Easy Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal on a busy weeknight, this Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, flavorful broth come together quickly in the Instant Pot, saving you from hours in the kitchen while delivering all the comfort of a classic homemade dish. Perfectly balanced with vegetables and seasonings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a family-favorite dinner that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Convenient: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, saving time and effort.
• Comfort Food Classic: Delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that feel like a comforting hug on a plate.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit what you have on hand or dietary preferences without losing the essence of the dish.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with protein, vegetables, and satisfying dumplings for a complete meal in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but packs a punch with every component. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and color, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless and skinless for tender, juicy meat that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Flour: Essential for both thickening the broth and creating the soft dumplings.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the dish, making every bite flavorful.
• Carrots and celery: Classic vegetables that bring sweetness and crunch while balancing the richness of the chicken.
• Onion and garlic: The aromatic base for building layers of flavor throughout the meal.
• Herbs like thyme and parsley: Fresh or dried to brighten and elevate the overall taste.
• Milk or buttermilk: Adds creaminess to the dumpling dough for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that gives the dumplings a light and fluffy texture.
• Butter and oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and enriching the dumplings.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—bringing out all the natural flavors beautifully.

Variations for Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to tweak according to what you love or what you have on hand. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or craving a new twist, these variations will inspire creativity in the kitchen.

• Using different proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add hearty mushrooms or beans for protein.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blends for dumplings, ensuring the same soft texture.
• Adding greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas at the end for a colorful nutrient boost.
• Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat in your comfort food.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a little oil and butter, then toss in diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, which builds the foundation of flavor you’ll love.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Next, add your chicken pieces directly into the pot along with the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is submerged. This ensures a rich, flavorful broth that tenderizes the meat perfectly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release to release the pressure safely, revealing tender, cooked-through chicken and a savory base ready for dumplings.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While the chicken cooks, whip up your dumpling dough by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, and milk or buttermilk in a bowl until combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable to drop by spoonfuls.

Step 5: Add Dumplings and Simmer

With the Instant Pot on sauté mode again, drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough gently into the hot broth. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing the dumplings to rise and cook through until fluffy and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Give everything a gentle stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness. Your comforting bowl of Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

• Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: It enriches the broth wonderfully, but boneless cooks faster if you’re pressed for time.
• Don’t overmix dumpling dough: Mix just until combined for light and fluffy dumplings.
• Let the dumplings steam: Keep the lid slightly open during cooking to prevent soggy dumplings.
• Check liquid levels: Ensure there’s enough broth for pressure cooking, around 2 cups minimum.
• Fresh herbs make a difference: Add them at the end for vibrant flavor and color.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and brightness, or add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a subtle kick that enhances the cozy flavors.

Side Dishes

This meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread for dipping, or steamed green beans to add some crunch and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls for a comforting, homey feel or portion into mason jars for an easy, portable lunch option. Adding a swirl of cream or a pinch of smoked paprika on top also makes it visually enticing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Freeze without dumplings and add fresh ones when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent the dumplings from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch your cooking times closely to keep the meat tender.

How do I know when the dumplings are cooked?

Dumplings are done when they’ve puffed up and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually about 8 minutes simmering off pressure.

Can this recipe be made on the stove instead of an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Simmer the chicken and veggies in a pot on the stove, then add dumplings and cook covered until they’re done, about 20 minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk or buttermilk in the dumplings for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use oil instead of butter for sautéing.

What should I do if my dumplings turn out dense?

Make sure not to overmix the dough and be careful when adding the dumplings to the pot to avoid pressing them down; gentle handling helps keep them light and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe delivers unbeatable comfort and convenience, making weeknight dinners not only easy but truly enjoyable. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just craving something hearty yet simple, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl waiting to happen. Give it a try tonight and watch it become one of your quick-meal favorites!

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