Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup has become one of the most trusted homemade dishes across American households. This warm, rich, aromatic soup brings a comforting taste that suits any season, any family dinner, and any level of cooking experience. Thanks to pressure-cooking technology, the Instant Pot turns basic ingredients into a deeply flavorful soup in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. The chicken becomes tender, the vegetables soften perfectly, and the broth develops a satisfying richness that feels like it simmered for hours.

This guide explores how to prepare Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with simple, wholesome ingredients, how to season it properly, which noodles work best, how to make variations, and how to improve flavor step by step. You’ll also find real-world comparisons of 10 Walmart products commonly used in this recipe, with prices, pros, cons, and shopper impressions to help choose the best ingredients. Everything in this article is structured, optimized, and written naturally to support clear readability and strong SEO performance.

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is one of those dishes that reminds people of home. It’s warm, cozy, full of layers of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy a thick, hearty soup or a brothy, soothing blend, the Instant Pot allows effortless customization while maintaining excellent taste. With the right steps, spices, and cooking method, this recipe can become part of your regular meal rotation.

Core Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup centers around simple, traditional ingredients that become something special when pressure cooked. Each one adds its own texture, aroma, or flavor element.

Chicken

Options include:

Bone-in chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs
Chicken breasts
Whole chicken pieces
Rotisserie chicken (added after cooking)

For best results, many cooks prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicy during pressure cooking.

Vegetables

The classic trio creates natural sweetness and fragrance:

Carrots
Celery
Onion

Additional vegetables may be added for variations:

Garlic
Parsnip
Peas
Corn

Broth

Most people use:

Chicken broth
Chicken stock
Bone broth

Each provides slightly different richness.

Seasonings

These shape the flavor:

Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Thyme
Parsley
Bay leaf

Optional additions:

Rosemary
Turmeric
Paprika

Noodles

Egg noodles are the classic choice. They maintain structure and absorb flavor well. You can also use:

Wide egg noodles
Medium egg noodles
Rotini
Ditalini

Avoid noodles that become mushy quickly.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This method creates bold flavor and satisfying texture while keeping preparation simple.

Step 1 – Sauté Aromatics

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add a splash of olive oil. Then add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 2 – Add Chicken

Place chicken thighs or breasts directly over the vegetables. Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Step 3 – Pour Broth

Add chicken broth until the meat and vegetables are fully covered.

Step 4 – add bay leaf

Bay leaf gives the soup a warm background aroma.

Step 5 – Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for at least 5 minutes before switching to quick release.

Step 6 – Remove Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Shred it using two forks.

Step 7 – Add Noodles

Switch to Sauté mode again. Add noodles directly into the pot and cook 5-7 minutes until tender.

Step 8 – Return Shredded Chicken

Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 9 – Taste and Adjust

Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.

Step 10 – Serve Warm

Enjoy immediately. Soup tastes even better after resting for 10 minutes.

Texture, Flavor, and Consistency Guide

Different households enjoy different styles of chicken noodle soup. Here’s how to adjust your recipe:

Soup Style	Broth Ratio	Noodle Amount	Chicken Amount	Notes
Brothy	More broth	Fewer noodles	Medium	Light, soothing
Thick	Less broth	More noodles	More chicken	Hearty
Classic	Balanced	Medium	Medium	Traditional texture
Rich & Creamy	Add milk or cream	Medium	Medium	Smooth and comforting
Herb-Forward	Extra herbs	Fewer noodles	Medium	Bright aroma

Ten Walmart Products for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Below is a carefully structured comparison of 10 Walmart products commonly used in this recipe. Prices are approximate and shown in dollars. Each listing includes pros, cons, and user impressions.

⭐ 1. Great Value Chicken Broth – $1.33

Pros

Very affordable
Mild flavor
Good base for homemade soup

Cons

Not as rich as premium broths

User Impression

Buyers appreciate the low cost and clean flavor.

⭐ 2. Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Broth – $2.28

Pros

Strong chicken flavor
Excellent clarity
Consistent quality

Cons

More expensive than Great Value

User Impression

Popular among cooks who prefer robust broth.

⭐ 3. Great Value Boneless Chicken Thighs – $7.92

Pros

Budget-friendly
Stays juicy in pressure cooking

Cons

Sometimes unevenly sized

User Impression

Home cooks love how tender the thighs become in the Instant Pot.

