When you need a quick, comforting meal the whole family will love, instant pot chicken and noodles is the perfect solution. This creamy, one-pot dish combines tender chicken, flavorful noodles, and a rich sauce in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe proves that delicious can also be easy.
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
The beauty of instant pot chicken and noodles lies in its simplicity, but there’s still plenty of room to customize it to suit your taste. Below, we break down the essential ingredients and optional add-ons to help you create a dish that’s both flavorful and versatile.
The essentials
- Chicken: The protein centerpiece, offering tender and juicy bites.
(Substitute: Turkey, tofu, or cooked rotisserie chicken.) - Egg noodles: Ideal for their soft texture and quick cooking time in the Instant Pot.
(Substitute: Bowtie pasta, rotini, or gluten-free noodles.) - Cream of chicken soup: The rich and creamy base that binds the flavors together.
(Substitute: Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.) - Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and serves as the cooking liquid.
(Substitute: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes.) - Powdered milk (optional): Dissolved in the broth for extra creaminess and richness.
(Substitute: Fresh milk or heavy cream.)
Fresh vegetables
- Carrots, peas, or celery (optional): Boosts the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.
(Substitute: Green beans, spinach, or broccoli.)
Cheese options
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Enhances creaminess and adds a savory touch.
(Substitute: Grated mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.)
Optional flavor boosters
- Garlic or onion powder: Adds depth and enhances the savory profile.
(Substitute: Fresh garlic or shallots.) - Mustard powder or paprika: Delivers a subtle kick or smoky undertone.
(Substitute: Smoked paprika, cayenne, or turmeric.)
Herbs and seasonings
- Dried parsley, thyme, or oregano: Provides an aromatic and comforting flavor.
(Substitute: Fresh herbs or Italian seasoning.) - Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning the dish.
(Substitute: Sea salt, white pepper, or seasoned salt.)
Step-by-step directions
Creating instant pot chicken and noodles is as simple as layering the ingredients, setting the Instant Pot, and letting it do the work. Follow these straightforward steps to make a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that’s ready in no time.
Sauté the chicken
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pot. Once heated, add the diced chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs for flavor. Turn off the “Sauté” function when done.
Add the liquid and soup base
Pour in chicken broth and stir in 2–3 tablespoons of powdered milk until fully dissolved. Deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits to prevent sticking. Spread cream of chicken soup over the broth without stirring.
Layer the noodles
Add the egg noodles, spreading them evenly over the soup. Gently press them down with the back of a spoon so they are slightly submerged in the liquid. Do not stir, as mixing could affect the cooking process.
Pressure cook the dish
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and adjust the time to 5 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
Stir and adjust the sauce
Open the lid and stir the contents to combine the noodles, chicken, and sauce thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it. For a richer texture, stir in grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Finish with herbs and serve
Finish by tasting the dish and adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve warm to enjoy at its best.
Pro oh là là tips
Elevate your instant pot chicken and noodles from cozy comfort food to a culinary masterpiece with these creative tips and ideas.
Customization and variations
- Make it veggie-packed: Sneak in extra nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach, kale, or chopped broccoli right after pressure cooking. The residual heat will wilt or soften the vegetables perfectly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a subtle kick. Craving something smoky? Use smoked paprika to take the flavors to the next level.
- Switch up the protein: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! Shredded turkey, ground sausage, or even chickpeas can be excellent substitutes. Each option brings a new twist to the dish.
- Go gourmet with cheese: Swap Parmesan for crumbled goat cheese or shredded gruyère for an upscale, melty finish.
- Turn it into a bake: After pressure cooking, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 3–5 minutes to add a golden, crispy topping.
Servings and pairings
- Family-style perfection: Serve instant pot chicken and noodles with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Lighter sides: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the dish’s richness.
- Leftover magic: Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture. Or, transform it into a casserole by adding more cheese and baking it in the oven.
Frequently asked questions
Is chicken in Instant Pot good?
Yes, chicken cooked in an Instant Pot is delicious and incredibly convenient. The pressure cooking locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring tender and juicy results, making it perfect for dishes like chicken and noodles.
Are chicken and noodles healthy?
Chicken and noodles can be a healthy meal depending on the ingredients used. Lean chicken provides high-quality protein, while egg noodles or whole-grain alternatives offer carbohydrates for energy. Adding vegetables like carrots or peas boosts the dish’s nutritional value. Opt for low-sodium broth and control portion sizes to keep it balanced.
Do I need to put water in my Instant Pot to cook chicken?
Yes, you must add water or another liquid, like broth, to the Instant Pot to create the steam needed for pressure cooking. Without liquid, the pot won’t pressurize and may trigger a burn warning. Additionally, food could stick to the bottom and burn, leading to uneven cooking or potential damage to the pot.
Does chicken get more tender the longer you pressure cook it?
To an extent, yes, chicken becomes more tender with pressure cooking, but overcooking can cause the meat to lose moisture and become mushy. For best results, follow recommended cooking times based on the type of chicken you’re using.
Is it possible to overcook chicken in Instant Pot?
Yes, overcooking chicken in an Instant Pot can cause it to become dry, stringy, or overly soft. Following precise cooking times and using quick release to avoid extended steaming will help maintain the perfect texture.
Why does my Instant Pot chicken taste rubbery?
Rubbery chicken usually occurs when the meat is undercooked or overcooked. Using the wrong cooking time, skipping the quick release, or not allowing enough natural pressure release time can cause this texture. Make sure to cut the chicken evenly and follow accurate timing for the best results.
Recipe card
Print
Instant pot chicken and noodles
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2–3 tablespoons powdered milk (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced carrots, peas, or celery (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the chicken: Set Instant Pot to “Sauté,” add 1 tbsp oil or butter, and brown diced chicken for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Turn off “Sauté.”
2️⃣ Layer the liquids and noodles: Pour in chicken broth, stir in 2–3 tbsp powdered milk until dissolved, and deglaze the pot. Spread cream of chicken soup over the broth (do not stir). Add egg noodles, pressing them slightly into the liquid.
3️⃣ Pressure cook: Secure lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on “Pressure Cook” (High) for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release.
4️⃣ Stir and adjust: Open the lid, stir to combine, and add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
5️⃣ Serve and garnish: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: After pressure cooking, transfer the dish to a baking dish, sprinkle it with shredded cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 3–5 minutes. This adds a golden, bubbly topping that takes your instant pot chicken and noodles to gourmet levels!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus time for pressure build and release)
There’s nothing quite like the creamy, comforting goodness of instant pot chicken and noodles to warm up your dinner table. This one-pot wonder is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Ready to give it a try? Make this dish tonight and share your experience! Snap a photo, tag us on social media, and let us know your favorite variations. Bon appétit!