Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, feel free to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They both turn out delicious.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

I highly recommend making this recipe with egg noodles, but you could also make it with rotini, penne, bowtie, or even spaghetti noodles if that’s what you have on hand. You will just need to adjust the cook time according to what is listed on the package.

Instant Pot Chicken And Noodles

Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup; 1-2 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp seasoned salt; 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 stick unsalted butter, sliced; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 8 oz uncooked egg noodles

This Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles is a hearty, one-pot meal that delivers comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. It features tender chicken and buttery noodles in a creamy sauce, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

List of ingredients

1 1/2- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – used for a lean and tender protein base
2 cans cream of chicken soup, 10.5 oz each – do not add water to the cans to maintain sauce thickness
1-2 tsp dried parsley – provides a mild herbal note and color
½ tsp seasoned salt – adds a balanced savory flavor
¼ tsp poultry seasoning – enhances the traditional chicken dinner taste
¼ tsp garlic powder – adds a subtle aromatic depth to the gravy
1/2 stick unsalted butter, sliced – creates a rich, silky texture in the final dish
3 1/2 cups chicken broth – serves as the primary cooking liquid for pressure cooking
8 oz. egg noodles, uncooked – standard wide egg noodles are recommended for best results

step-by-step instructions

Layer the ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the meat without adding water, then sprinkle the parsley, seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder on top. Place the butter slices over the seasonings and pour the chicken broth over everything.
Pressure cook the chicken: Secure the lid and turn the pressure release valve to the ‘sealing’ position. Set the cooker to manual high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
Release and shred: Once the timer ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before switching to a quick release for the remaining steam. Carefully open the lid, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl, and shred the meat into large chunks using two forks.
Prepare the noodles: Set the Instant Pot to the ‘saute’ function and bring the cooking liquid to a boil. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness.
Final combination: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir frequently for another 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and the sauce is well-combined.

Expert Cooking Tips for Best Results

Prevent the Burn Notice by Layering Correctly

To avoid the dreaded ‘burn’ warning on your Instant Pot, always layer ingredients as described. Keeping the thicker soup and seasonings on top of the chicken and finishing with the broth ensures the liquid circulates properly. This prevents thick residues from sticking to the bottom heating element during the high-pressure cycle.

Control the Pressure Release for Better Texture

Using a natural release for 5 minutes prevents the liquid from bubbling over violently through the steam valve. This short waiting period also allows the chicken to finish cooking gently, which keeps the meat more succulent. Quick releasing immediately can cause the sauce to spray out of the pot.

Monitor Noodle Tenderness During Saute

Egg noodles can overcook quickly, turning mushy if left too long. Start checking the texture at the 5-minute mark during the saute step. Remember that the noodles will continue to soften slightly as they sit in the hot sauce before serving.

Ensure Even Shredding of Chicken

Removing the chicken to a separate bowl for shredding allows you to control the size of the pieces. Using two forks to pull the meat into large chunks prevents the chicken from becoming too fragmented. This preserves the hearty texture of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

Swap Chicken Breasts for Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts for more flavor and moisture. Thighs are harder to overcook and provide a richer taste due to their higher fat content. If using thighs, the pressure cooking time remains the same.

Alternative Noodle Options

While wide egg noodles are traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta. If you use these shapes, refer to the pasta package for the suggested boil time on the saute setting. Be aware that these shapes may absorb slightly more liquid than egg noodles.

Choosing the Right Cream Soup

If you prefer an organic option, Pacific Foods Cream of Chicken is a highly recommended brand. Ensure the soup is a standard condensed style to maintain the correct viscosity of the gravy. Avoid using ‘healthy’ versions that are too thin, as the sauce may not thicken properly.

Low Sodium Broth for Flavor Control

Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to better control the salt levels of the final dish. Since seasoned salt is already in the recipe, low-sodium broth prevents the meal from becoming overly salty. You can always adjust the seasoning at the end with a pinch of salt if needed.

