Introduction: Chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food that warms the soul, and with the advent of the Instant Pot, making it has become quicker and more convenient than ever before. In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps of creating a flavorful, homemade chicken noodle soup in your Instant Pot. With tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Historical Context: The origins of chicken noodle soup can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with variations found in cultures worldwide. In the United States, it gained popularity in the early 20th century as a home remedy for colds and flu, earning its reputation as “Jewish penicillin.” Today, it’s a beloved classic found on menus across the globe.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and placing them within easy reach.
- Slice the carrots, celery, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add a bit of olive oil to the pot.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Spices
- Add the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they start to turn white.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
Step 5: Quick Release and Add Noodles
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Open the Instant Pot and remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in the egg noodles. They will cook in the residual heat of the soup. Close the Instant Pot lid (without turning it on) for about 5 minutes to help the noodles soften and cook through.
Step 6: Serve
- After allowing the noodles to rest, open the Instant Pot and give the soup a final stir.
- Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of homemade chicken noodle soup!
Conclusion: In just 30 minutes, you’ve created a delicious and heartwarming chicken noodle soup using the convenience of the Instant Pot. This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of a slow-cooked soup in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s a comforting remedy for a cold or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is sure to become a household favorite. So, fire up your Instant Pot and savor the goodness of homemade soup with minimal effort.
