Easy Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe
Welcome to my Instant Pot Chicken and Dumpling’s recipe, where I will teach you how to create a warm, comforting and delicious meal in just a short amount of time. There’s nothing more satisfying and cozy than chicken dumplings on a chilly evening, and with this recipe, you can have it in under an hour!
This recipe is perfect if you love hearty soups, stews or one-pot meals that are packed with flavor. The juicy chicken pieces, soft and fluffy dumplings, creamy sauce and savory vegetables combine together to create a bowl of comfort food that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.
The best part is that you don’t need to be an experienced chef to make this dish. Even if you’re new to cooking or don’t have much time on your hands, this recipe is easy and foolproof. The Instant Pot does most of the work for you – effortlessly cooking, sautéing and pressure-cooking the ingredients to perfection – leaving you with more time to relax or focus on other aspects of your day.
So let’s grab some basic ingredients like chicken breasts, potatoes, carrots, celery ribs, yellow onions and homemade dumplings, and get started on making this delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, everyone will adore this dish. Trust me; they’ll be coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumpling’s recipe. Trust me, it’s the perfect dish to warm your soul on a cold day!
Why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, ground black pepper, dried oregano, and poultry seasoning creates a mouth-watering aroma that will make you want to dive right in.
But that’s not all. This recipe is also very versatile. If you prefer dark meat over white meat, swap out the chicken breasts for some chicken thighs. And if you’re not a fan of certain veggies, feel free to make some substitutions or leave them out altogether.
Plus, with the convenience of an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, this delicious meal couldn’t be easier to whip up. All it takes is a few simple steps—sauté the aromatics, add the chicken and vegetables, pour in the chicken broth and seasoning, pressure cook for 8-10 minutes—and voila! In less than 30 minutes total cooking time, you’ll have a piping hot bowl of goodness ready to devour.
And finally, what sets this recipe apart from other Chicken and Dumpling recipes is its homemade dumplings. With just five ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk—you can whip up fluffy dumplings that rival any made-from-scratch biscuit or bread.
In short: You’ll love this recipe because it’s insanely tasty and super easy to make all while nourishing your soul. So gather around the table with your loved ones and enjoy this comforting dish together!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe:
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp of dried thyme leaves
- 1 tsp of dried rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp of ground black pepper
- 1 tsp of dried oregano leaves
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dumplings
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
The best part about this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store. If you prefer a creamier texture for the dish, you can add more heavy whipping cream to the mixture. Don’t forget to prepare a batch (or two) of homemade dumplings for maximum comfort food enjoyment!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, we can start cooking this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
1. Sauté
First, turn on the sauté function of your 6-quart instant pot and heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Once hot, add 1 diced yellow onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery ribs. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Cook the Chicken
Next, add in the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot – 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces or you could use 1 pound chicken thighs for more flavor. Sprinkle some salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano and poultry seasoning to it. Saute for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Pressure Cook
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth or chicken stock, add 3 large potatoes cut into small pieces and some sprig of thyme and rosemary on top of it. Mix everything well before closing the lid of the pressure cooker.
Now set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for –/8 minutes.
4. Release Pressure
After 8 minutes of pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick pressure release any remaining steam.
5. Make Dumpling Batter
While waiting for the pressure to release naturally, prepare the dumplings by mixing together 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add in about ½ cup heavy whipping cream, stirring until you form a shaggy dough that holds together but is still slightly crumbly.
6. Add Dumplings
Once pressure has been released naturally for five minutes, use a spoon to drop the dumpling batter on top of the chicken and broth mixture, avoiding overcrowding. Make sure that the Instant Pot is still on warm, put the lid back on and cook on high pressure for another 3 minutes.
7. Quick Pressure Release
When done, quick release the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
That’s it! your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is now ready to serve. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for garnish if you like. Enjoy your warm and hearty comfort food on a cold day.
Substitutions and Variations
Do you want to switch things up or have certain ingredients you want to use? Here are some possible substitutions and variations you can try:
– Meat: This recipe works well with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or a mixture of both. However, if you’re not a fan of chicken or want to make it vegetarian/vegan, try using mushrooms or soy curls instead.
– Vegetables: You can swap out the potatoes, carrots, and celery for any vegetables you like such as green beans, peas, or corn. If you want to add some heat to the dish, try adding chili peppers or jalapeños.
– Dumplings: Instead of making homemade dumplings, you can use pre-made biscuit dough or frozen dumplings. Some people even enjoy flat dumplings in their chicken and dumplings soup.
– Broth/Stock: If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian option. You can also substitute the broth altogether with water and add your own seasonings.
– Cream: Heavy whipping cream gives this dish a rich and creamy texture. However, if you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute it with coconut cream, almond milk or leave it out entirely.
