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Home » Recipes » Cooking Method » Instant Pot

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Updated: April 28, 2023 | Published on: March 20, 2023 - Molly Thompson23 Comments

Dairy Free RecipesDF
Gluten Free RecipesGF
Jump to Recipe

This homemade instant pot chicken noodle soup will be warm and ready on your table in under 30 minutes. It's made with tender chicken thighs, fresh herbs, and al dente noodles. You can even use frozen chicken!

Craving another instant pot recipe? This Instant Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Soup and Instant Pot Lasagna Soup are easy weeknight meals.

two bowls of instant pot chicken noodle soup on a grey napkin topped with parsley
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Grab These Ingredients
  • How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Expert Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Variations
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Storage Tips
  • More Soup Recipes
  • Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Comments

Sometimes you just want a warm and cozy bowl of soup. Maybe you're under the weather or you're just craving a cup of soup to go with the cold temps. Either way, this instant pot chicken noodle soup recipe will make you feel all the warm and cozy feels.

We love Instant Pot recipes because they build a ton of flavor in a fraction of the time. This means you don't have to simmer soup all day to get intense flavors, pressure cooking does the work for you. Here are a few more reasons to make this recipe asap.

Why You'll Love this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • It's a hearty soup but will leave you feeling light and satisfied.
  • Nourish the whole family when you're under the weather or craving something cozy.
  • All of the classic flavors in the best chicken noodle soup in a shorter amount of time.
  • Use up leftover shredded chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
  • It's an easy recipe to cook up on a weeknight and store all week for lunches, just like whole30 zuppa toscana.
  • The addition of bay leaf, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley takes the flavor to another level.
  • We're building deep flavor in the broth by searing the chicken first—just like in this lemon chicken orzo recipe.
chicken noodle soup with carrots and egg noodles in the Instant Pot

Grab These Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients for this pressure cooker chicken noodle soup. Most are pantry staples and easy (and affordable) to find in grocery stores. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle soup on a countertop
  1. Chicken: We're using chicken thighs for added flavor from the dark meat. You can use bone-in or boneless. I haven't tried it, but you could also use a whole chicken cut up into pieces.
  2. Noodles: We used egg noodles in this recipe. We found these amazing gluten-free egg noodles we keep on hand now.
  3. Vegetables: this recipe calls for a classic mirepoix of celery carrots, and onions. they're the delicious trinity that makes up so many classic soups and stews, like these gluten-free chicken and dumplings.
  4. Broth: The base of the soup is made with chicken broth or chicken stock. This provides the soup with its characteristic flavor. See the tips below for the most flavorful chicken broth.
  5. Seasonings: Common seasonings used in chicken noodle soup include garlic, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients help to enhance the flavor of the soup.
  6. Herbs: the mixture of fresh parsley and thyme makes all the difference. Don't skip these!

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. This chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot is really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure it turns out every time.

VIDEO: watch how to make instant pot chicken soup

Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting and drizzle olive oil in the bottom. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and seasn both sides of the thighs with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs smooth side down and sear on both sides for 3-4 minutes. It shouldn't be cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board or plate.

seasoned raw thicken thaws on a cutting board

Drizzle a little more olive oil in the bottom then add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

satueed onion, garlic, celery, and carrots in the Instant Pot

Press cancel to stop the saute setting then add the rest of the ingredients, except for the noodles, too the instant pot. Place the chicken thighs back in the broth, making sure they're fully submerged.

Press pressure (manual) cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Cook for 10 minutes if you're using bone-in chicken thighs. Natural release (do nothing) for 5 minutes then turn the valve from sealing to venting to release the remaining pressure.

how to make Instant Pot chicken noodle soup

Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and turn the soup back to the saute setting to bring it to a boil. While it's heating, shred the chicken with two forks. You could also cut it into bite-sized pieces.

shredded chicken on a cutting board

Add the uncooked pasta and boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the shredded chicken and parsley. Serve right away with more fresh parsley, thyme, and fresh black pepper.

chicken noodle soup in Instant Pot

Expert Recipe Tips

  • We recommend using this 6-quart Instant Pot because this makes a large batch of soup.
  • Sear the chicken first to create 'fond' (brown bits) in the bottom of the Instant Pot, which seasons the broth.
  • To save time, use pre-sliced veggies from the grocery store or slice and store/freeze a lot of veggies to make this quick the next time.
  • Don't skip the fresh herbs, it makes all the difference, especially in chicken soup recipes, like our healthy chicken soup recipe.

Recipe Variations

  • For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles.We really like the Double Yolk egg noodles. They hold up really well in this soup, but keep in mind some gluten-free noodles can be mushy.
  • Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with cooked chicken: You can make this with newly-purchased or leftover rotisserie chicken that you already have on hand, or you can use your own pre-cooked shredded chicken. Your broth won’t be as flavorful, but it’s a speedy choice.
  • Chicken noodle soup with frozen chicken: Skip searing the chicken and place the frozen chicken thighs directly in the broth. Increase the cooking time by 5 minutes (13 minutes total.
chicken noodle soup on a wooden board with fresh parsley around it

Recipe FAQs

What is the soup setting on the Instant Pot?

You can use the soup setting on your instant pot for homemade broths, stocks, and soups. The Instant Pot will control the temperature so the liquid doesn't boil too much. This is a great setting, but we're going to stick to the manual setting for this recipe since we're cooking the chicken right in the soup.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

If you want to use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe, you can swap them out for 3 chicken breasts. Follow the instructions and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.

Do you have to cook noodles before adding them to chicken soup?

No, the egg noodles in this recipe cook perfectly in the Instant Pot with the rest of the ingredients.

Storage Tips

To store this soup, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you plan to freeze the soup, consider portioning it out into individual servings before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat and enjoy without having to thaw and reheat the entire batch.

When you're ready to reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add more broth to thin it out as the noodles will absorb moisture.

close up picture of homemade chicken noodle soup from the instant pot in a white bowl

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

More Soup Recipes

Craving more chicken soup? Try healthy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup or this fan-favorite creamy chicken gnocchi soup.

Try a ground beef-based soup for Taco night with our Instant Pot Taco Soup or try this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup for Italian night.

instant pot chicken noodle soup in a white bowl with fresh thyme and parsley

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This homemade healthy instant pot chicken noodle soup will be warm and ready on your table in under 30 minutes. Made with chicken thighs, veggies and even gluten free noodles, this is the best recipe you will find. You can even use frozen chicken!
4.27 from 86 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 452kcal
Author: Molly Thompson
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Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 ½ pounds bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (Note 1)
  • 2 cups sliced celery (3-4 stalks)
  • 2 cups peeled and sliced carrots (3-4 large carrots)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
  • 8-10 cups chicken broth (or chicken bone broth)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8-10 ounces Egg noodles gluten-free if needed (Note 2)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Recommended Equipment

  • 6-Quart Instant Pot

Instructions

  • Turn the Instant Pot to the saute setting and drizzle olive oil in the bottom. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and seasn both sides of the thighs with salt and pepper. When the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs smooth side down and sear on both sides for 3-4 minutes. It shouldn't be cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken to a cutting board or plate.
  • Drizzle a little more olive oil in the bottom then add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and saute for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Press cancel to stop the saute setting then add the rest of the ingredients, except for the noodles, too the instant pot. Place the chicken thighs back in the broth, making sure they're fully submerged. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
  • Press pressure (manual) cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Cook for 10 minutes if you're using bone-in chicken thighs. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure then will start counting down. Natural release (do nothing) for 5 minutes then turn the valve from sealing to venting to release the remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and turn the soup back to the saute setting to bring it to a boil. While it's heating, shred the chicken with two forks. You could also cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Add the uncooked pasta to the soup when it begins to boil and cook the noodles for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Double-check the package directions for exact timing. The noodles will continue to cook in the soup so be careful not to overcook them. Stir in the shredded chicken and parsley. Serve right away with more fresh parsley, thyme, and fresh black pepper

Notes

Note 1. Bone-In. Add 2 minutes of cook time if you're using bone-in chicken thighs.
Note 2. Gluten-Free Egg Noodles. We used these Double Yolk Gluten-Free Egg Noodles and they held up well in the soup. Gluten-free noodles can be mushy, so keep that in mind when deciding on the brand. You can cook the noodles separately and stir them into the soup before serving to ensure they're al dente.
Frozen chicken: cook on high pressure for 13 minutes.
Storage: To store this soup, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat:  transfer it to a pot and warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through. Add more broth as needed because the noodles will soak up some of the moisture over time.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 46.3g | Fat: 12.1g | Cholesterol: 218mg | Sodium: 1740mg | Fiber: 3.8g | Sugar: 5.2g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Gloria says

    February 18, 2020 at 7:22 am

    Can I do this on regulate stove top

    Reply
    • Molly says

      March 31, 2020 at 6:40 am

      Definitely! I haven't tried it but you should be able to! Just boil the chicken in the broth until it's cooked and reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

      Reply
  2. Ann says

    December 06, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    12 cups of broth??? Won’t fit in my instapot

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      December 08, 2020 at 11:51 am

      It will! It's just 1 1/2 boxes (they're 32 oz each). You need enough broth for the noodles to cook and absorb and still have enough for the soup.

      Reply
      • Ron McClain says

        December 17, 2020 at 1:49 pm

        I think that would equal 6 cups not 12. 32 oz in a box is 4 cups plus 1/2 box = 6 cups

        Reply
        • Molly Thompson says

          January 06, 2021 at 12:59 pm

          Yes, you're right! It is actually 3 boxes you need. But remember, it's supposed to be soupy and also allow the noodles to absorb it. Standard instant pots are 6qts (24 cups) so 12 cups of broth and the rest of the ingredients should fit. I've made this recipe several times and had no problem. If you want a thicker soup you can try leaving a few cups out.

          Reply
  3. Amy says

    December 30, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    4 stars
    Super tasty! The recipe says 15 minutes cook time. All total, it was much closer to 45 mins

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks, Amy! Yes, you're right I didn't account for the sauteing and pressure cooking heating up. I updated the recipe with the appropriate cook time!

      Reply
      • Valerie says

        February 04, 2023 at 6:27 pm

        5 stars
        And don’t forget chopping up those veggies, measuring out the herbs and spices! I’ve made this sow two times so far and the third batch is in the instant pot right now. I do have to guesstimate on proportions for a three-quart Instant Pot, so I usually end up with too many noodles, or two many veggies, and not enough of the other. But I love adding extra chicken, and much prefer chicken thighs to breasts. The thighs turned out so delicious and perfectly cooked the last time. Just love my Instant Pot! ❤️💕
        And love this recipe, thank you!

        Reply
  4. JasMik says

    January 09, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    5 stars
    Way better than I thought, the chicken was really tender and flavorful.
    Super easy to prepare, four big chicken thighs & 3 big carrots & 2 yellow onions only take 25 mins to cook.
    Love it, so simple and so tasty!

    Reply
  5. Melissa Katz says

    February 18, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    Can I use bouillon instead of stock??

    Reply
  6. Mary C says

    August 11, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this exactly as written 3 times in the last 3 weeks. An absolutely wonderful recipe. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  7. Heather says

    October 24, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    4 stars
    So good!! Never used turmeric before in soup. Lots of flavor. I used orzo pasta but everything else was exactly as followed. Replacing my old go to recipe with this one!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      October 25, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Ahhh that's the best, Heather! Turmeric has such great anti-inflammatory benefits too:) So glad you like it and it will be a go to!

      Reply
  8. Madalynn says

    December 04, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    This soup is DELICIOUS! I made it this weekend to try -- followed the recipe except I used chicken breast instead of thighs. Personal preference. Turned out amazing. With prep & cooking time, It was homemade delicious soup in about 1 hour. Will be a new weeknight recipe!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      December 14, 2021 at 10:07 am

      Thank you, Madalynn! That means so much!

      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    January 21, 2022 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    this was very good. My whole family loved it. Very easy to make.

    Reply
  10. Sandy Carlson says

    October 24, 2022 at 2:01 am

    5 stars
    This soup is delicious! My husband & I and my mom love it! I added a little extra tumeric, garlic and sea salt. Didn’t have any egg noodles on hand so I used spaghetti noodles. The recipe was so easy to follow!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    November 08, 2022 at 11:24 am

    If you use already cooked chicken do you
    Just add at the end ?

    Reply
    • Valerie says

      February 04, 2023 at 6:30 pm

      Yes! Just enough to warm it up.

      Reply
  12. Anne says

    November 08, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    5 stars
    I made it using chicken breasts, chicken broth from concentrate, and addef a handful of whole peppercorns. It was so good. I will definitely be making it again~!

    Reply
  13. aimee says

    March 24, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    5 stars
    I do not understand the tablespoon measurement, would you be able to clarify?

    Reply
  14. Shauna says

    March 31, 2023 at 11:36 pm

    Your recipe reads "1021 Tablespoons olive oil". I'm sure that is a typo. How much oil should it read in the recipe?

    Reply

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