Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: Comfort in Every Bite

Introduction

There’s something about a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings that feels like a warm embrace, especially on a chilly day. The creamy, savory broth filled with tender chunks of chicken and pillowy dumplings is a comfort food that has stood the test of time. But what if you could enjoy this classic dish in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing any of the rich flavor? Enter the Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect solution for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious, comforting meal without hours of cooking. The Instant Pot makes this dish incredibly easy by speeding up the process, yet still delivers all the flavors and textures you love. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just need a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe will become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through why this recipe is so fantastic, how to make it from start to finish, and provide tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s get started on this cozy culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With the help of the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in about 45 minutes—far less time than traditional stove-top or slow-cooker methods. You get all the comfort without the wait!

One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. The Instant Pot eliminates the need for multiple pans, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tender Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings: Thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the dumplings cook to perfection—light, fluffy, and flavorful.

Customizable: While this recipe is already loaded with flavor, it’s easily customizable. You can add your favorite herbs and vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even swap the chicken for another protein.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights: This dish is ideal for busy families, providing a hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of prep time.

Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and comforting ingredients, Chicken and Dumplings is a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table, even the pickiest eaters.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (10 minutes prep, 35 minutes cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds savory depth and sweetness to the broth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic flavor.
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped: Provides crunch and flavor.
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The main protein, cooked to tender perfection in the Instant Pot.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The base for the rich, flavorful broth.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an earthy note to the broth.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses the broth with an aromatic flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dumpling dough.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle flavor boost.
• ¾ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps form the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: For richness and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds freshness and color to the dumplings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: SAUTE THE VEGETABLES AND CHICKEN

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil and heat it up. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Once the vegetables have softened, add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Sear the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes each. This step helps lock in the juices and flavor, giving the chicken a lovely golden color. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through, as it will finish cooking under pressure.

STEP 2: ADD THE BROTH AND SEASONINGS

Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is submerged in the broth. This will create the base for your rich, flavorful soup.

Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts.

STEP 3: MAKE THE DUMPLING DOUGH

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough—it should be thick but spoonable.

If you’d like to add some fresh herbs to the dumplings, this is the time to stir in the parsley for added color and flavor.

STEP 4: QUICKLY RELEASE THE PRESSURE

Once the 12-minute cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.” Allow the steam to escape, then remove the lid when the pressure has fully released.

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaf and any herb stems.

STEP 5: ADD THE DUMPLINGS

With the broth still in the pot, use a spoon to carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the hot broth. The dumplings will float on top and expand as they cook. Try not to crowd the dumplings, so they have room to puff up.

STEP 6: COOK THE DUMPLINGS

Once all the dumplings are added, secure the Instant Pot lid again, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 5 minutes. While the dumplings cook, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release again. Be careful, as the broth may bubble up a bit from the dumplings. Once the pressure is fully released, remove the lid and stir in the shredded chicken.

STEP 7: SERVE AND ENJOY

Give everything a good stir, taste the broth, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring you get a generous portion of both the soup and dumplings.

Garnish with extra fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor, and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!

How to Serve

• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
• Beverage Pairing: A crisp white wine or a light beer would pair nicely with the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
• For Extra Creaminess: If you prefer an extra creamy broth, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Use Bone-In Chicken: If you have time, you can use bone-in chicken for even more flavor. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking and before shredding the meat.
2. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as peas or corn, to the broth for added texture and flavor.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense dumplings. Mix just until combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
4. Check for Doneness: Make sure the dumplings are cooked through by cutting one open to check that it’s light and fluffy on the inside.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or a variety of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Use vegetable broth for the base.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings. Be sure to check the thickness of the dough, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as sage or thyme, to change the flavor profile. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
• Freezing: While you can freeze the chicken and broth separately, the dumplings may lose their texture when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend freezing the chicken and broth together, and then making fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken and broth in a pot over low heat and cook until warmed through. Add fresh dumplings if desired.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to increase the pressure cook time by 3-5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks fully.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this recipe on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken and broth in a large pot, then add the dumplings and cook as directed.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This will allow you to enjoy the meal even faster when you’re ready to cook.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through. If you cut one open, it should not be doughy on the inside.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, providing all the flavors you love in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings make this a satisfying and heartwarming meal that everyone will love.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your cooking results with me—whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to bring comfort to a busy weeknight. Happy cooking!

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