Cooking has always been the heartbeat of my home, and whenever I think about warm, comforting meals, Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup instantly comes to mind. Growing up in Crete, I watched my grandmother simmer pots of soup for hours, filling the house with cozy aromas you could almost wrap yourself in. Today, life moves faster, and even though I still love those slow-cooked recipes, I’m grateful for modern magic especially when it lets me recreate nostalgic flavors in a fraction of the time. That’s why Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup has become one of my go-to meals when I want something wholesome, soothing, and incredibly easy to make.
I don’t know about you, but there’s something special about sitting down with a bowl of homemade soup after a long day. It reminds me of simpler times, when my grandmother would hand me a wooden spoon and let me “help,” even though all I really did was stir and chatter away. Those moments taught me that cooking is never just about food it’s about caring. And now, whenever I make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, I feel like I’m carrying that tradition of care forward, one bowl at a time.
What I love most about this recipe is how quickly everything comes together. You don’t need hours to develop deep flavor the Instant Pot does all the work for you, which means you can enjoy rich broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles without spending your whole evening in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, it’ll become one of your weeknight lifesavers too.
And if you’re someone who’s just getting started in the kitchen, don’t worry this recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and incredibly forgiving. I’ve made it so many times, and even on days when my kitchen is a bit chaotic (which happens more often than I’d like to admit!), it still turns out delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, recovering from a cold, or simply craving something warm and nourishing, you’ll be glad you tried this comforting homemade soup.
What Makes This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Special
The secret here lies in how the Instant Pot intensifies flavors in just minutes. The chicken becomes unbelievably tender, the vegetables soften beautifully, and the broth turns golden and aromatic all without long simmering times. It’s the perfect recipe when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Plus, this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is flexible. Prefer rotini? Want extra carrots? Need it dairy-free or low-sodium? Go for it. This soup welcomes creativity, much like the kitchen I grew up in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make a warm, soothing pot of Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: squeeze of lemon for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and drizzle in the olive oil. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken and Spices
Place the chicken directly on top of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. This layering helps the flavors blend perfectly.
3. Pour in the Broth
Add the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaf. Give everything a light stir, but don’t worry about mixing too much.
4. Pressure Cook
Lock the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes. It’s amazing what 10 minutes can do here!
5. Quick Release
Once the timer beeps, switch the valve to Venting for a quick release. Carefully open the lid.
6. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Add Noodles
Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and stir in the egg noodles. Cook them directly in the broth for 5–7 minutes, or until they reach the texture you like.
8. Taste and Adjust
Season with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if you like your soup bright and refreshing.
9. Serve Warm
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and enjoy the comforting goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:
- Serve with warm crusty bread or homemade garlic toast.
- Pair with a simple Greek salad for a light, refreshing balance.
- Top with parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Add crushed red pepper if you love a little heat.
I personally like enjoying this soup with a slice of toasted olive bread something we eat often back home in Crete. The warmth, the herbs, the softness of the chicken it all feels like a hug in a bowl.
Recipe Card 🧡🥣
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Chicken
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Bay leaf
- Salt & Pepper
- Parsley
🍳 Instructions
- Sauté veggies.
- Add chicken + spices.
- Add broth.
- Pressure cook 10 minutes.
- Quick release.
- Shred chicken.
- Add noodles + cook 5–7 minutes.
- Season + serve.
📝 Notes
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- For gluten-free, swap noodles for GF pasta.
- Add lemon for brightness.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Cooking is about comfort, connection, and those little moments that make us feel at home. This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup delivers all of that with warmth, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, feeding your family, or just craving something soul-soothing, this easy recipe is here to wrap you in a big comforting hug.
And remember, from my kitchen in Crete to yours, cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. All it takes is a little love, a little creativity, and the joy of sharing a meal you made with your own hands.
