Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: Easy Pressure Cooker Soup

Popularity of Instant Pot Recipes

In just a few years, the usage of Instant Pot recipes has skyrocketed and they have become the most common method of cooking worldwide. The latest search trends show that “Instant Pot recipes” is a widely searched term throughout the year and especially during the cold winter season, people eating soups and stews, the keyword’s popularity is hence, at its peak.

Data shows that searches for “chicken noodle soup Instant Pot” have gone up by 75%, which is the same time last year, and this is evidence that more people are looking for quick meals without losing the taste. This is pointing to Instant Pot as a multi-functional appliance and the users are both busy moms and home chefs who are just starting out. It is hard to say at the same time who is getting more benefit: the Instant Pot or the users. Its ability to facilitate the work of the cooks has been one of the main reasons that cooking has chalked out a new path filled with many blogs, posts on social media, and YouTube dedicated to showing new Instant Pot recipes.

Making Soup in the Instant Pot Produces Benefits

Making soup in an Instant Pot is the best of all worlds, that is of convenience, efficiency, and great taste. And among other things, it is mostly due to the cooking time that is significantly reduced. Instant pot soups can be prepared in under an hour through baking or simmering for traditional hours on stovetops like bone broth or lentil soup, thanks to the cooking mode. Not only does this save time, but the nutrients are also kept in since it does not use methods that might otherwise lose them prolonging the process.

Next up in monitoring the advantages accounts is the fact that the machine can make very and also thick and rich flavors. The whole process of pressure cooking brings the mixture of spices, herbs, and ingredients into the soup which increases the taste very much. It is about 70% that Instant Pot owners are making use of it for soup and that is because if it is so easy and the quality is so good the results are certain. Instant pots for soups are giving the operator a concern-free process through the machine’s “set it and forget it” ability, where the multitasking is done with no stirring or watching over the pot being a concern.

Choosing the Right Noodles for Chicken Noodle Soup

Types of Chicken: Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken

Fresh chicken or frozen chicken, the decision may influence to a notable extent the final taste of chicken noodle soup. Many prefer the taste and texture of fresh chicken, and the quality of the chicken is widely praised by the poultry industry. Fresh chicken is typically sold very soon after slaughter and kept under refrigeration until it is sold. Most chefs prefer it saying the chicken is tender and juicy and is great for soups and broths. The total sales of fresh chicken in the U. S. account for about 60% of retail sales because of its top quality and natural (inherent) flavor.

Frozen chicken, on the other hand, is quite handy and has a long shelf life. It is processed, then frozen instantly so that the nutrients and flavors are imprisoned. Studies indicate almost identical nutritional values between properly processed frozen chicken and fresh chicken. Interestingly, frozen chicken is already responsible for 40% of total chicken purchases, mainly due to its cost and, after all, its availability. It comes in very handy when planning meals as it can be placed in the freezer for several months without going bad. Besides, the method of flash-freezing is one that has greatly improved, thus ensuring that the frozen chicken draws only slightly on its quality as far as texture and taste are concerned.

Preparing Ingredients for the Instant Pot

If the ingredients are prepared right before using the Instant Pot, then your meal will surely be tasty and well-cooked. The protein is the first to be chosen; one can count on frozen chicken in the Instant Pot because of its cooking under pressure. Current data shows that nearly 65% of Instant Pot owners who buy frozen chicken do it just for its convenience and versatility.

Then comes the vegetable processing, which should be the cutting of the vegetables into equal pieces, which will result in the for cooking being done. The likes of carrots, onions, and potatoes are among the top preferences for getting along with the Instant Pot recipes. Clean and dry thoroughly the fresh produce to remove any dirt or residue. With grains like rice or quinoa, rinse them under cold water until the water is clear to get rid of the extra starch and obtain a fluffy texture.

You can spice up your dish with a blend of dry rubs, marinades or broth. The seasoning will be so great in the Instant Pot that it will be very easy for the spices to penetrate into the food. Therefore, weigh your spices precisely not to overpower the dish with them. Besides, you must measure your liquids accurately because the pressure cooking process is very dependent on the use of the exact amount of moisture—usually, 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid is required though it varies with the recipe.

Timing and Cooking Tips for Perfect Soup

Timing is the determining factor for achieving the perfect texture and flavor while making the Instant Pot soup. Most vegetable soups need approximately 7-10 minutes of cook time at high pressure while the more substantial varieties such as meat-based soups or frozen bean stews can take 15-30 minutes. In the case of chicken soups, 12-15 minutes is generally enough but some recipes advise increasing the cooking time to 20-25 minutes for a stronger flavor.

For soups with beans or meats, always use the Natural Release method for the best results; this method slowly decreases the pressure and thus the ingredients do not get overcooked. For vegetable soup, the Quick Release method can help maintain the vegetables’ texture as well as their vibrant color.

In appropriate seasoning, consider putting the tender herbs, dairy products, or fresh greens after pressure cooking so that the flavors and textures are not lost. If you are adding pasta or noodles to the soup, cook them separately and add just before serving to avoid a mushy texture due to overcooking. Keep in mind the liquid to other ingredients ratio; it is best to have 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid which prevents burning and at the same time supplies the right amount of steam for cooking, as Instant Pots work best with this liquid-to-ingredient ratio.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken noodle soup, apart from tasting delicious, is one of the best home remedies for different ailments because of its main ingredients—chicken and vegetables. Chicken is the main source of high-quality protein which is the body’s requirement for muscle growth and repair. Not only this, an 85 gram serving of chicken breast can give roughly 26 grams of protein which is low in both fat and calorie content making it an excellent option for a weight balance diet. Apart from that, chicken is also packed with necessary vitamins and minerals like selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins that all work together to speed up metabolism, boost the immune system, and keep bones strong.

