The Ultimate Instant Pot Whole Chicken Noodle Soup: Quick, Comforting & Packed with Flavor

Craving a bowl of soul-warming goodness? This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Noodle Soup recipe delivers rich flavor and cozy comfort in record time. Made with a juicy whole chicken, aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender egg noodles, it’s the perfect meal for any day of the week.

Are you looking to unlock the full potential of your Instant Pot beyond just hard-boiled eggs? Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious pressure cooker chicken noodle soup. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a wholesome, hearty meal that will quickly become a family favorite, guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles to the table. There’s truly nothing more heartwarming than a big, steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when it comes together with such effortless speed.

Say goodbye to those days of simmering soup on the stovetop for hours. This Instant Pot version is a game-changer, saving you valuable time without compromising on flavor or depth. The magic of pressure cooking ensures that your chicken is tender, your broth is rich, and your vegetables are perfectly cooked in a fraction of the traditional time. If you’re a fan of quick and satisfying soup recipes, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful options like my Easy Taco Soup, the speedy 30 Minute White Chicken Chili, or the indulgent Creamy Cajun Potato Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Soup Recipe:

• Incredibly Easy: This recipe simplifies the process of making homemade chicken noodle soup. With the Instant Pot doing most of the work, you’ll spend less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying your meal. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish for a busy weeknight.
• Uses Basic Ingredients: You won’t need any obscure ingredients for this recipe. Most items, like a whole chicken, common vegetables, and pantry-staple noodles, are likely already in your kitchen or readily available at any grocery store.
• Fantastic for Meal Prep: This pressure cooker chicken soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or prepare the base and add fresh noodles when ready to serve for optimal texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Planning ahead? This chicken noodle soup freezes beautifully, allowing you to have a comforting meal ready for those days when you need something quick and nourishing. Just remember our special tip about the noodles for the best results!
• Kid Approved: The classic, comforting flavors of chicken noodle soup are almost universally loved, making this a perfect dish even for the pickiest eaters. It’s mild, flavorful, and packed with wholesome goodness.
• Great for Crowds: Easily scalable, this Instant Pot whole chicken soup recipe is ideal for feeding a larger family, hosting a dinner party, or bringing comfort to a gathering. Everyone will appreciate a bowl of this homemade delight.

Key Ingredients for this Pressure Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe:

• Mirepoix: This is just a fancy French culinary term for the classic aromatic base of finely diced onion, celery, and carrots. Mirepoix is absolutely fundamental for achieving that iconic, deep, and savory chicken noodle soup flavor. It forms the foundation upon which all other flavors are built, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that truly defines comfort food.
• A Whole Chicken: Using a whole chicken for this Instant Pot soup recipe is highly recommended because the various cuts of meat (both dark and white), along with the bones and skin, contribute an unparalleled depth of flavor. The bones release collagen and nutrients during pressure cooking, creating a rich, flavorful, and incredibly healthy broth that simply can’t be achieved with boneless, skinless chicken pieces alone.
• Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Broth: Opting for low sodium chicken stock or broth is a smart choice as it gives you complete control over the amount of salt added to your soup. This allows you to season the soup to your exact preference without worrying about it becoming too salty, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Pasta: For this particular recipe, we’ve chosen classic egg noodles because their wide and flat shape is perfect for soaking up the delicious, savory broth, delivering a satisfying bite with every spoonful. However, feel free to get creative! You could use any type of pasta you prefer, such as ditalini, small shells, or even make your own homemade pasta for an extra special touch.
• Herbs and Aromatics: We’ve selected garlic, along with fresh parsley and fresh rosemary, to infuse the soup with a delectable fragrance and a vibrant, complex flavor. Garlic adds a pungent warmth, parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note, and rosemary contributes an earthy, piney aroma that elevates the entire dish. These fresh herbs truly make a difference, transforming a simple soup into a gourmet experience.

How to Make this Easy Pressure Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe:

Making this incredible Instant Pot whole chicken soup is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and comforting meal:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by setting your 6-quart Instant Pot to its “High Sauté” function. Once the pot indicates it’s hot (usually after a few minutes), add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly softened, typically for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Press the “Cancel” button to stop the sauté function.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Whole Chicken

Carefully place the whole chicken (ensure giblets are removed and discarded) into the Instant Pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water, then add the diced carrots and celery around the chicken. Secure the Instant Pot lid, turning it to the locking position. Make sure the steam release vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure and set the cooking time for 20 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the vent to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the hot steam to avoid burns.

Step 3: Add Noodles and Finish the Soup

Once all the steam has been released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. Carefully remove the cooked whole chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Change the Instant Pot setting back to “Sauté” and bring the broth to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles, minced fresh rosemary, and fresh parsley to the boiling broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender to your liking (check package directions for specific cooking times, typically 5-8 minutes). While the noodles are cooking, remove the bones and skin from the cooled chicken and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is tender, stir the shredded chicken meat back into the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup:

• Customize Your Vegetables: While we’ve stuck with the classic chicken noodle soup vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) for this recipe, feel free to add your favorites! Consider tossing in some frozen peas or corn towards the very end of the noodle cooking time, or stir in fresh spinach or kale after the Instant Pot is done cooking for a boost of greens. Diced potatoes or zucchini are also great additions for extra heartiness.
• Choose Your Favorite Pasta: We love egg noodles for their texture and ability to soak up broth, but this Instant Pot whole chicken soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Any store-bought small pasta, such as ditalini, small shells, or rotini, will work beautifully. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pasta adds an unbeatable fresh flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook whatever pasta you choose until it’s tender.
• Freezing for Future Meals: This soup is wonderfully freezer friendly, making it ideal for meal prep or emergency comfort food. A crucial tip for freezing: avoid adding the noodles to the portion you plan to freeze, as they can become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing and reheating. Instead, freeze the chicken and broth base separately. Once thawed, simply reheat the soup base on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles until al dente before serving. To freeze, let the soup base cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be safely stored in the freezer for 4-6 months.
• Boost the Flavor Profile: For an even richer, deeper chicken flavor, consider stirring in a spoonful of “Better than Bouillon Chicken Base” along with the chicken broth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten all the flavors, while a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
• Using Different Chicken Cuts: While a whole chicken is recommended for the best flavor, you can certainly adapt this recipe. If you prefer, use a combination of bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and thighs (about 3-4 pounds total). The cooking time will remain similar for bone-in cuts, but if using boneless, skinless chicken, you might reduce the pressure cooking time slightly (e.g., to 15 minutes) to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What to Serve With This Comforting Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup:

• A Simple Side Salad: For a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich soup.
• Spinach, Apple, and Pomegranate Salad: A vibrant and flavorful salad that adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Fresh Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
• Beer Bread: A rustic, easy-to-make bread that pairs wonderfully with hearty soups.
• Pear Salad with Baked Goat Cheese: An elegant side that offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Rosemary Parmesan Bread: A crusty, aromatic bread that complements the herbal notes in the soup.

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken Noodle Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a testament to how modern kitchen appliances can simplify classic comfort food. It’s nourishing, packed with flavor, and so incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re battling a cold, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or feeding a hungry crowd, this pressure cooker chicken soup delivers every time. Enjoy the warmth, the rich flavors, and the ease of this fantastic recipe!

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