⭐ 4. Tyson Fresh Chicken Breasts – $10.94

Pros

Lean and tender
Easy to shred

Cons

Less flavorful than thighs

User Impression

A frequent choice for lighter soups.

⭐ 5. Reames Homestyle Egg Noodles – $3.76

Pros

Thick, chewy texture
Perfect for hearty soups

Cons

Longer cook time

User Impression

A favorite for classic chicken noodle soup consistency.

⭐ 6. Barilla Egg Pasta – $2.98

Pros

Fast cooking
Smooth texture

Cons

Softens quickly if overcooked

User Impression

Good choice for lighter, brothy soups.

⭐ 7. Great Value Carrots – $1.48

Pros

Sweet flavor
Affordable

Cons

Occasional inconsistency in size

User Impression

Works well in pressure-cooked soups with excellent texture.

⭐ 8. Great Value Celery Hearts – $2.24

Pros

Fresh and crunchy
Good flavor

Cons

Not organic

User Impression

Reliable vegetable base for soups.

⭐ 9. McCormick Thyme Leaves – $3.94

Pros

Strong herbal aroma
Enhances broth depth

Cons

Small container

User Impression

Widely loved for pressure cooker recipes.

⭐ 10. Great Value Olive Oil – $4.14

Pros

Neutral flavor
Helps vegetables sauté evenly

Cons

Basic quality

User Impression

A solid budget oil that works for any sauté process.

Comparison Table: Walmart Products for Soup Preparation

Product	Price (USD)	Category	Best Use	Key Strength
Great Value Chicken Broth	1.33	Broth	Light soups	Budget-friendly
Swanson Broth	2.28	Broth	Rich soups	Robust flavor
Great Value Chicken Thighs	7.92	Meat	Tenderness	Juicy texture
Tyson Chicken Breasts	10.94	Meat	Low fat	Lean protein
Reames Egg Noodles	3.76	Noodles	Thick soups	Chewy texture
Barilla Egg Pasta	2.98	Noodles	Quick soups	Fast cooking
Great Value Carrots	1.48	Veggies	Sweetness	Affordable
Great Value Celery	2.24	Veggies	Aroma	Fresh crunch
McCormick Thyme	3.94	Herbs	Depth	Strong aroma
Great Value Olive Oil	4.14	Oil	Sauté base	Neutral taste

Flavor Variations

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup adapts easily to different flavor styles.

Classic Herb Soup

With thyme, parsley, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add milk, cream, or half-and-half.

Lemon Chicken Soup

Add lemon juice and lemon zest.

Garlic Lover’s Soup

Increase garlic for a bold flavor.

Vegetable-Heavy Soup

Add peas, corn, green beans, or spinach.

Kid-Friendly Mild Soup

Use fewer herbs; add small pasta shapes.

Texture Adjustments

For a thicker soup:

Add more noodles
Use chicken thighs
Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes

For a thinner soup:

Add extra broth
Reduce noodle quantity

For richer broth:

Use bone-in chicken
Add bouillon powder
Include a small piece of butter

Tips from Home Cooks

Cutting vegetables evenly ensures consistent texture.
Adding noodles at the end avoids sogginess.
Shredded chicken absorbs more broth and flavor.
Soup tastes even better the next day.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration:

Store for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing:

Freeze without noodles for best texture.

Reheating:

Instant Pot: Soup Mode for 5 minutes
Stovetop: Medium heat 8 minutes
Microwave: 2-3 minutes with stirring

User Reviews Summary

Positive Notes

Comforting and flavorful
Extremely easy in the Instant Pot
Chicken becomes very tender
Perfect for families
Works for weekly meal prep

Negative Notes

Noodles can get mushy if left too long
Needs seasoning adjustment depending on taste

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup offers warmth, comfort, and deep satisfaction with minimal effort. The Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a rich, soulful dish that tastes homemade every time. Whether you prefer classic herb flavors, creamy textures, lemon-forward variations, or veggie-rich blends, this recipe adapts smoothly to any preference. Combined with Walmart’s budget-friendly and reliable ingredients, it becomes a perfect everyday meal that fits busy schedules, family dinners, and cozy evenings.