Did you know 86 home cooks gave this instant pot chicken and noodles recipe a 4.96 out of 5 stars? It’s a comfort food classic that has been loved for over six years. It’s a favorite for quick family dinners in the United States.
As a home cook, I’ve found one-pot meals like this recipe are a game-changer. It only takes 58 minutes to prepare, serving 4 to 6 people. You get amazing flavor without spending hours cooking.
This recipe is simple and versatile. You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts. The Instant Pot turns basic ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish. Each serving has 509 calories, making it perfect for cold evenings or when you need a filling meal.
I want to guide you through making this incredible one-pot meal. I’ll share tips on ingredients and cooking techniques. You’ll learn how to make this instant pot chicken and noodles recipe like a pro.
Why This One-Pot Comfort Dish is Perfect for Busy Families
Instant Pot chicken and noodles is a lifesaver for families with busy lives. These recipes are quick, nutritious, and delicious. They make family dinners easy and enjoyable.
Benefits of Pressure Cooking Chicken and Noodles
This dish is special because of its cooking method. Pressure cooking turns simple ingredients into a tasty meal with little effort. The Instant Pot cooks chicken and noodles perfectly in no time.
- Locks in moisture and flavor
- Reduces cooking time dramatically
- Produces consistently tender meat
- Preserves nutritional value of ingredients
Time-Saving Advantages
Busy families will love how fast this recipe is. You can make a full meal in just 50 minutes. Prep time is 10 minutes, and cooking is 40 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
| Cooking Method | Total Time |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot | 50 minutes |
| Stovetop | 90 minutes |
| Slow Cooker | 6 hours |
Easy Clean-up Features
This one-pot meal is great because it’s easy to clean up. Using just one pot means less time washing dishes. The Instant Pot is designed for easy cleaning and storage.
This chicken and noodles recipe is a big win for families. It’s packed with 54g of protein and ready in 50 minutes. It’s a convenient and healthy meal option.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
To make the best Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles, you need the right ingredients. These ingredients combine to create a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. Let’s explore the key elements that turn simple items into a tasty meal.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (the protein foundation)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (provides rich, creamy base)
- 4 cups of chicken broth (adds depth and moisture)
- 1 stick of butter (½ cup for richness)
- Frozen egg noodles (creates perfect texture)
The secret to great flavor is in the mix of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. These ingredients make the dish creamy and delicious. The boneless skinless chicken breasts make the meat tender and easy to shred, soaking up all the flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces | Main protein source |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Liquid base and flavor enhancer |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Creamy texture and additional flavor |
| Frozen Egg Noodles | 8 oz | Provides hearty, satisfying texture |
When picking your frozen egg noodles, go for wide, thick ones that can handle pressure cooking. The Reames brand is great for this recipe, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making instant pot chicken and noodles is easy. It turns simple ingredients into a tasty meal. I’ll show you how to do it right every time.
Preparing the Base Ingredients
Begin by using your Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add butter and wait for it to melt. This step makes the base of your dish flavorful.
- Choose 1½ lbs of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Prepare 2½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- Have 4 cups of egg noodles ready
- Gather 2 tablespoons of corn starch for thickening
Pressure Cooking Times and Settings
For cooking chicken in the instant pot, use the sealing position. The pressure setting and cooking time depend on the chicken’s freshness or if it’s frozen.
| Chicken Type | Pressure Cooking Time | Release Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chicken | 12-15 minutes | Natural release |
| Frozen Chicken | 18 minutes | Quick release |
Adding and Cooking the Noodles
After cooking the chicken, add noodles to the pot. Cook them for 6 minutes to keep the right texture. Use quick release to avoid overcooking.
Your comforting one-pot meal is now ready. It’s full of flavor and nutrition!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
Creating the ultimate homemade chicken and noodles recipe needs some expert techniques. I’ll share my top tips for a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken every time.
