Friends, I have the perfect recipe to fight the flu season blues and to warm your soul during chilly nights: my Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup!

As the temperature drops, you want a comfort food that will help fight off those nasty germs knocking at your door. Look no further than this homemade chicken noodle soup packed with greens and infused with a secret ingredient that will keep you coming back for more.

This recipe is perfect for all occasions but especially when you’re feeling sick. Chicken noodle soup has always been known as the epitome of comfort food, but I am taking things one step further by adding in the perfect blend of seasonings that science has shown can help ease cold and flu symptoms. What’s not to love about a hot bowl of soup that also helps boost your immune system?

I promise this Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup recipe will become a regular in your meal rotation. So grab your apron, preheat your instant pot, and let’s start cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now, listen up folks, I’m about to tell you all the reasons why this Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the holy grail of soup recipes. This recipe is not just for fighting off a pesky cold or flu, but it’s also loaded with everything your body craves and desires when you’re feeling down and out.

First and foremost, this recipe is packed with homemade chicken broth – trust me; there is nothing more comforting than that. And paired with noodles and veggies, it’s the epitome of comfort food. Let’s not forget about the subtle kick of chili powder that will give you the sensation of warming from inside out.

The inclusion of chicken breast will undoubtedly satisfy your protein requirements, and loaded veggie content will replenish your body with much-needed nutrients. This recipe will help you feel complete satisfaction after every bowl, providing your body with the right amount of carbohydrates to help you feel full.

But wait, there’s more! Not only does chicken noodle soup lift our spirits when we are feeling sick, but it also contains substances that support our immune system. Moreover, research has shown that consuming warm liquids like soup can provide relief from congestion and other cold-related symptoms.

So, whether you have caught the flu or need something to warm up on a cold day or just craving a taste-bud blasting goodness; this Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has got your back. Trust me folks; this recipe will become a staple in your home – it certainly has in mine!

Ingredient List

Chicken and Broth:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water

Vegetables:

1 large onion, chopped
3 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped

Garlic and Spices:

4 minced garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (For a little kick of spiciness)

Lemon Juice:

Juice of one lemon

Soup Noodles:

8 oz. noodles (I typically use linguine, but you’re welcome to substitute with any noodle of your choice)

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

The ingredient list may look long, but most of these ingredients can be found in a standard kitchen pantry. The spices are what really give this soup its unique flavor – combining oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder with the meaty taste of chicken breast and the punchy sharpness of lemon juice.

The Recipe How-To

The ultimate “flu-fighting” soup for when you need a boost.

Now that we know what this flu-fighting chicken noodle soup is all about, let’s get to the nitty-gritty part. Don your apron and gather your ingredients because it’s about to get tasty in here!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 medium-sized carrots, chopped
3 medium-sized celery stalks, chopped
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
8 cups (64 oz) chicken broth or bone broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
4 cups (12 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
4 cups (8 oz) uncooked egg noodles

This recipe is perfect for an Instant Pot meal, but fear not if you don’t have one: you can easily prepare it on a stove-top as well! Let’s jump right in.

Step 1: Set Your Instant Pot

Select the “Sauté” function of your Instant Pot and heat up the oil until it’s hot. Next, add the onion, carrots and celery, and sauté them until they turn brownish. It should take around four minutes.

Step 2: Add Spices and Broths

Add garlic, oregano, dried basil, chili powder, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix everything well and let it cook for another minute. After that, add chicken broth/bone broth and water to the pot along with bay leaves and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the mixture and toss them well so they are covered in broth. Set Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for around five minutes. Once the pressure releases, open the lid carefully.

Step 4: Add Noodles

Add egg noodles to this mixture and close the lid of your Instant Pot again. Set it to “Manual” mode, high pressure and cook for six minutes. Don’t worry about uncooked noodles; the residual heat of this piping hot liquid will do the job just fine. Once cooked, you can release pressure or let it come down on its own.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, adjust salt, pepper and lemon juice according to your preferences.

Pro Tip: While lemon juice might seem like an unusual ingredient, it helps to enhance the flavors of this soup – and even add a bit of vitamin C! Perfect for fighting off that pesky flu.

Now that we have perfectly seasoned noodles packed with flu-fighting chicken

Substitutions and Variations

When life gives you lemons, add them to chicken noodle soup for an immunity boost!

Folks, let me tell you that there’s no sin in making a recipe your own. Now, let me reveal to you the best part of this chicken noodle soup recipe: it is versatile! You can modify and substitute some of the ingredients to make it work for your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Firstly, if you prefer a little bit of heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or jalapeños for that spicy kick. For those who are under the weather or just prefer less spiciness, leave it out altogether.

If you’re a vegetarian, simply swap the chicken with vegetable broth and omit the meat. If you still crave some protein power, stir in some tofu to replace the chicken.

Switching up the noodles can vary the texture and taste of the soup. You can use egg noodles instead of traditional chicken noodle noodles for a softer texture. Alternatively, use ramen noodles for an Asian twist to this classic soup.

Speaking of an Asian twist, if you want a broth with more depth, try adding star anise (but remember to remove before serving) or miso paste.

Lastly, I also suggest using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast because they come out more tender and flavorful due to their slightly higher fat content compared to other poultry parts.

