Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

When it comes to comfort food, chicken and dumplings sit comfortably at the top of the list. Pair this dish with a crunchy green salad or some seasonal roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete meal that warms the soul. 

The best part? Cooking it in an Instant Pot means less time worrying about the stove and more time enjoying life. Let me take you on a journey to create this delightful meal that I can’t get enough of.

Why This Recipe is Great for You

Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you want something cozy yet satisfying. Chicken and dumplings fit the bill perfectly. Not only is it a feel-good dish, but it also packs in plenty of nutrients. From the protein-packed chicken to the hearty vegetables, this recipe can be a complete powerhouse of flavor and health. 

What makes it even better for me is using the Instant Pot. It cuts down on cooking time considerably, which is a blessing for anyone juggling a busy life.

I’ve spent countless hours refining this dish, ensuring each ingredient shines while contributing to the overall harmony of flavors. It’s not just about throwing things together; it’s about crafting something enjoyable and nourishing. 

If you’ve ever tasted a bowl of chicken and dumplings and thought, “I wish I could make that at home,” today’s your lucky day.

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What’s in This Dish?

Using the right ingredients can completely transform your cooking experience. For this recipe, I rely on some favorites: tender chicken thighs or breasts, flavorful herbs, and fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

Ingredients List

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped (about 2 teaspoons) or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle warmth and depth)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 jumbo canned buttermilk biscuits (16 oz. package contains 8)
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs and/or breasts, cut into cubes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed (roughly 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (brightens flavors and balances richness)
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt
• ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
• ¼ cup finely chopped chives (fresh or dried) — optional
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons shortening (such as Crisco) or chilled butter
• 1 cup chopped carrots (approximately 2 to 3 medium carrots)
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig, 4 inches long, minced leaves (about 2 teaspoons) or 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

Each ingredient adds its flair, creating a tapestry of flavors that meld together beautifully.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Now comes the fun part—making this delicious dish! The Instant Pot is a fantastic gadget. It steams, pressures, and can even sauté, making it perfect for creating a hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings in no time.

Step 1: Sauté Those Aromatics

Start your culinary adventure by turning on the sauté function of your Instant Pot. Toss in one tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Then, add the finely diced onion and let it become translucent. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and smoked paprika. In a few minutes, you’ll be transported to flavor town!

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Once those aromatics are ready, it’s time for the star of the show: the chicken. Add your cubed chicken thighs or breasts directly into the pot, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. With a wooden spoon, stir gently to coat the chicken with the seasoning and aromatics. Let it sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

Step 3: Incorporate the Veggies

Next up, toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and potato. Mix everything well, making sure those vibrant veggies are equally distributed. Add the bay leaf, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring that the steam release valve is in the sealed position. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining steam.

Step 5: Create the Dumplings

While your chicken is cooking, we can prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, poultry seasoning, and fine salt. Cut in either shortening or chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk or buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Dumpling Magic

Once the pressure is released and it’s safe to open the pot, carefully remove the bay leaf. Stir in the peas or mixed vegetables and heavy cream. Then, using a spoon, drop large dollops of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture. Don’t worry about making them perfectly shaped—imperfect is perfect! Put the lid back on and set it to cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

After the 5 minutes are up, quickly release the steam again. When the lid comes off, check if the dumplings are cooked through. They should be fluffy and cooked to perfection. I love to garnish with a sprinkle of chives for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Notes

Understanding each ingredient in the recipe can elevate your cooking game.

Chicken: I prefer thighs for their richness and tenderness, but breasts work well too. Both options cook beautifully in the Instant Pot.

Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds luxuriousness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work too.

Dumplings: Using canned buttermilk biscuits is a fantastic shortcut, but feel free to make your dough from scratch for an even heartier taste.

Herbs: Fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, provide aromatic flavor and elevate the overall dish. If you can find fresh, I highly recommend using them.

Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Green beans, corn, or even spinach can be delightful additions.

Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is essential for controlling the salt content. You can always add more if necessary.

Recipe Variations

If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to try:

1. Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
2. Herbed Chicken: Increase the amount of fresh herbs or seasoning to intensify the flavors. Fresh dill adds a lovely twist.
3. Mushroom Delight: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
4. Cheesy Dumplings: Add shredded cheese to the dumpling mix for a cheesy twist. Who doesn’t love cheese?
5. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth.
6. Gluten-Free Dumplings: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings. It works surprisingly well!

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, chicken and dumplings sit comfortably at the top of the list. Pair this dish with a crunchy green salad or some seasonal roasted vegetables.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 640kcal

Equipment

• Pressure Cooker,

Ingredients

• 1 large potato peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 small onion finely diced
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 jumbo canned buttermilk biscuits
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs and/or breasts cut into cubes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 large garlic cloves minced or pressed
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt
• ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup finely chopped chives
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 tablespoons shortening or chilled butter
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig 4 inches long, minced leaves or 1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Those Aromatics

• Start your culinary adventure by turning on the sauté function of your Instant Pot. Toss in one tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Then, add the finely diced onion and let it become translucent. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, sage, and smoked paprika. In a few minutes, you’ll be transported to flavor town!

Step 2: Add the Chicken

• Once those aromatics are ready, it’s time for the star of the show: the chicken. Add your cubed chicken thighs or breasts directly into the pot, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. With a wooden spoon, stir gently to coat the chicken with the seasoning and aromatics. Let it sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

Step 3: Incorporate the Veggies

• Next up, toss in the chopped celery, carrots, and potato. Mix everything well, making sure those vibrant veggies are equally distributed. Add the bay leaf, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

• Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring that the steam release valve is in the sealed position. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining steam.

Step 5: Create the Dumplings

• While your chicken is cooking, we can prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, poultry seasoning, and fine salt. Cut in either shortening or chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk or buttermilk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Dumpling Magic

• Once the pressure is released and it’s safe to open the pot, carefully remove the bay leaf. Stir in the peas or mixed vegetables and heavy cream. Then, using a spoon, drop large dollops of the dumpling batter over the chicken mixture. Don’t worry about making them perfectly shaped—imperfect is perfect! Put the lid back on and set it to cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

• After the 5 minutes are up, quickly release the steam again. When the lid comes off, check if the dumplings are cooked through. They should be fluffy and cooked to perfection. I love to garnish with a sprinkle of chives for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Chicken: I prefer thighs for their richness and tenderness, but breasts work well too. Both options cook beautifully in the Instant Pot.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds luxuriousness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work too.
• Dumplings: Using canned buttermilk biscuits is a fantastic shortcut, but feel free to make your dough from scratch for an even heartier taste.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs, like rosemary and thyme, provide aromatic flavor and elevate the overall dish. If you can find fresh, I highly recommend using them.
• Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Green beans, corn, or even spinach can be delightful additions.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is essential for controlling the salt content. You can always add more if necessary.

Keyword: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making Instant Pot chicken and dumplings that are guaranteed to impress. This dish, with its layers of flavor and comforting textures, has the power to turn a simple dinner into a moment of warmth and joy. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together, especially when it’s made in an Instant Pot.

Next time you’re seeking a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen, remember this recipe. It’s not just a dish; it’s a way to gather the family around the table, kindle conversations, and create memories. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!

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Author Profile

Lori Walker, MS, RD

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more