On the other hand, the various kinds of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and garlic which are usually added to chicken noodle soup provide a huge supply of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. For example, carrots are considered to be very high in beta-carotene, a compound that the body transforms into vitamin A, a vitamin that is necessary for eye health and a robust immune system. Celery contributes with dietary fibre and phytochemicals that can both extinguish irritation and support the digestive system. Garlic contains allicin, a substance that possesses the ability to kill bacteria and viruses, something that could help humans combat common diseases such as colds and flu.

Why Noodles Can Be a Healthy Choice

Noodles can be a healthy diet when they are selected wisely and made with healthy products. Whole-grain or whole-wheat noodles come with a heavy load of dietary fiber that helps the intestines to function well and also keeps the stomach healthy. Trials have shown that increasing daily fiber intake reduces the chances of getting diseases like heart attack and Type 2 diabetes. Besides this, noodles made from alternative flours, such as chickpea, lentil, or quinoa flour, are rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

One serving of whole grain noodles usually gives 6-8 grams of protein and 3-4 grams of fiber. Noodles accompanied by fresh vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken and tofu with a light sauce can make a sumptuous meal that has all the nutrients required in the right proportions. Not to mention, noodles go wonderfully with all dishes; they can be a nutrient source, hence may easily lead to a diverse and healthy diet. By choosing healthier options and adding fresh, colorful ingredients, noodles can change from being a mere comfort food to a well-rounded and nourishing option.

Using Different Noodle Types in Your Soup

Adding Unique Ingredients for Flavor

Your soups can get a new flavor just by adding to them rare but powerful ingredients. For instance, saffron, being very expensive and aromatic, is one such ingredient which not only adds color to the dish by turning it golden but also gives off a certain kind of sweetness that resembles earth and is almost raw. How about introducing miso paste, a Japanese seasoning made with fermented soybeans, which has a very rich umami character, and also comes with the added health benefit of probiotic bacteria? Just a dash of fish sauce can render your soup stock very savory and yet let the flavor be soft at the same time.

You can always choose to add turmeric, the golden spice with anti-inflammatory properties, or ginger, the root known for its digestive benefits for a healthy choice. Shiitake mushrooms and roasted garlic are fabulous ingredients if you want your dish to have a strong and smoky flavor. Additionally, citrus zest or a teaspoon of lime juice can deliver a bright and jarring flavor that will effectively cut the heaviness of the others.

1. Jo Cooks: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
   This recipe offers a wholesome and hearty chicken noodle soup made from scratch in an Instant Pot, emphasizing its quick preparation and delicious results.
   Read the recipe on Jo Cooks

2. Skinnytaste: Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
   This recipe focuses on a nourishing version of chicken noodle soup with plenty of vegetables and over 26 grams of protein, making it a healthy choice.
   Explore the recipe on Skinnytaste

What is the best choice bone-in chicken or chicken breasts for this recipe?

Your choice is either bone-in chicken thighs or skinless chicken breasts. Bone-in chicken and chicken thighs not only build a more complex flavor but also provide a thicker broth when you are using chicken back or bones. On the other hand, skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken cook a lot quicker and result in a leaner shredded chicken. But if you go for bone-in chicken, then you will need to add some extra time for cooking and fat skimming once the Instant Pot has been set to naturally release.

Will you guide me through an instant pot step-by-step process to prepare this chicken noodle soup recipe?

First, you need to sauté aromatics, then add the chicken along with chicken broth, vegetables, and seasoning in the pot. Now, set the instant pot on the soup setting and set for a short cook time that is appropriate for the cut that you are using (frozen chicken breasts need longer). After the timer, perform either an instant pot to naturally release or quick release depending on the instruction, remove the chicken, shred the chicken, and add noodles to the pot.

Is it more advantageous to use cooked chicken or raw chicken when making instant pot soup?

The answer is you can use either cooked chicken or raw chicken. Using raw skinless chicken or bone-in chicken lets the meat to impregnate the chicken broth flavor to the pot while pressure cooking. If cooked chicken is used, add it at the end to warm through and prevent overcooking. For a recipe with frozen chicken, increase cook time and check the chicken is cooked before shredding.

How do I make this recipe easy to make and still tasty chicken noodle soup?

Keep it easy to make by following the simple steps: add the broth to the pot, add the chicken (use boneless skinless chicken for convenience), vegetables, and seasonings, set the instant pot and cook. Remove the chicken, shred the chicken, then cook the noodles in the hot broth. The use of high-quality chicken broth or homemade chicken broth will elevate the savory chicken profile with no extra work.

Could I use barley or some other grains instead of noodles, for example, the chicken barley soup?

Certainly – you can switch the noodles for barley and thus make a chicken barley soup. If barley is used, then it should be pressure cooked with the chicken and broth as per the instructions for barley. However, for noodles, it is recommended to add them to the pot at the end and either cook on simmer or use a quick release and then cook the noodles separately and combine them to avoid overcooking in the instant pot.