Whatever modifications you choose to do with this recipe, just remember that you’re in charge of creating something new and delicious.

Serving and Pairing

Soup-ercharge your immune system with this savory homemade chicken noodle soup.

Now that you’ve got a hot, steaming bowl of this delicious chicken noodle soup in your hands, let’s talk about some great pairing and serving options. When it comes to serving, a big spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a nice tangy flavor to balance out the richness of the broth. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also give your soup some extra freshness.

As for pairing, this soup goes great with some crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a simple salad for a fresh contrast to the warm and comforting flavors of the soup.

If you’re looking to make this dish into a full meal, why not try adding some shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp for an extra protein boost? Or toss in some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for a healthy dose of vegetables.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair it, this instant pot flu fighter chicken noodle soup is sure to warm your heart and nourish your soul. So go ahead and dig in – after all, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade comfort food on a chilly day!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Soothe your soul with this delicious and easy chicken noodle soup recipe.

Now that you’ve made this delicious Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, you might be wondering how to store and reheat it properly. Well, don’t worry because I’ve got you covered.

The great thing about this soup is that it can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. To store the soup, make sure it has thoroughly cooled down before transferring it to a container. I prefer using glass containers as they are microwave safe and environmentally friendly.

When reheating the soup, do not boil it. Instead, warm it over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave if you’re short on time. Just remember to cover the bowl with a lid or damp paper towel to prevent splattering.

If you find that the soup has thickened during refrigeration, add some chicken broth or water to thin it out before reheating. Also, avoid adding any salt until after you have reheated because the flavors of the soup will intensify over time.

With these tips on storing and reheating this delightful soup, you can enjoy it all week long and feel comforted knowing that even when feeling sick, a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup loaded with greens and garlic is always within reach!

Tips for Perfect Results

A hug in a bowl- this chicken noodle soup is the perfect pick-me-up!

Now, let me share with you some tips to ensure your Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup recipe comes out perfectly every time.

First and foremost, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe instead of chicken thighs. Though thighs may have more flavor, they also have a higher fat content, which can result in a greasy soup.

If you like your soup a bit spicier, try adding some cayenne pepper to the mix. Not only does it add a little heat, but it can also help clear up those stuffy noses.

Additionally, for the best chicken stock base, combining equal parts chicken broth and water is the way to go. This will give you a richer flavor without becoming too salty.

When it comes to the vegetables in your soup, do not overcook them, as they can turn mushy and lose their texture. Instead, cook them until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Finally, do not be shy with the lemon juice! Adding that fresh acidic kick at the end ties all the flavors together beautifully and helps combat any lingering “flu symptoms.”

With these tips in mind, your Instant Pot “Flu Fighter” Chicken Noodle Soup will be soothing comfort food that hits all the right notes.

FAQ

Now that you have all the information you need to make this irresistible Flu Fighter Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in your Instant Pot, it is important that I address some frequently asked questions. In this section, I will be answering common concerns and queries about this dish. Keep on reading to learn more!

Does chicken noodle soup really help with flu?

While chicken noodle soup may not provide a complete cure for colds, it can certainly make your child more comfortable. It is vital to note that it is not a replacement for medical treatment or professional advice, and if your child is unwell, it is always recommended to seek advice from a doctor first.

Why does chicken noodle soup taste so good when you’re sick?

The key ingredient in this dish is the succulent chicken, which not only adds a great source of protein but also supports our immune system. The dish is also accompanied by the addition of comforting noodles, high in carbohydrates that offer a feeling of fullness and satisfaction. As an optional addition, adding herbs such as parsley, bay leaf, thyme, or dill not only enhances the flavor but also increases the number of antioxidants for further immunity support.

What is the secret behind chicken soups medical magic?

Did you know that chicken noodle soup is not only a delicious dish, but it can also boost your mood? This is because chicken is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin – a neurotransmitter that affects your mood. Serotonin creates a sense of comfort and happiness, making it the perfect comfort food. Additionally, the noodles in the soup are a great source of carbohydrates that help you feel full and satisfied. Overall, this traditional dish is not only tasty but also has potential health benefits.

Does chicken noodle soup loosen mucus?

It has been found through recent studies that among different hot liquids, chicken soup has the ability to increase mucus flow and facilitate the body in getting rid of the cold virus. This is because chicken contains a specific amino acid known as cysteine, which has the power to loosen secretions. By adding spices like pepper and garlic to the mix, this effect can be amplified.

Bottom Line

Now that you’ve got the full recipe for this instant pot “flu fighter” chicken noodle soup, there’s no excuse for not trying it out the next time you’re feeling under the weather or craving some comfort food. With its hearty ingredients, such as chicken broth, noodles, and veggies, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices like oregano, dried basil, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder, this soup is a real winner for both your taste buds and your immune system.

Moreover, this recipe is so versatile that you can easily make substitutions and variations to suit your preferences. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts or swap egg noodles for rice noodles for a different twist. Likewise, this soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Remember that homemade soups are the epitome of comfort food, and nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction you get from creating something delicious with your own hands. So next time you’re feeling sick or looking for something warm and cozy to curl up with on a cold day, this instant pot “flu fighter” chicken noodle soup is an excellent option that will leave both your tummy and soul satisfied. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you!

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Boost Your Immunity with Flu Fighter Soup Recipe