There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chicken and dumplings, and with this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you can enjoy it in a fraction of the time! Creamy, savory, and packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this dish brings traditional flavors to your table with modern convenience.
What Is Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings?
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a quick and easy version of the classic comfort food. Using the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while delivering a rich and creamy dish filled with hearty ingredients like chicken, carrots, celery, and soft dumplings made from biscuit dough. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm, homestyle meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with the Instant Pot.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
- Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste.
- Comforting: Creamy, hearty, and reminiscent of traditional home cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (16 oz/454 g) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat the olive oil.
- Add diced chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Cooking the Base
- Return the seared chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
- Stir in dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook, and cook for 8 minutes.
Finishing the Dish
- Perform a quick-release once cooking is complete. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add biscuit dough pieces to the pot, spreading them out evenly.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dough pieces are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea for a complete meal.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the dish thickens.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture (before adding the biscuit dough) in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with adding the biscuit dough and reheating in the Instant Pot.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or dumpling mix.
- Low-Carb: Replace biscuit dough with low-carb dumplings or omit entirely.
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Increase the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes if using frozen chicken. Ensure it’s diced for even cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use homemade dumplings instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Drop spoonfuls of homemade dumpling dough into the pot during the simmering step.
This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect blend of traditional comfort and modern ease. With creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish your whole family will love. Try it today, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
PrintInstant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a quick and hearty take on the classic comfort food. Tender chicken, savory vegetables, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings come together in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (16 oz/454 g) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” and heat olive oil. Sear diced chicken for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Pressure Cook: Return chicken to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Stir in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and set Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Perform a quick-release once cooking is complete. Open the lid and stir in heavy cream.
- Add Dumplings: Spread biscuit dough pieces evenly over the surface of the broth. Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dough is cooked through.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuit dough or dumplings.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Leftovers thicken as they sit; add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~320 per serving