instant pot chicken and dumplings
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Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings – Quick & Creamy Comfort Food

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Master the best Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings with our homemade, easy cooking guide on thenextrecipes. This quick one-pot recipe features tender meat and fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family meal, learn how to make professional Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings today!

instant pot chicken and dumplings

The Ultimate Comfort: Perfect instant pot chicken and dumplings

There are few dishes that evoke the feeling of warmth and home quite like chicken and dumplings. It’s a classic for a reason – tender chicken, savory broth, and pillowy, soft dumplings create a symphony of flavors and textures that simply can’t be beaten. While the traditional method often involves simmering for hours, who has that kind of time on a busy weeknight? That’s where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in! Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious instant pot chicken and dumplings recipe, bringing that beloved comfort food to your table faster than you ever thought possible. Say goodbye to lengthy cooking times and hello to a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, all thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about capturing all the rich, comforting essence of a homemade dish with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic meal. You’ll find most of these staples readily available in your pantry and refrigerator, making this a convenient choice for any dinner plan. This blend of simple ingredients comes together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • **For the Dumplings:**
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this glorious instant pot chicken and dumplings is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a steaming pot of comfort ready to serve in no time. This method ensures tender chicken and perfectly cooked, fluffy dumplings every single time.

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Sear the Meat

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the cubed chicken meat until golden on all sides. This locks in the juices and creates a deep, savory flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

instant pot chicken and dumplings

In the same pot, add your diced carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. This base is essential for a high-quality homemade flavor.

Deglaze and Simmer

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Add the seared meat back into the pot. Close the lid and set to pressure cook for 8 minutes.

Add the Greens and Dumplings

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Once the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release. Stir in the frozen peas. Using a spoon, drop rounded portions of your homemade dumpling dough directly onto the simmering dish.
Close the lid again (without sealing) or use a glass lid and let the dumplings steam in the residual heat for about 5–10 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through.

Serve and Garnish

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Ladle the creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a professional, restaurant-style finish.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

While a bowl of steaming Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, a few additions can elevate this comforting dish even further. The beauty of this meal lies in its versatility and ability to pair with simple, fresh accompaniments.

instant pot chicken and dumplings
  • A Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dumplings and chicken.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. A warm baguette or a slice of artisanal sourdough would be excellent.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans or asparagus, tossed with a little butter and lemon zest, add a nice pop of color and extra vegetable goodness.
  • Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread provides another comforting texture and flavor that complements the dish wonderfully.
  • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives, dill, or even a little extra parsley right before serving brightens the flavors and adds an appealing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Making instant pot chicken and dumplings is straightforward, but you might have a few questions along the way. Here are some common queries and their answers to help you perfect this delicious meal.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

While you can, it’s not recommended for this specific recipe. Browning the raw chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot at the beginning builds a foundational layer of flavor for the entire dish. If you use pre-cooked chicken, you’ll miss out on that depth. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can add shredded pre-cooked chicken during step 7 (after pressure cooking) to simply warm it through.

What if I don’t have fresh vegetables?

No problem! While fresh carrots and celery are ideal, you can absolutely use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn) in a pinch. Add them along with the frozen peas in step 8. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be fantastic for your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

It’s best to make the dumpling dough right before you’re ready to cook them. The leavening agents (baking powder) work best when fresh, ensuring light and fluffy dumplings. If you prepare them too far in advance, they might become dense. The good news is, the dough comes together very quickly while the Instant Pot is pressure cooking the chicken!

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the dumplings might absorb more liquid and become softer. You can gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water if the sauce has become too thick. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, but stir occasionally.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough for the dumplings?

Yes, absolutely! For an even quicker shortcut, you can cut canned biscuit dough into quarters and drop them into the simmering liquid in step 8. They will cook up similarly to homemade dumplings, offering a convenient alternative when you’re truly short on time. While homemade gives a specific texture, store-bought biscuits are a valid and popular option for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There you have it – a truly magnificent, comforting, and incredibly easy recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings. This dish proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s recipe book. The Instant Pot transforms a classic into a weeknight wonder, delivering tender chicken, savory broth, and those irresistible fluffy dumplings with minimal fuss. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight and experience the magic for yourself. We promise it will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Did you make this recipe? We would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or any creative tweaks you made in the comments section below. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks. And don’t forget, for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, visit us again soon at www.thenextrecipes.com. Happy cooking!

instant pot chicken and dumplings

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

The ultimate creamy, comforting one-pot dinner! This easy pressure cooker chicken and dumplings recipe uses a clever biscuit dough shortcut to get dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 460

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 large carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (left whole)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 16-ounce can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (not flaky layers)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Equipment

  • 6-Quart or 8-Quart Instant Pot
  • Cutting board and sharp chef knife
  • Wooden spoon or heat-safe silicone spatula
  • Two forks for shredding the chicken

Method
 

  1. Saute the Veggies: Turn your Instant Pot to the Saute function. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly, removing any browned bits to prevent a burn warning.
  3. Pressure Cook the Chicken: Add the whole chicken breasts to the broth. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper directly over the chicken. Secure the lid, make sure the valve is set to Sealing, and cook on Manual / High Pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Quick Release: When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a Quick Pressure Release by turning the valve to Venting. Once the pin drops, carefully remove the lid.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. Simmer the Dumplings: Turn the Instant Pot back to the Saute function. Open the can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each raw biscuit into 4 equal quarters. Drop the dough pieces into the simmering broth, stirring gently so they do not stick together.
  7. Add Cream and Peas: Let the dumplings simmer in the broth for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are puffed up and cooked all the way through. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  8. Serve: Turn the Instant Pot off. Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to slightly thicken before ladling it into warm bowls.

Notes

Choosing the Biscuits: It is very important to buy standard, original buttermilk biscuits. Avoid the “flaky layers” style of biscuits, as they will completely dissolve into the broth and turn your soup into mush instead of holding their shape as proper dumplings.
Thickening the Broth: The starch from the biscuit dough naturally thickens the broth as it simmers. However, if you prefer an ultra-thick, gravy-like consistency, you can stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water right before adding the heavy cream.
Chicken Thighs: You can easily swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are incredibly forgiving under pressure and provide a slightly richer flavor to the overall dish.

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