Mastering the cook time is key for the perfect texture in your Instant Pot chicken and noodles. Here are some strategies to elevate your dish:
- Use frozen egg noodles for a delightful dumpling-like consistency
- Adjust cooking times based on noodle type to prevent mushiness
- Allow natural pressure release to maintain optimal moisture
| Noodle Type | Recommended Cook Time | Texture Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Egg Noodles | 2-3 minutes | Al dente |
| Frozen Egg Noodles | 4-5 minutes | Tender, dumpling-like |
| Dry Egg Noodles | 5-6 minutes | Firm |
For a creamy sauce, use 4 tablespoons of salted butter and 2 cups of shredded cheese blend. Building layers of flavor is key. Remember, your Instant Pot’s natural release time of 10 minutes affects the dish’s texture.
- Aim for chicken’s internal temperature of 165°F
- Use at least 1 cup of liquid per pound of chicken
- Experiment with seasonings like Italian herbs and garlic powder
By following these tips, you’ll make your chicken and noodles recipe amazing. It will become a comforting meal that impresses your whole family.
Variations and Customization Options
Exploring ways to make healthy instant pot recipes fun is key. I love turning classic chicken noodle soup into a meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s all about making it your own, fitting every taste and diet.
Let’s explore some tasty ways to make your instant pot chicken noodle soup your own!
Vegetable Nutrition Boosters
Adding colorful veggies can make your dish healthier. Here are some great options:
- Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- Chopped spinach
- Diced zucchini
- Sliced mushrooms
Seasoning Alternatives
Try new herbs and spices to give your soup a unique taste:
- Italian seasoning blend
- Cajun spice mix
- Dried thyme and rosemary
- Smoked paprika
Noodle Type Options
There are many noodle types to choose from, depending on what you like:
| Noodle Type | Dietary Consideration |
|---|---|
| Traditional Egg Noodles | Classic Choice |
| Gluten-Free Rice Noodles | Gluten Sensitivity |
| Whole Wheat Noodles | Higher Fiber |
| Zucchini Noodles | Low-Carb Option |
With these changes, you can turn a basic soup into a meal that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Conclusion
My journey making this comfort food with a pressure cooker was delightful. The Instant Pot chicken and noodles recipe is quick and nutritious. It turns weeknight dinners into something special in just 34 minutes.
Serving suggestions can make this dish even better. Try it with steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a full meal. You can also change the ingredients to fit your family’s taste.
This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t take long. It’s perfect for busy parents or cooking beginners. It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table with little effort.
Give this Instant Pot recipe a try. It’s a simple way to make a hearty, nutritious meal. Your family will love it. Happy cooking!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook Chicken and Noodles in an Instant Pot?
It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook. This includes the time for the Instant Pot to pressurize. Chicken breasts cook in 8-10 minutes. Then, add 4-5 minutes for the noodles to get just right.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just add 3-4 minutes to the cooking time to make sure it’s fully cooked.
Are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes! Swap regular egg noodles for gluten-free ones. Or try rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Add more veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach. Use low-sodium chicken broth and less cream of chicken soup. Or, use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a bit of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
What’s the best way to achieve a creamy sauce?
Use cream of chicken soup and let the ingredients release pressure naturally. This blends the flavors and makes the sauce smooth. Stir in cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs add more flavor because of their fat content. They might need a minute or two less than chicken breasts to cook.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Add noodles towards the end and use quick release. Frozen egg noodles are good because they keep their shape. Don’t overcook – stick to the recommended times.
Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 14.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 stick ½ cup butter
- 8 oz frozen egg noodles
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook briefly until lightly browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, stirring to combine.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure:
- Fresh chicken: 12-15 minutes (natural release)
- Frozen chicken: 18 minutes (quick release)
- Once the pressure is released, shred the chicken inside the pot.
- Add frozen egg noodles and cook for 6 minutes on high pressure, using a quick release at the end.
- Stir the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen egg noodles for the best texture.
- Allow natural release to maintain moisture in the chicken.
- For extra creaminess, add shredded cheese or cream cheese.
- Adjust seasonings to taste with Italian herbs or garlic powder.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
