There are few meals as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken soup. Maybe you associate it with quiet evenings at home, chilly afternoons, or the familiar flavors of carrots, celery, tender chicken, and savory broth. The only problem is that traditional chicken soup can take a long time to prepare.
With chicken soup in the Instant Pot, you can simplify the process without giving up the homemade taste you love. Your pressure cooker handles the cooking while you prepare the rest of your meal, and you can easily customize the soup with noodles, rice, vegetables, or fresh herbs.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make chicken soup in the Instant Pot step by step, plus practical tips for choosing chicken, adding noodles, storing leftovers, and getting the best flavor from every bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup in the Instant pot
This recipe is ideal when you want a comforting meal without spending hours watching a pot.
You’ll appreciate that it:
- Uses simple, familiar ingredients.
- Requires minimal hands-on work.
- Produces tender chicken and flavorful broth.
- Works well for lunch or dinner.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch.
- Makes convenient leftovers.
- Freezes well when stored properly.
Your Instant Pot also makes it easy to prepare chicken soup on a busy weekday. Once the ingredients are ready, most of the cooking happens inside the sealed pot.
What You Need to Make Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
The basic recipe relies on ingredients that work naturally together.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs or breasts | 1½–2 lb | Main protein |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | Creates the soup base |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Adds savory depth |
| Carrots | 3 medium | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Celery | 2–3 stalks | Adds freshness and flavor |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Builds aromatic flavor |
| Bay leaves | 1–2 | Adds herbal depth |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Earthy seasoning |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances the broth |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds mild spice |
| Egg noodles | 2 cups | Makes the soup more filling |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Bright finishing flavor |
| Lemon juice | 1–2 tsp | Optional flavor boost |
You can also add fresh ginger, rosemary, turmeric, peas, corn, spinach, or potatoes depending on your preferences.
Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs
Both cuts work well, but they produce slightly different results.
Chicken thighs contain more fat and tend to stay tender and juicy. They’re an excellent choice when flavor and texture are your priorities.
Chicken breasts are leaner and have a mild taste. They work well if you prefer a lighter soup, but you should avoid unnecessary overcooking.
How Do You Make Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot Step by Step?
The method is simple once you understand the order of the ingredients.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preparing everything before you switch on the Instant Pot.
You’ll want to:
- Chop the onion.
- Slice the carrots.
- Slice the celery.
- Mince the garlic.
- Trim the chicken if necessary.
- Measure the herbs and seasonings.
Preparing everything first keeps the cooking process organized and prevents you from rushing once the pot is hot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot.
Heat a small amount of oil, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they become tender and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic near the end and cook briefly until fragrant.
This step is optional, but it can give your soup a deeper flavor than simply adding everything to the pot at once.
Why Sauté the Vegetables First?
Cooking the aromatics first helps develop their natural flavors. The onion becomes sweeter, while garlic releases its aroma into the cooking oil.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the ingredients directly to the pot.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
Add the chicken to the Instant Pot along with the chicken broth.
Then add:
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- A moderate amount of salt
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
Don’t fill your Instant Pot above the manufacturer’s maximum fill line. Soup can produce steam and foam, so leaving adequate space is particularly important.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Soupe
Secure the lid and use the pressure-cooking function according to your Instant Pot model’s instructions.
The exact cooking time depends on:
- Chicken cut
- Size of the chicken pieces
- Whether you’re using fresh or frozen chicken
- Your specific Instant Pot model
For a typical recipe using boneless chicken, a relatively short pressure-cooking cycle is enough because the Instant Pot cooks at a higher temperature than conventional stovetop simmering.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before you serve it. An instant-read food thermometer gives you the most reliable check.
How Long Should Chicken Soup Cook in the Instant Pot?
Remember that the programmed pressure-cooking time isn’t the total cooking time.
You also need to account for:
- Allow the Instant Pot a few minutes to come to pressure.
- The cooking cycle.
- Time for pressure release.
This means a soup advertised as having a short pressure-cooking time may still require considerably longer from start to finish.
Step 5: Release the Pressure Safely
Once the cooking cycle is complete, release pressure according to your recipe and appliance instructions.
Natural Pressure Release
With a natural release, the pressure falls gradually.
This method is useful when you want the cooking process to continue gently as the pressure decreases.
Quick Pressure Release
A quick release removes pressure more rapidly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and keep your hands and face away from the steam.
Never attempt to force the lid open while the pot is still pressurized.
Step 6: Remove and Shred the Chicken Soup in the Instant
Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot.
Remove the chicken with tongs and place it on a cutting board.
Allow it to cool slightly, then:
- Shred it with two forks.
- Or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Return the chicken to the broth.
Shredded chicken works particularly well because it distributes evenly throughout the soup, giving you chicken in almost every spoonful.
Step 7: Add the Noodles
If you’re making chicken noodle soup, add the noodles after pressure cooking.
This is important because noodles can become overly soft if they’re cooked under pressure for the entire cycle.
Add the egg noodles and cook them using the appropriate simmering function or cooking method for your Instant Pot model.
Cook until they’re tender but still have some structure.
How to Prevent Mushy Noodles
For the best texture:
- Add noodles after pressure cooking.
- Avoid leaving them in very hot broth for a long time.
- If you’re preparing soup for several days, consider cooking the noodles separately.
