Cozy Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe For Cold Days

Southern comfort meets modern convenience with this hearty instant pot chicken and dumplings recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy, rich broth swirls around tender chicken chunks and pillowy dumplings crafted with love and care.

Home cooks know the secret to soul-warming meals lies in simplicity and robust flavors.

the instant pot works magic, turning basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in mere minutes.

Shredded chicken melds perfectly with velvety sauce, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this foolproof, crowd-pleasing classic.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this irresistible comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

What Makes Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings Special

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal bursting with layered seasonings like poultry seasoning, Italian herbs, and fresh vegetables.
• Instant Pot technology simplifies the entire cooking process, allowing you to create a complex comfort dish with minimal kitchen cleanup and maximum convenience.
• Flexible recipe supports both canned biscuits and homemade dumplings, letting home cooks adapt the dish to their skill level and ingredient availability.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and a creamy finish, this dish delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome for the entire family.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender, diced meat that serves as the primary protein in this comforting soup.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: A classic flavor base that adds depth and nutrition to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Frozen Peas: Adds a burst of color and sweet, fresh flavor at the end of cooking.

Dumpling Ingredients:

• Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential dry ingredients that create the structure and rise of the dumplings.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender dumpling texture.
• Milk: Binds the dumpling ingredients and provides moisture.

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing depth and moisture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, luxurious texture.

• Black Pepper, Poultry Seasoning, Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs and spices that create a complex, savory flavor profile.

• Cornstarch: Optional ingredient to help thicken the soup if desired.

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode.

Add oil and toss in chopped onions, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

This creates a delicious flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic

Stir in diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a light golden color.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

• Black pepper
• Poultry seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Blend the seasonings thoroughly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Magic

For canned biscuits: Cut each biscuit into 8 triangular pieces.

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Baking soda

Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in milk and drop teaspoon-sized dough pieces into the pot.

Step 5: Pressure Cook Perfection

Cancel sauté function.

Secure Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 7 minutes.

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully vent remaining steam.

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Frozen peas
• Heavy cream

For a thicker consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stirring into the pot.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top.

Ladle into bowls and savor the comforting goodness of this hearty chicken and dumplings recipe.

Helpful Tips for Chicken & Dumplings in the Instant Pot

• Add garlic just a minute before next cooking step to avoid scorching and maintain its delicate flavor.
• Cut biscuits into 8 pieces or drop small teaspoon-sized homemade dough to ensure perfect texture and even cooking.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a quick slurry, which helps thicken the soup without lumps.
• Sauté onions first to release natural sweetness and build a robust flavor foundation for the chicken and dumplings.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top to add vibrant color and bright, herbaceous notes to the final dish.

Saving and Reheating Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

• Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour leftovers into a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming dry. Heat until the soup reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

• Elevate Chicken and Dumplings Pairings
• Rustic Red Wine Complement: Select a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that balances the creamy soup's richness with subtle fruit notes and gentle tannins, cutting through the dish's hearty texture.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, toasted almonds, and shaved parmesan to provide a fresh, zesty contrast against the warm, comforting chicken and dumplings.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, artisan sourdough or a rustic rosemary focaccia to soak up the delicious broth, adding textural variety and extra flavor depth to the meal.
• Herbal Iced Tea Refresher: Brew a cold lavender or mint-infused iced tea to cleanse the palate and offer a cool, soothing counterpoint to the rich, creamy soup.

Twist Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular flour and biscuits with gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free biscuit mix. Use cornstarch for thickening and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil when preparing dumplings to maintain creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute biscuits with cauliflower dumplings by mixing riced cauliflower, eggs, and almond flour. Replace traditional flour with coconut or almond flour for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot, covering and cooking until chicken is tender and dumplings are cooked through, which typically takes about 25-30 minutes.

• Is it possible to use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is heated through.

• Are the dumplings gluten-free?

Traditional dumplings contain wheat flour, so they aren’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour to make a gluten-free version of the recipe.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready to cook, combine in the Instant Pot and follow the recipe steps. The soup reheats well and can be made 1-2 days before serving.

The Best Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Instant pot chicken and dumplings bring Southern comfort to your kitchen with creamy, hearty goodness. Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich broth combine for a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts diced into 1 pieces

Vegetables:

• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (includes thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, etc.)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 5 refrigerated canned biscuits, each cut into 8 pieces

Homemade Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk

Optional Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the Instant Pot’s SAUTE function and heat oil, then gently sauté chopped onions for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and release their natural sweetness.
2. Add minced garlic just before incorporating celery, carrots, and chicken. Sear the chicken pieces for approximately 5 minutes until they develop a light golden color.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and season with black pepper, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, and salt. Thoroughly blend the seasonings with the ingredients.
4. Prepare dumplings by either cutting canned biscuits into 8 wedges or crafting homemade dough. For homemade dumplings, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Incorporate butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then mix in milk.
5. Carefully drop dumpling pieces directly into the liquid, ensuring even distribution. The dumplings will expand during cooking.
6. Cancel SAUTE mode, secure the lid, and set Instant Pot to High Pressure for 7 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully venting remaining steam.
7. After opening the lid, gently fold in frozen peas and heavy cream to enhance the soup’s richness and color.
8. For a thicker consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the pot until the desired thickness is achieved.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a vibrant finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.

Notes

• Customize dumplings by using whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on personal preference for leaner or more flavorful meat.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt during cooking.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the final stirring stage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg