

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create the perfect chicken noodle soup in the instant pot.

1. Prep the Instant Pot:
   Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional) to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for another 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken & broth:
   Place chicken breasts/thighs on top of the veggies. Pour in chicken broth. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
4. Pressure cook:
   Close lid, set valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take ~10 minutes to come to pressure.
5. Quick release:
   Carefully turn valve to Venting for a quick pressure release. Open lid when pressure has dropped.
6. Shred chicken:
   Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. Discard bay leaf.
7. Cook noodles:
   Add egg noodles. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and cook for 5–6 minutes until noodles are tender. (For gluten-free pasta, cook separately and add at the end to avoid mushiness.)
8. Finish & serve:
   Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with bread or salad.