Step 8: Taste and Finish the Chicken Soup in the Instant
Taste the broth before serving.
You may want to adjust:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
Finish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
A small squeeze of lemon can be especially helpful if the soup tastes rich or slightly flat. The acidity adds contrast without overpowering the chicken and vegetables.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chicken Soup
A few small changes can make a noticeable difference.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor
If you want richer chicken soup, thighs are an excellent choice. They bring more natural flavor and tend to remain tender.
Use Chicken Breasts for a Leaner Option
Chicken breasts work well when you prefer leaner meat. Just monitor the cooking process so the chicken doesn’t become unnecessarily dry.
Choose a Flavorful Broth
Because broth makes up much of the finished soup, its flavor matters.
You can use:
- Homemade chicken stock
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Regular chicken broth
- Bone broth
If your broth is salty, wait until the end before adding more salt.
Season in Layers
Adding seasoning at several stages creates a more balanced flavor.
You can season the vegetables during the sauté step, season the broth during pressure cooking, and make final adjustments before serving.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End
Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro can brighten a soup that has been cooking with dried herbs.
Healthy Variations of Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
One recipe can give you several different meals.
Low-Carb Chicken Soup
Skip the noodles and add:
- Cauliflower
- Zucchini
- Cabbage
- Spinach
This creates a lighter, vegetable-focused soup.
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Add extra vegetables such as:
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Corn
- Spinach
Chicken and Rice Soup
Rice can replace the noodles, although you’ll need to account for the additional liquid it absorbs.
Lemon Chicken Soup
Add extra lemon juice and fresh parsley near the end for a bright, fresh variation.
Spicy Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
For a little heat, add:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
- Sliced jalapeños
What to Serve With Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Although a bowl of chicken soup can stand alone, a simple side can turn it into a complete meal.
Try:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Crackers
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
For toppings, consider fresh parsley, dill, cracked black pepper, lemon wedges, or a little Parmesan.
Common Mistakes When Making Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Overfilling the Pot
Always follow your appliance’s maximum fill markings and operating instructions.
Adding Noodles Too Early
Pressure cooking noodles for the entire cooking cycle can leave you with a mushy texture.
Adding Too Much Salt
Commercial broth can already contain plenty of sodium. Taste before adding more.
Overcooking the Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Pressure cooking is efficient, but more time isn’t automatically better. Check the internal temperature and texture.
Mishandling Pressure Release
Always follow the safety instructions for your Instant Pot model and avoid the steam outlet.
How to Store Chicken Soup in the Instant
Once your soup has been prepared, store leftovers promptly in airtight containers.
For best quality, refrigerated chicken soup should generally be consumed within 3–4 days.
If you’re storing chicken noodle soup, consider keeping the noodles separate. They can absorb broth over time and become softer than you want.
Can You Freeze Chicken Soup in the Instant ?
Yes. Chicken soup generally freezes well.
To freeze it:
- Allow the soup to cool appropriately.
- Divide it into individual portions.
- Use freezer-safe containers.
- Leave room for expansion.
- Label each container with the date.
For chicken noodle soup, freezing the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately from the noodles can help preserve a better texture.
How to Reheat Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Stovetop
Place the soup in a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a little broth or water if needed.
Microwave
Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals until thoroughly hot.
Avoid overheating the soup, particularly if it contains noodles.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition depends heavily on your chicken cut, broth, noodle quantity, and portion size.
| Nutrient | Estimated Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–350 |
| Protein | 25–35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20–35 g |
| Fat | 6–12 g |
| Fiber | 2–5 g |
| Sodium | Varies |
These figures are estimates rather than laboratory measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Soup in the Instant
How Do You Make Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot Step by Step?
Prepare your vegetables, sauté the aromatics, add chicken and broth, pressure cook, release the pressure safely, shred the chicken, add noodles if desired, and finish by adjusting the seasoning.
Can You Put Raw Chicken Soup in the Instant ?
Yes. Raw chicken can be pressure cooked as part of the soup. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Is It Better to Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs?
Both work. Thighs generally provide a richer flavor and tender texture, while breasts are a leaner option.
Can You Make Chicken Noodle Soup in the Instant Pot?
Yes. Cook the chicken and broth first, then add the noodles afterward so they don’t become overly soft.
How Long Does Chicken Soup Take in the Instant Pot?
Your total time includes preparation, pressure buildup, pressure cooking, and pressure release. The exact time varies according to your chicken and Instant Pot model.
Can You Freeze Instant Pot Chicken Soup?
Yes. Freeze the soup in individual portions, and consider freezing noodles separately for better texture.
How Can You Make Chicken Soup More Flavorful?
Use a flavorful broth, sauté the aromatics before pressure cooking, season gradually, and finish the soup with fresh herbs or lemon juice.
Conclusion: Make Comforting Chicken Soup in Your Instant Pot
Making chicken soup in the Instant Pot is a practical way to enjoy a homemade meal without the long simmering time associated with traditional recipes. Once you understand the basic process, you can adjust the soup to match whatever ingredients you have available.
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Add noodles, rice, or extra vegetables, then finish the bowl with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
The recipe is simple, flexible, and ideal for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying.
Gather your chicken, vegetables, broth, and favorite seasonings, and make your first batch today. Then experiment with different vegetables, noodles, and herbs until you create your own signature Instant Pot chicken soup.
