Few meals rival the comforting warmth of chicken and dumplings. It’s a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, offering rich, hearty flavors that warm you from the inside out. But what if you could enjoy this classic comfort food in a fraction of the time? Thanks to the Instant Pot, this easy recipe transforms a traditionally time-consuming meal into a quick and fuss-free dinner. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something wholesome, Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this satisfying dish, you’ll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Here's what you'll need:
For the Chicken Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup whole milk
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to whip up this hearty and easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings meal in no time.
1. Prepare the Instant Pot Base
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables and season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged. Turn off the sauté function.
2. Pressure Cook the Chicken
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
- Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to "Venting" for a quick release.
- Open the lid and remove the chicken to a plate. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
3. Make the Dumplings
While the chicken cools slightly, prepare the dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and milk until a sticky dough forms. Set aside.
4. Finish the Dish
- Turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir the shredded chicken and frozen peas into the pot.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Space the dumplings out to prevent them from clumping together.
- Cover the Instant Pot with the glass lid (or a regular lid slightly ajar to vent) and allow the dumplings to cook for about 8-10 minutes. They’ll puff up and float when done.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are cooked through, turn off the heat. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Swaps: Don’t have carrots or celery? Swap them out for parsnips, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Thicker Base: If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water after adding the cream.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Short on time? Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken and reduce pressure cooking to 5 minutes.
- Herb Variations: For more flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of dried thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings with crusty bread for soaking up the creamy broth or a simple side salad to add freshness to the meal. For a truly indulgent dinner, serve it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines the magic of the Instant Pot with the soul-soothing goodness of chicken and dumplings. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made easy for busy weeknights. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table—and maybe even a few requests for seconds!
Give this easy recipe a try, and see for yourself how deliciously simple comfort food can be with the help of your Instant Pot. Enjoy!
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