If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal, this Instant Pot chicken and noodles recipe is perfect. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles, it’s a meal that comes together easily in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re short on time or just want something cozy, this recipe makes it simple to enjoy a delicious, hearty dish.
Why We Love Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
A Comforting Meal in No Time
When you think of a comforting meal, chicken and noodles are likely one of the first dishes that comes to mind. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles has a way of soothing your soul. But when you’re pressed for time, cooking this dish on the stovetop can feel like a challenge. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. By utilizing the pressure cooking feature, you can achieve the same comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s a win-win for busy nights when you still want to serve something warm and hearty.
Packed with Flavor and Nutrition
What sets Instant Pot chicken and noodles apart from other recipes is the rich, flavorful broth that infuses the noodles as they cook. The chicken, broth, and vegetables come together to create a savory base that elevates the dish to something truly special. Plus, this recipe is customizable to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add extra veggies or prefer to use a different type of noodle, this recipe is versatile enough to suit everyone.
A Family-Friendly Meal
One of the best things about Instant Pot chicken and noodles is that it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Whether you have picky eaters or those with specific dietary preferences, this meal is easy to adapt. And since it’s made in one pot, it’s simple to prepare and clean up afterward, making it perfect for busy families.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
To make this comforting dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a flavorful, well-balanced meal in a short amount of time.
- Chicken Breast (Boneless & Skinless): 2 large pieces (1 pound) (450g)
- Egg Noodles: 4 cups
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Garlic (Minced): 2 cloves
- Onion (Chopped): 1 medium
- Carrots (Sliced): 1 medium
- Celery (Chopped): 2 stalks
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Parsley (Chopped): For garnish
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this delicious Instant Pot chicken and noodles.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by using the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot. Add a bit of oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 3-4 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to soften and release their natural flavors, creating a flavorful base for the broth.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Next, add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. The broth will provide moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks.
- Pressure Cook the Chicken: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This short cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and easy to shred.
- Quick Release the Pressure: After the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the venting knob to release the pressure. This will allow you to open the Instant Pot without overcooking the chicken.
- Shred the Chicken: Open the Instant Pot and remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Noodles and Cream: Stir in the egg noodles and heavy cream, ensuring that the noodles are well-coated in the creamy broth. Put the lid back on the Instant Pot, and set it to cook for an additional 4 minutes on high pressure. This step allows the noodles to cook in the flavorful broth and absorb all the delicious seasonings.
- Final Quick Release: Once the noodles are cooked, perform another quick release. Open the lid and stir everything. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken and noodles hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You’ve just created a flavorful, comforting meal in under 30 minutes!
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, consider cooking in two separate rounds to ensure that the chicken and noodles cook evenly.
- Use Frozen Chicken: Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll still end up with perfectly cooked chicken.
- Add Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the broth. These ingredients give the dish an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Stir in More Veggies: You can always boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. They’ll cook along with the noodles and add more color and texture to the dish.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth before cooking. It will add a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Instant Pot chicken and noodles is simple, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some things to watch out for:
Not Adding Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot requires sufficient liquid to create steam and cook the food properly. If there isn’t enough liquid, the chicken and noodles may not cook correctly.
Using the Wrong Noodles: Make sure to use noodles that can handle the pressure of cooking. Egg noodles are perfect for this recipe, but other pasta types may require adjustments to the cooking time.
Not Quick Releasing the Pressure: When you’re pressure-cooking the noodles, be sure to perform a quick release to prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy.
Overcooking the Chicken: The Instant Pot is fast and efficient. If you cook the chicken too long, it can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
Variations to Try for instant pot chicken and noodles
If you’re looking to shake things up, try one of these variations on the classic Instant Pot chicken and noodles recipe:
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Noodles: Replace the chicken broth with extra heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, Alfredo-style dish. This variation is perfect for cheese lovers.
Spicy Chicken and Noodles: Add a pinch of chili flakes or some diced jalapeños to the broth for a spicy twist on this classic comfort food.
Low-Carb Chicken and Noodles: Substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option that still delivers on flavor.
FAQ: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
Is Chicken and Noodles Healthy?
Yes, Instant Pot chicken and noodles can be a healthy dish depending on the ingredients you use. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and noodles can be a good source of carbohydrates. To make the dish even healthier, consider using whole-grain noodles or adding more vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli. Using low-sodium chicken broth and opting for lighter cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream can also reduce the fat content while keeping the dish delicious and nutritious.
Why Is My Instant Pot Chicken Rubbery?
If your Instant Pot chicken comes out rubbery, it could be due to overcooking or not using enough liquid. The Instant Pot cooks food quickly under pressure, and overcooking can cause the chicken to become tough. To avoid this, follow the recommended cooking times for chicken, which are typically around 10 minutes on high pressure for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure you use enough liquid (at least 1 cup) to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Should I Season Chicken Before Pressure Cooking?
Yes, seasoning your chicken before pressure cooking in your Instant Pot is essential to enhancing the flavor. Adding salt, pepper, garlic, and other spices or herbs before cooking will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks. You can also add a bit of seasoning to the broth or noodles for an extra layer of taste. Just make sure to not overdo it with salt, especially if you’re using store-bought chicken broth, as it might be salty enough already.
Does Chicken Get More Tender the Longer You Cook It in an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot is known for its ability to cook chicken quickly, the key to tender chicken is not necessarily cooking it longer, but rather cooking it for the correct amount of time. Overcooking chicken in the Instant Pot can cause it to become dry or rubbery. For tender, juicy chicken, follow the recommended cooking time of 10 minutes on high pressure for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re using bone-in chicken, you may need to cook it a bit longer, but be cautious not to exceed the recommended time by too much.
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Ingredients
- Chicken Breast Boneless & Skinless: 2 large pieces (1 pound) (450g)
- Egg Noodles: 4 cups
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Garlic Minced: 2 cloves
- Onion Chopped: 1 medium
- Carrots Sliced: 1 medium
- Celery Chopped: 2 stalks
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Parsley Chopped: For garnish
Instructions
- Use the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot to heat a bit of oil. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Perform a quick release, then open the lid. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and heavy cream, stirring to coat the noodles. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
- Perform a final quick release, then open the lid and stir. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.