Instant Pot Whole Chicken Soup

This Instant Pot whole chicken soup is what I turn to on lazy Sundays, rainy evenings, or whenever someone in the house starts sniffling. It’s hearty, warm, and full of flavor—and the best part? You just toss everything into the pressure cooker and let it do its thing. No babysitting, no stirring, just soul-soothing soup with almost no effort.

Why I Love Making This When Life Feels a Bit Much

There’s something about whole chicken soup that always feels like home. Growing up, my mom made a stovetop version with whatever veggies we had, and that smell of simmering chicken still takes me back to those comforting afternoons.

Nowadays, I let the Instant Pot take over. It gives me the same deep flavor without hovering over a hot stove. The broth turns out rich, the chicken falls apart perfectly, and even the pickiest eaters in my house happily go back for a second bowl.

This isn’t just “sick day” soup—it’s the kind of meal I crave when I want something warm and grounding, especially with a side of crusty bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)

Whole Chicken
I always go for a small organic bird when I can find one. The combo of dark and white meat makes the broth incredibly flavorful. Don’t worry about perfect butchering—it all falls apart beautifully in the pot.

Carrots, Celery & Onion
The classic soup trio. I leave the carrot skins on for extra nutrients, just scrub them well. Chop everything into chunky pieces—this is rustic comfort food, not fine dining.

Garlic Paste
I love using garlic paste because it melts into the broth without any harsh bite. If you only have fresh garlic, just mince it finely.

Chicken Broth + Water
I use a mix of both. The broth deepens the flavor right from the start, and water helps balance it out. If I’m out of broth, water still works, but the soup won’t be quite as rich.

Dried Herbs
I keep it simple: a bit of dried basil, tarragon, and parsley. They add subtle background flavor without overpowering the broth.

Soup Pasta
Orzo is my favorite—those tiny pieces make every spoonful feel full and satisfying. Ditalini or even broken spaghetti work too. Use what’s in your pantry.

Kitchen Prep Tips Before You Start

• Skip washing the chicken—I know some of us were taught to rinse meat, but trust me, it just splashes bacteria around the sink. Instead, I drain it directly and pat it dry with a paper towel.
• Use the giblets if you like—I throw them right in with the chicken. They add a deeper, richer flavor to the broth. If they weird you out, skip them.
• Don’t forget the salt—A whole chicken and a full pot of water need a generous amount. Taste and adjust at the end if needed.

Let’s Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Prep Your Bird & Veggies
Unwrap the chicken, pat it dry inside and out, and check if there are giblets. Keep them or toss them—your choice. Chop the carrots, celery, and onions into thick chunks. No need to be precise.

Step 2 – Load Up the Pot
Place the whole chicken in your Instant Pot insert. Add the giblets (if using), then pile the veggies on top.

Step 3 – Pour in the Liquids & Seasoning
Add chicken broth and water until the bird is mostly covered. Sprinkle in your dried herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic paste. It already smells good—and we haven’t even started cooking yet.

Step 4 – Pressure Cook the Soup
Seal the lid, make sure the vent is set to “sealing,” and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 27 minutes. It’ll take about 20–25 minutes to come to pressure—don’t worry, that’s normal.

Step 5 – Release, Remove, and Rest
Once the timer’s up, let it sit for 10 minutes before carefully releasing the pressure. Open the lid, take out the chicken, and set it aside to cool just a bit.

Step 6 – Add the Pasta
Now stir in your orzo or other small pasta. Lock the lid back on (it might be a little tricky with the steam—unplugging the pot for a minute helps), and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

Step 7 – Shred the Chicken & Finish
While the pasta cooks, start shredding the chicken. I usually peel off the skin and use two forks to tear the meat into bite-sized pieces. Be careful—it’s hot! I save the breast meat for chicken salad and toss everything else back into the pot.

Step 8 – Time to Eat
Give the soup a good stir, ladle it into bowls, and serve with crusty bread or buttered toast. It’s comfort in a bowl, every time.

Smart Tips from My Kitchen

• Freezer Tip: This soup freezes like a dream. I portion it into mason jars (leave room at the top for expansion!) and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Orzo Watch: Don’t overcook the orzo—it continues softening in the hot broth. 6 minutes under pressure is plenty.
• Lid Troubles? If steam makes it hard to get the lid back on after adding pasta, unplug the Instant Pot for a moment to help relieve the internal pressure. Works like a charm.
• Use What You Have: No orzo? Use rice or broken noodles. No garlic paste? Minced garlic works. Don’t stress—this soup is flexible.

How to Store It

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavor actually improves overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers. I usually freeze it without the pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy—just boil fresh pasta when you reheat.

A Few Extra Notes

Is this soup good for when you’re sick?
Absolutely. It’s full of nourishing broth, soft veggies, and tender chicken—easy on the stomach and perfect for sick days or chilly nights.

Do I have to use a whole chicken?
Not at all. You can use bone-in thighs or drumsticks instead. But I like using a whole bird because it gives you both white and dark meat, and the bones add extra flavor.

Can I skip the pasta?
Sure! Sometimes I make it without pasta and stir in leftover cooked rice instead. It’s still hearty and filling.

This Instant Pot chicken soup is the kind of recipe I come back to over and over again. Whether I’m feeling under the weather, short on time, or just craving something cozy, it hits the spot. It’s not fancy—but it’s real, filling, and made with love.

Try Other Instant Pot Recipes:

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken