Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
Moist protein, fluffy herbed bites, and rich broth come together with minimal fuss.
Nothing rivals the timeless comfort of a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings. Traditionally a slow-stewed favorite, this beloved dish gets a modern-day makeover when made in the Instant Pot. You’ll have moist pieces of chicken, pillowy herb-flecked dumplings, and a savory, aromatic broth—all in under an hour. This comprehensive recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike, delivering homemade flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Convenient: The Instant Pot drastically shortens the cooking time, making classic chicken and dumplings possible even on hectic days.
- Classic Comfort: Built on time-tested flavors—tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and soft, buttery dumplings.
- Easy to Customize: Use your preferred herbs or vegetables, or adapt for different dietary needs.
- Homemade Dumplings: Simple dough comes together in minutes, and the results are soft and fluffy.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Breakdown
Dumpling Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Chicken and Broth Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Tip: Fresh herbs give these dumplings lovely flavor, but dried herbs also work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, parsley, cornmeal, chives, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir gently until everything is just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings light. Set the dough aside while you start the soup base.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to Sauté mode on high. Add olive oil and butter, allowing it to melt while stirring so it doesn’t scorch. Add the sliced carrots, celery, onion, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are slightly softened (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in 2 tablespoons flour, thyme, and turmeric, mixing until the vegetables are well coated. This step helps thicken the final broth and infuses aromatic spice.
4. Add Chicken and Broth
Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and some extra pepper. Stir until the chicken is coated in spices and vegetables.
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the Dumplings
Using a small scoop or two spoons, drop heaping tablespoons (about 2 tablespoons each) of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the liquid, aiming for about 12 evenly spaced dumplings.
Tip: An ice cream scoop helps make perfectly uniform dumplings for even cooking.
6. Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Select Pressure Cook or Manual and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.
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7. Release Pressure and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the steam valve to the venting position (use a towel for safety) to quickly release the pressure. Remove the lid away from your face to avoid the steam.
Gently ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Uniform Dumplings: Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to ensure the dumplings are all the same size and cook evenly.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until the dumpling dough forms to keep texture light and tender.
- Let Dumplings Rest: After mixing, let the dumpling dough sit for a few minutes—this helps them puff up beautifully in the pot.
- Vegetable Variation: Add peas, parsnips, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Chicken Choice: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs both work. Try a combination for even more flavor.
- Broth Thickness: If you like your broth a bit creamier, stir in a splash of cream at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sauté the veggies separately, then combine all soup ingredients in a slow cooker. Drop dumplings onto the hot broth and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, until dumplings are done.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so dumplings remain tender.
Q: Can I freeze Instant Pot chicken and dumplings?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as dumplings can become dense after thawing. If needed, freeze just the soup base and make the dumplings fresh upon reheating.
Q: How do I make dairy-free dumplings?
A: Swap the milk for unsweetened plant-based milk and use olive oil or plant butter instead of dairy butter.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Simply stir shredded rotisserie chicken into the soup before adding dumplings to save even more time.
Customization Ideas
- Herb Choices: Substitute dill, tarragon, or basil for chives or parsley to change the flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Add a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas just before serving.
- Make It Creamy: Swirl in 1/3 cup heavy cream at the end for extra richness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 920mg |
These values are estimates and will vary depending on exact ingredients and serving size.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
- Top each bowl with extra fresh herbs before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; gently reheat so the dumplings don’t toughen.
More Chicken and Dumplings Variations
- Classic Stovetop Version: Traditional methods involve longer simmering and a slightly creamier broth. See The Pioneer Woman for a classic approach with a whole chicken, cream, and rustic dumplings.
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings: Layer chopped veggies and add pre-made biscuit pieces for easy dumplings in a crockpot. Comfort food with even less active prep time.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
Expert Tips for Success
- Deglaze Thoroughly: After sautéing veggies, use a splash of broth to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents a burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- Even Dumplings: Space dumplings that they don’t touch too much—they’ll expand as they cook.
- Quick Release: Always use a quick release for this recipe so the dumplings don’t overcook and become tough.
- Broth Options: For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a touch of bouillon paste.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dumplings Too Dense? Avoid overmixing and let the batter rest a few moments before cooking.
- Soggy Dumplings? Ensure your Instant Pot reached full pressure before timing. If the valve didn’t seal, the dumplings may not cook properly.
- Broth Too Thin? Simmer with the lid off on “Sauté” mode after pressure cooking, or mash one or two dumplings into the broth to thicken it.
Quick-View FAQs
- Prep time: About 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serving size: About 6 generous servings
- Dumpling type: Drop dumplings with fresh herbs and cornmeal
Comparison of Chicken & Dumpling Methods
| Method | Main Highlights | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot | Quick, easy, one-pot meal; tender chicken & fluffy dumplings | ~45 min |
| Stovetop | Rustic, creamy; classic flavors and textures | ~1-1.5 hr |
| Slow Cooker | Set and forget; uses biscuit pieces or quick dumplings | ~5-6 hr |
Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Made Easy
This Instant Pot chicken and dumplings dish gives you all the soul-warming benefits of slow-cooked comfort food, minus the wait. With its rich broth, tender morsels of chicken, and fluffy, herb-laced dumplings, it’s a family favorite that will quickly become a weeknight go-to—especially when you need a taste of home in a hurry.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32675447/instant-pot-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9790/chicken-and-dumplings/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62119424/slow-cooker-chicken-and-dumplings-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffn-4H46E6A
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M6r_drmfms
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