Upgrade your comfort food: the ultimate instant pot chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup: a classic comfort food that warms the soul and soothes the senses. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. And with the Instant Pot, making this culinary delight has never been easier!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Rub the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

2. Sauté the Veggies: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

3. Add the Chicken and Broth: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged.

4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” setting on high pressure for 10 minutes.

5. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

6. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

7. Add the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook in the remaining broth on the “Sauté” setting for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the piping hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Tips for the Perfect Soup:

• Use a whole chicken: This will provide a richer flavor and more meat for your soup.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: The high-pressure cooking time is perfect for tender, juicy chicken. Overcooking will result in dry, stringy meat.
• Add your favorite vegetables: Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or peas.
• Season to taste: Taste the soup once it’s done and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread: The perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious broth.

Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup:

• Fights inflammation: The ingredients in chicken noodle soup, such as chicken, carrots, and celery, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Boosts immunity: Chicken noodle soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, which can help strengthen your immune system.
• Soothes sore throats: The warm broth can help soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing.
• Promotes hydration: Chicken noodle soup is a hydrating dish that can help replenish fluids lost during illness.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add tofu or chickpeas for protein.
• Asian Chicken Noodle Soup: Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the broth for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to give your soup a kick.

Wrapping Up: The Art of Comfort Food

There you have it, the ultimate guide to making chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot! With its ease of preparation and versatility, this dish is sure to become a staple in your comfort food repertoire. So next time you’re craving a warm and soothing meal, simply follow these steps and enjoy the magic of this culinary classic.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Can I make the soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup until warmed through.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. However, egg noodles are the traditional choice for chicken noodle soup.
• How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) and cook until thickened.
• Can I add other ingredients to the soup? Yes, feel free to add other ingredients such as mushrooms, peas, or corn to your soup.