Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 12 oz egg noodles; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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Gather around the table for a comforting and satisfying Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and chewy egg noodles for a meal that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal. The combination of juicy chicken, rich broth, and tender noodles creates a texture contrast that’s truly irresistible. Plus, the Instant Pot makes the whole process a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.

What sets this recipe apart is its accessibility – the ingredients are mostly pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. And the best part? This dish can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs, with options for reduced-fat, lower-carb, and even dairy-free variations.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
12 oz egg noodles
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and hearty egg noodles creates the comforting, homemade flavor profile that has made one-pot recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: In the Instant Pot, combine the cubed chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and parsley.
Step 2: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
Step 3: Add the egg noodles to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Seal the Instant Pot again and cook on high pressure for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 4: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid and stir the chicken and noodles until well combined.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 23 minutes
• Total time: 33 minutes

Compared to traditional chicken and noodle dishes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles saves you 45% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 369
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 679mg

These Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles provide approximately 84% of your daily protein requirements and 11% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and juicier texture. Swap regular egg noodles for whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties.
• Lower-carb version: Replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk or cream.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach to increase the veggie content.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles.

🍴 Perfect Pairings

• Serve warm with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread or warm, flaky biscuits for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
• Complement the dish with a side of roasted root vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a light and refreshing contrast.

🚨 Recipe Troubleshooting

• Overcooking the noodles: Be careful not to overcook the egg noodles, as they can become mushy. Follow the cooking times precisely and do a quick release of the pressure at the end to prevent the noodles from becoming overcooked.
• Drying out the chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and be sure to follow the recommended cooking time and pressure release method.

📦 Storage & Leftovers

These Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken and Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the noodles. Allow to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the instructions, adding the noodles and cooking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked Chicken and Noodles to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop until warmed through.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the noodles, then freeze the chicken and broth mixture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the mixture, add the noodles, and cook according to the instructions.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as boneless, skinless turkey breasts or cubed pork tenderloin. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall recipe will work well with these alternatives.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to make this Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles recipe healthier, including using reduced-fat chicken, swapping regular egg noodles for whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties, and adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular dairy for a dairy-free version.

What if my noodles turn out overcooked?

If your noodles end up being overcooked, try reducing the final cooking time by a minute or two. It’s also important to do a quick release of the pressure at the end to prevent the noodles from continuing to cook and become mushy.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are cooked through.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a crowd, they’re sure to impress with their tender chicken, rich broth, and chewy noodles. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the Instant Pot. So, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the comforting goodness of this one-pot wonder.