Creative Recipe Variations

Adding Mixed Frozen Vegetables

To add color and nutrition, stir in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, and corn during the noodle cooking stage. The heat from the saute function will thaw and cook the vegetables in a few minutes. This turns the meal into a complete one-pot dinner with protein, starch, and greens.

Enhancing the Herb Profile

For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary along with the poultry seasoning. Freshly chopped parsley added at the very end also provides a bright, fresh contrast to the rich gravy. These additions give the dish a more homemade, roasted feel.

Adding a Bright Citrus Finish

Stirring in one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice after the chicken is returned to the pot can cut through the richness of the butter and soup. This small amount of acidity brightens the entire flavor profile. It makes the dish taste lighter and more balanced.

Creating a Cheesy Chicken and Noodle Dish

For an extra indulgent version, stir in a half cup of shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese at the very end. Keep the pot on the ‘warm’ setting while stirring in the cheese until it is fully melted. This creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that appeals to children and adults alike.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Pair with Steamed Broccoli

Serving this rich dish alongside steamed broccoli adds a necessary crunch and nutritional balance. The bitterness of the broccoli complements the creamy sauce of the chicken and noodles. Lightly seasoning the broccoli with lemon and pepper keeps the side dish fresh.

Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread

Warm garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the extra savory gravy. Toasted baguette slices with butter and minced garlic provide a textural contrast to the soft noodles. This makes the meal feel more substantial and satisfying.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of each bowl improves the visual presentation. Beyond looks, fresh herbs add a layer of aromatic freshness that complements the dried seasonings used in the pot. It transforms a simple comfort meal into a restaurant-style dish.

Balance with a Crisp Garden Salad

A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the buttery sauce. Use mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. The acidity in the dressing cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy chicken.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Refrigerating Leftovers Safely

Store any remaining chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to three days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing for Future Meals

This recipe is excellent for batch cooking and freezing. Freeze the cooked dish in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. When freezing, leave a small amount of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.

Best Methods for Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to loosen the sauce, as noodles absorb liquid over time. Stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles during the reheating process.

Preventing Over-Absorption of Liquid

If you plan to eat the leftovers over several days, consider undercooking the noodles slightly during the initial prep. This prevents them from becoming too soft when reheated. Adding extra broth during the reheat process also restores the original creamy consistency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

What to do if the Sauce is Too Thin

If the gravy is too runny after adding the chicken back, let it simmer on the ‘saute’ setting for an extra 2-3 minutes. Stirring constantly will help reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce. Alternatively, you can stir in a small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it instantly.

How to Fix Sauce That is Too Thick

If the sauce becomes too thick or sticky, simply stir in a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water. Do this gradually until the desired consistency is reached. The noodles continue to absorb liquid as they cool, so this is common when reheating.

Handling Mushy Noodles

Mushy noodles usually occur when they are cooked too long during the saute step. To prevent this, start tasting the noodles at 5 minutes. If you have already overcooked them, avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent the noodles from breaking further.

Fixing Dry Chicken Breast

Dry chicken usually results from overcooking or using very lean breasts. Ensure you follow the 10-minute pressure cook time precisely and use the natural release. If the meat is dry, adding a bit more butter or broth during the final combine step can help moisten the chunks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you must increase the manual high pressure cooking time to 15 minutes to ensure the center is fully cooked. Ensure the breasts are not frozen together in one large block for even cooking.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

Searing is not necessary for this specific recipe. The pressure cooking process effectively cooks the meat and develops flavor through the combination of soup and seasonings. Skipping the sear saves time and keeps the process to a single pot.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this for a slow cooker. Cook the chicken, soup, and broth on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and stir in the noodles during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking until tender.

Which brand of egg noodles is best?

Wide egg noodles are the best choice for this recipe because they hold up well in the creamy sauce. Brands like ‘No Yolks’ are popular for their consistency. Avoid using very thin noodles, as they are more likely to break during the saute phase.