Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is a comforting, hearty, and delicious one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, thick egg noodles, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe delivers homemade flavor in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic comfort of chicken and noodles and transforms it into an easy, fast, and satisfying dish using the Instant Pot. It’s creamy, warm, and filling—like a cross between chicken soup and a noodle casserole. With minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking, it’s a go-to for busy families and anyone craving a warm, cozy meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Chicken broth or stock
• Wide egg noodles
• Carrots, sliced
• Celery, diced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Butter or olive oil
• Heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add butter or oil.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme, then add to the pot.
4. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
5. Close the lid, seal the valve, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
6. Once cooking is done, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
7. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
8. Add egg noodles to the pot and cook on sauté mode for 6–8 minutes until tender.
9. Stir in shredded chicken and optional cream for added richness.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (plus time to reach pressure and release)
Total time: About 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Add peas or corn for extra vegetables and sweetness.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time; add it after the noodles are cooked.
• Replace heavy cream with cream cheese or a splash of milk for different textures.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce, as noodles will absorb liquid over time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just increase the pressure cooking time to 12–15 minutes depending on the thickness.

Will the noodles get mushy?

Not if you cook them on sauté mode and monitor closely. Avoid pressure cooking the noodles.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat cream.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as noodles may become mushy when thawed, but you can freeze the chicken and broth separately.

What kind of noodles work best?

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use rotini, bowtie, or even spaghetti broken into pieces.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and simmer for a few minutes.

Can I make it with chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great and add extra flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s creamy, mild, and easy to eat, making it a family favorite.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Try adding a bay leaf, extra herbs, or sautéing the veggies longer to build flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as you don’t go past the max fill line of your Instant Pot.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food made simple. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich broth, it brings homemade taste to your table in under an hour. It’s easy to customize, family-friendly, and perfect for cozy meals year-round.

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