If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a bowl of comforting chicken noodle soup with minimal effort, your solution is just a few buttons away. The Power Pressure Cooker XL is here to revolutionize the way we make this classic dish. Gone are the hours spent simmering and slow-cooking. With this kitchen gadget, you can create a delicious, hearty soup in a fraction of the time. The best part? The pressure cooker locks in all the rich flavors of the broth, making every bite of chicken and noodles absolutely irresistible.
Now, let’s dive into a recipe that is easy to follow and produces an amazing result-perfect for a cold day or when you need a quick meal to feed a hungry crowd.
Power Pressure Cooker Xl Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles-all in one pot. It’s an excellent way to enjoy homemade chicken noodle soup without spending hours in the kitchen. The Power Pressure Cooker XL makes it quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
To make this simple, yet delicious, chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a mix of basic ingredients that are easy to find and come together beautifully in the pressure cooker. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs) – about 2-3 pieces (roughly 1.5 lbs)
- Egg Noodles – 2 cups (you can swap with any pasta type, but egg noodles give a soft texture that works wonderfully in soups)
- Carrots – 2 medium, sliced thin
- Celery – 2-3 stalks, sliced
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic Cloves – 3 cloves, minced (adds depth of flavor)
- Chicken Broth – 6 cups (preferably low-sodium to control the salt content)
- Bay Leaves – 2 whole leaves (for aromatic richness)
- Thyme – 1 tsp dried or a couple of sprigs fresh (adds a subtle earthy note)
- Salt and Pepper – to taste (enhances the flavors)
- Olive Oil or Butter – 1-2 tbsp (for sautéing)
- Parsley – fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to transform these ingredients into a steaming bowl of goodness. The pressure cooker is your best friend here-it seals in the flavors, keeps everything tender, and speeds up the process. Here’s how you do it:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Start by turning on your Power Pressure Cooker XL to the sauté mode. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
- Once hot, toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
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Add The Chicken And Seasonings
- Season the veggies with salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) directly into the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Drop in the bay leaves.
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Pressure Cook
- Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release to release the remaining pressure.
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Shred The Chicken
- Open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
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Cook The Noodles
- Add the egg noodles directly to the soup, stir, and close the lid again. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 3 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release to prevent overcooking the noodles.
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Final Touches
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredient Insights
To make your chicken noodle soup not only flavorful but nutritionally balanced, let’s dive into some of the key ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Chicken is packed with lean protein, which helps to repair tissues and supports muscle health. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are lower in fat. You can use whichever you prefer.
- Carrots: These vibrant veggies are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting good vision and a healthy immune system.
- Celery: Celery is low in calories but high in fiber and water content, making it perfect for hydrating your body and keeping digestion smooth.
- Garlic: Not only does garlic add amazing flavor, but it’s also known for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Egg Noodles: These provide that comforting, soft texture in the soup and are a good source of carbohydrates, giving you that energy boost to fuel your day.
Expert Tips
Making a delicious chicken noodle soup in the Power Pressure Cooker XL is straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you take it to the next level:
- Sauté First: Don’t skip the sautéing step! It develops the flavors of the onions, garlic, and other vegetables, which will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Customize the Noodles: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to swap in rotini, fusilli, or even whole-wheat noodles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different shapes cook at different speeds.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, homemade chicken broth (using bones and scraps) will elevate the flavor of your soup exponentially. If you’re in a rush, a high-quality store-bought broth is a great alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make this recipe vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for tofu or more vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Recipe Variations
- Add a Dash of Cream: Want a creamier texture? After pressure cooking, you can stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half to make it more indulgent.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or even a little sage can be added during the sauté step to bring out a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy twist.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest at the end can bring a refreshing brightness to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors.
Final Words
The Power Pressure Cooker XL is not just for large cuts of meat or stews-it’s a versatile tool that can easily help you make a quick and delicious chicken noodle soup from scratch. This recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in some veggies and protein into a single bowl.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s fully customizable-whether you like your soup rich and creamy, light and brothy, or with a bit of spice, you can tailor it to your preferences. The Power Pressure Cooker XL does all the heavy lifting, and all you have to do is follow the steps and enjoy the result.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Cook Chicken Noodle Soup In A Power Pressure Cooker XL?
The total cooking time for chicken noodle soup in a Power Pressure Cooker XL is about 15-20 minutes under high pressure, plus an additional 10 minutes for natural pressure release.
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Chicken Noodle Soup In A Power Pressure Cooker XL?
For a basic chicken noodle soup, you’ll need chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, egg noodles, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like thyme or parsley.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken In The Power Pressure Cooker XL For Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Power Pressure Cooker XL. However, you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s generally safe to cook frozen chicken, but ensure that it’s fully cooked before serving.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking The Noodles In Chicken Noodle Soup?
To avoid overcooking the noodles, it’s best to add them towards the end of the cooking cycle and cook them on the ’saute’ mode after pressure cooking for about 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired noodle texture.
Can I Make Chicken Noodle Soup Without Broth In The Power Pressure Cooker XL?
Yes, you can make chicken noodle soup without broth by substituting it with water and adding additional seasonings (like bouillon cubes or a seasoning mix) to create a flavorful base.
How Do I Thicken The Chicken Noodle Soup In A Power Pressure Cooker XL?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use cornstarch, flour, or a roux (flour and butter mixture) to thicken the soup after pressure cooking. Simply dissolve the thickener in water, add it to the soup, and simmer using the ’saute’ mode until desired consistency is achieved.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Or Gluten-free Noodles In The Power Pressure Cooker XL?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles, but they may require a slightly different cooking time. Be sure to check the package for specific instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
How Much Liquid Do I Need For Chicken Noodle Soup In The Power Pressure Cooker XL?
You’ll need about 4-6 cups of liquid (chicken broth or water) to ensure proper pressure cooking. The liquid helps to create steam for cooking, while preventing burning at the bottom of the pot.
Can I Add Vegetables Like Peas Or Corn To The Chicken Noodle Soup In The Power Pressure Cooker XL?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking or after pressure cooking to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Can I Store Leftovers Of Chicken Noodle Soup Made In The Power Pressure Cooker XL?
Yes, you can store leftover chicken noodle soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the noodles to maintain texture, and add fresh noodles when reheating.