Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect cozy meal for those days when you want something warm, hearty, and effortlessly satisfying. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with a creamy, flavorful broth and fluffy dumplings that soak up all the goodness, creating a comforting bowl of warmth. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, made faster and easier with the magic of the Instant Pot.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples, fresh veggies, and an Instant Pot, I was able to whip up a meal that felt both nourishing and indulgent. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy broth is perfectly balanced, while the dumplings add a delightful, soft texture that brings everything together. What I love most about this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is its versatility—you can customize it with your choice of vegetables, swap in different meats, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, making every bite a comforting experience.
Perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Family dinners
- Cold winter evenings
- Comfort food cravings
- Anyone who loves hearty one-pot meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings will become your go-to comfort meal:
- Effortlessly Quick: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time, making this meal ready in about 30 minutes.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: A delicious broth packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Fluffy Dumplings: The dumplings are light and fluffy, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust veggies or seasonings to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, carbs, and fiber from chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
- Perfect for Cold Days: A warm, hearty meal that soothes and satisfies.
- Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: A dish that appeals to even picky eaters.
- Make It Your Own: Add herbs, spices, or extra vegetables to customize flavors.
- Reliable Instant Pot Magic: A meal that turns out perfectly every time thanks to pressure cooking.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Pressure Release Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breast: A lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful under pressure.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery add nutrition, texture, and heartiness.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme and parsley bring out the dish’s savory flavors.
- Dumpling Batter: Simple and quick to make, creating light and fluffy dumplings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Ingredients:
- Sauté Chicken and Vegetables: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots and celery and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Add the chopped chicken, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together.
Pressure Cook:
- Seal and Cook: Close the lid, turn the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” setting. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Pressure Release: Once cooking finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Make the Dumplings:
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined.
Add Dumplings to the Instant Pot:
- Spoon Dumplings on Top: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the hot broth. Do not stir.
- Pressure Cook Dumplings: Close the lid, turn the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” setting. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
Final Release and Serve:
- Release Pressure: Once the timer ends, do a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.”
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings:
- As a Cozy Family Dinner: Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.
- For Solo Comfort Meals: A big bowl of dumplings and broth is filling and hearty.
- With Extra Veggies: Add spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Herb-Infused Option: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Pair with Crackers: Serve with saltines or buttery crackers on the side.
- Seasonal Variations: Use seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes or squash.
- With a Dollop of Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy twist.
- For a Protein Boost: Add shredded cheese on top of dumplings.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Store leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches.
Additional Tips
- Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless chicken is easier to shred and mixes well into the dumplings, making for a smoother consistency.
- Sauté First for Extra Flavor: Sauté the chicken, garlic, and vegetables first in the Instant Pot to build a richer base flavor before pressure cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Add herbs like parsley or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
- Add Vegetables Wisely: Include carrots, celery, and potatoes for heartiness, but add quick-cooking veggies like peas or green beans after pressure cooking to prevent mushiness.
- Thicken the Broth if Needed: If the broth is too thin, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it in after pressure cooking.
- Use a Good Dumpling Dough: Make sure your dumpling dough is not too wet or dry. A biscuit dough-like consistency (using flour, butter, milk, baking powder, salt) works best.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Place the chicken and vegetables on the bottom of the Instant Pot and pour in the broth. This ensures even cooking and avoids overcooked dumplings.
- Pressure Cook Time: Pressure cook for about 10 minutes, but quick-release the pressure for better control over your dumplings’ texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Garnish your Chicken and Dumplings with fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme for a burst of flavor and color.
- Adjust for Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter after pressure cooking for a creamy, velvety texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Creamy Chicken and Dumplings: Add 1 cup of heavy cream after pressure cooking.
- Vegetable Chicken Dumplings: Add peas, green beans, or corn to enhance the vegetables.
- Spicy Chicken Dumplings: Include jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Herb-Infused Chicken Dumplings: Use fresh basil or oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
Special Equipment
- Instant Pot: A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot for all-in-one cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dumpling batter.
- Spoon and Ladle: For adding and serving dumplings and broth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for consistent results.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen chicken works well; increase the pressure cooking time by 5 minutes. - How do I prevent the dumplings from sinking?
Spoon the dumplings onto the broth surface without stirring to keep their shape. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk. - What can I add to make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your Instant Pot size is sufficient. - Should I thicken the broth?
Use a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker broth. - Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, adjust cooking time to 15 minutes if using bone-in chicken. - How do I add more vegetables to the dish?
Toss in your preferred vegetables during the sauté step or after pressure cooking. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop or use the Instant Pot’s sauté function, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a comforting, flavorful combination. This recipe delivers all the classic, home-cooked goodness of traditional chicken and dumplings but in a fraction of the time, thanks to the efficiency of the Instant Pot. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal.
The creamy broth and tender vegetables blend seamlessly with the soft dumplings, creating a deliciously rich and balanced texture. The Instant Pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring everything is perfectly cooked, making each bite a delightful experience. You can also customize this dish with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
I’d love to see your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings masterpiece! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’m excited to see your tasty creations. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your unique twists and additions to this classic comfort dish!