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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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.