Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with the Instant Pot! It’s like having a magical kitchen assistant that helps me whip up delicious meals in a fraction of the time. And when it comes to comfort food, my instant pot chicken noodles recipe is an absolute winner! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug in a bowl. Just toss everything in, set the timer, and in about 25 minutes, you’ve got a hearty, flavorful meal ready to go. I remember the first time I made this for my family; they devoured it in no time and kept asking for seconds. The tender chicken, the savory broth, and those perfectly cooked noodles come together effortlessly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
To make my instant pot chicken noodles recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works great!)
- 2 cups egg noodles (I love using wide ones for extra heartiness)
- 1 onion, diced finely (adds a lovely sweetness!)
- 2 carrots, sliced (for that perfect pop of color and flavor)
- 2 celery stalks, sliced (don’t skip these, they bring a nice crunch)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, of course!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more if you like a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a wonderful herbaceous note)
And that’s it! You’ll find that these ingredients come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Prepare the Instant Pot Chicken Noodles Recipe
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful instant pot chicken noodles recipe. It’s super straightforward, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with Sautéing: First, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. Once it’s hot, throw in the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these lovely veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
- Add the Chicken: Next, place the pound of chicken breast right into the pot. Pour in your 8 cups of chicken broth, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. This is where the flavors start to mingle!
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid securely and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Now, set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! While it’s cooking, take a moment to relax or prep any side dishes you might like.
- Quick Release: Once the 10 minutes are up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Be cautious—steam can be hot! After it’s safe to open, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and juicy!
- Add Noodles: Now, toss in the 2 cups of egg noodles into the pot and give it a good stir, making sure they’re submerged in the broth.
- Cook the Noodles: Close the lid again, set it back to manual high pressure, but this time for just 5 minutes. It’s a quick ride to noodle perfection!
- Final Touch: After the 5 minutes, do another quick release. Stir in the shredded chicken, and voilà! Your chicken noodles are ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
And there you have it! This easy process makes a deliciously comforting meal with minimal effort. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your kitchen rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- One-pot meal means less cleanup; hooray for that!
- Deliciously comforting and packed with flavor—perfect for any night.
- Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices!
Tips for Success
To make sure your instant pot chicken noodles recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: It should shred easily, but if you cook it too long, it can become dry. 10 minutes is usually just right!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh veggies enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. If you can, grab them from the market before cooking.
- Adjust the broth: If you prefer a thicker noodle soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. You can always add more later if needed!
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some Italian seasoning for a different twist!
- Let it sit: If you have time, let the finished noodles sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully!
These little tips can make a big difference, so give them a try and enjoy your cooking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
To complement my instant pot chicken noodles recipe, I love serving it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the noodles. You could also pair it with some warm, crusty bread for dipping in that delicious broth. Trust me, it rounds out the meal perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of my instant pot chicken noodles recipe (which is rare because it’s so good!), storing them is super easy! Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the noodles on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, and stir until heated through. You can also use the microwave; just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious comfort food!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that the nutritional values for my instant pot chicken noodles recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The estimates provided here are a general guide, but always feel free to adjust according to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your meal with confidence!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes. The Instant Pot does a great job of cooking frozen chicken, and you won’t sacrifice flavor!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that using broth will enhance the flavor significantly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in any veggies you love—like peas or green beans—just make sure they’re added with the noodles so they don’t get mushy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free egg noodles! Just double-check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it nice and moist!
Instant Pot Chicken Noodles Recipe: 25 Minutes to Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for chicken noodles made in an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add chicken breast, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, do a quick release of pressure.
- Remove the chicken and shred it.
- Add egg noodles to the pot and stir.
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Do a quick release of pressure and stir in the shredded chicken.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- You can add vegetables of your choice.
- This recipe is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: instant pot chicken noodles recipe