– Herbs and Spices: The recipe calls for rosemary, thyme, oregano, and poultry seasoning. But feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices like sage, tarragon or coriander seeds that best suit your taste buds.
With these substitution options and variations in mind, go wild and make your own rendition of ultimate comfort food that is Chicken and Dumplings Recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Here I’ll share with you some delicious and easy serving ideas to accompany your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings. The creamy and comforting flavor of this dish pairs perfectly with a few different side options, depending on your preference.
One of my favorite pairings is fresh, crusty bread. There’s nothing like dipping a warm, chewy loaf into the rich broth of the chicken and dumplings. If you’re in the mood for something with a little more texture, cornbread is another great option. The sweetness of the cornbread is the perfect complement to the savory chicken broth.
If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, try adding a simple green salad. You can toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette dressing. This will provide the perfect balance to the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
For those looking to add more vegetables, roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts would make an excellent addition to this meal. These veggies are easy to prepare and have a nice crunch that pairs well with the tender chicken.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more substantial, mashed potatoes are always a great choice. Whether you prefer them loaded with butter and cream or kept simple with just salt and pepper, they’ll add another level of comfort to this already hearty meal.
No matter what you choose to serve with your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings, it’s sure to be a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for any time of year.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Like many comfort food dishes, this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time, storing, and reheating for later. And while it’s delicious when freshly cooked, its flavors meld together even more nicely after resting in the refrigerator.
To make this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions as usual, but add 5-7 extra minutes of pressure cooking. This helps ensure that the ingredients are fully cooked and tender when reheated. Once ready, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavors will develop. When you’re ready to reheat, use a microwave or stove-top method. For microwave reheating, transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until hot. Stovetop reheating involves heating on medium-high heat in a saucepan until hot.
If you have leftover chicken and dumplings that you’d like to freeze for longer term storage, add them to freezer-safe containers or bags and lay them flat in your freezer. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen chicken and dumplings, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them on defrost setting before reheating.
Overall, this recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to specific variations, substitutions ingredient choices based on what’s available in your kitchen. There’s no limit to how creative you can get with this classic comfort food dish while still capturing its essence.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef who specializes in Asian cuisine, I know that when it comes to perfect instant pot chicken and dumplings, every ingredient and every process counts. Here are some tips to take your game up a notch and make your chicken and dumplings recipe shine:
1. Time is of the essence: Use the six-quart instant pot since it is the perfect size for this recipe. Make sure you follow the directions and cook the chicken for exactly eight minutes on high pressure.
2. Season your ingredients well: The key to mouth-watering flavor is in the seasoning; use a generous amount of poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, ground black pepper, and dried oregano.
3. Choose fresh vegetables: Use fresh celery ribs, carrots, onions, and potatoes instead of canned ones as they will bring more texture and taste to your dish.
4. Use quality chicken broth: A good quality broth is essential to ensuring a rich and flavorful soup base. Go for homemade chicken broth or use store-bought organic broth.
5. Homemade dumplings: While using pre-made dumplings saves time, making your own from scratch takes this dish to another level – fluffy yet tender dumplings can be done with just a few simple ingredients such as flour, baking powder, salt and milk.
6. Release pressure naturally: Once the cooking cycle has ended, let the pressure release naturally rather than using quick release as it helps the flavors of permeate throughout.
7. Don’t overcook the vegetables: Make sure you cut up fresh veggies into bite-sized pieces as they can overcook quickly while under pressure – only give them five minutes before naturally releasing pressure so they don’t turn into soggy mush.
8. Mindful storing and reheating :Store leftover dumplings separately in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent them from becoming too soggy. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to help keep the dumplings fresh.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your instant pot chicken and dumplings come out with a warm, comforting aroma and rich, satisfying flavor that brings you back to the joys of home-cooked meals.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests, or simply craving a warm and hearty meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to deliver.
By following the easy steps detailed in this article, you can make a delicious and wholesome meal in no time. And with the option to use substitutions and variations, you can easily customize this recipe to your liking.
So why not give it a try? With its creamy broth, tender chicken pieces, and fluffy dumplings, this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumpling’s Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 4 celery ribs, bite sized chunks
- 4 carrots, bite sized chunks
- 2 potatoes, bite sized chunks
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 (16 ounce) can Pillsbury Grands refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, 5 to 6 should be enough (or use the entire can)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Set IP to saute, add butter and onions, poultry seasoning and salt. Cook 6-8 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Stir in celery, carrots, potatoes, peas, broth, chicken, garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, pepper.
- Secure lid, set pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, press cancel, Place a towel over the steam release and quick release steam.
- Meanwhile, cut each biscuit into 6 pieces.
- Set IP to saute and stir in cream.
- Stir in biscuit pieces one at a time so they do not clump together until biscuits are cooked and liquid thickens about 15 - 20 minutes.
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