Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes are the kind of comforting meals that never let you down. When life feels hectic, this simple dish comes together quickly, filling your kitchen with warmth and your bowls with homemade goodness. Made with tender chicken breast, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles, it’s everything you crave in a classic chicken noodle soup but ready in a fraction of the time. Pressure cooker soup recipes like this one are perfect for busy weeknights, keeping your family well-fed without extra stress. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot soups and stews or a regular fan, this recipe always delivers.

Why These Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes Work

1. Quick and Reliable

The Instant Pot cuts down hours of simmering into minutes, giving you homemade chicken noodle soup with all the flavor in under an hour.

2. Versatile for Any Season

Whether you want a light broth in summer or a hearty stew in winter, Instant Pot soups and stews fit the need.

3. Nutritious Without Fuss

Using chicken breast and fresh vegetables, these recipes are packed with protein and vitamins without added effort.

4. Perfect for Busy Families

Pressure cooker soup recipes are a lifesaver for parents juggling schedules, homework, and dinner.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Soup

Core Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (or thighs for richer flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions

• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
• Lemon juice for brightness
• Red pepper flakes for heat

Ingredient Swaps

• Use rice instead of noodles for a gluten-free version
• Swap in rotisserie chicken for a quicker option
• Try sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a different sweetness

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Place chicken breast on top of vegetables, then pour in chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the lid and set on high pressure for 10 minutes. Natural release for 10 more minutes.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.

Step 5: Add Noodles

Stir in egg noodles and cook on sauté mode for 6–7 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste, adjust seasoning, and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Pressure Cooker Magic

The Instant Pot locks in steam, which raises the boiling point of liquid and forces flavors to infuse quickly. What usually takes hours of simmering on the stove happens in just minutes, making the chicken tender and the broth rich.

2. Balanced Broth

The classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery creates a base that’s both sweet and savory. These vegetables release natural sugars under pressure, balancing the salty broth and giving the soup its signature homemade taste.

3. Chicken Breast vs. Thighs

Using chicken breast keeps the soup lighter and leaner, while thighs bring a richer, more robust flavor. Both work beautifully, so you can adjust depending on whether you’re cooking for health-conscious eaters or flavor-seekers.

4. Noodles Cook in the Pot

Cooking noodles directly in the broth allows them to soak up all the flavor while thickening the soup slightly. It’s also one less pot to wash, which makes dinner cleanup easier.

5. Layered Cooking

Adding vegetables first, followed by chicken and then noodles at the end, creates layers of flavor and protects delicate ingredients from overcooking.

6. Natural Release

Letting the Instant Pot release naturally keeps the chicken juicy. If you quick-release too soon, the sudden change in pressure can make meat fibers tighten and turn dry.

Variations and Adaptations

1. Slow Cooker Version

Prefer a set-it-and-forget-it method? Add all ingredients except noodles into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then add noodles 20 minutes before serving.

2. Creamy Chicken Soup

For a more indulgent version, stir in half a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half once cooking is complete. This turns your broth into a comforting creamy base.

3. Healthy Twist

If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, swap noodles for zucchini spirals or shredded cabbage. It makes a nourishing Instant Pot soup recipe healthy enough for lighter eating plans.

4. Spicy Kick

A diced jalapeño, a spoonful of chili paste, or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick of heat for spice lovers.

5. Crockpot Recipes With Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken from Crockpot recipes or even a rotisserie chicken, shred it and stir it in after the broth is cooked. This makes a second dinner without much extra effort.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

1. Overcooking Noodles

Noodles can go mushy quickly. Always add them at the very end, cooking only until tender.

2. Forgetting Natural Release

Skipping the natural release makes chicken fibers tighten, leaving meat chewy. Always allow at least 10 minutes.

3. Too Salty Broth

Since broth reduces slightly under pressure, go light on salt at first. Taste at the end and adjust seasoning to your preference.

4. Crowding the Pot

Adding too much at once prevents proper pressure circulation. Follow the “max fill” line in your Instant Pot.

5. Using Frozen Chicken Incorrectly

Frozen chicken works great in pressure cooker soup recipes, but be sure to add an extra 3–4 minutes to the cook time.

FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipes

Can I freeze Instant Pot chicken soup?
Yes, but freeze the soup without noodles. Noodles don’t thaw well—add fresh ones when reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Thighs are more forgiving and add a rich flavor, while breasts keep it lean.

How long does Instant Pot chicken soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 4 days.

Can I make this without noodles?
Yes. Swap noodles for rice, quinoa, or simply double the vegetables for a hearty, grain-free version.

notes Final Encouragement

Life has a way of making us feel tired and stretched too thin. But a bowl of homemade soup has a way of softening that weight. Let this recipe remind you that even on the hardest days, warmth and comfort are only one pot away. Sit down, breathe in the steam, and feel grateful for the small victories—because sometimes, dinner itself is the triumph.