Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re wondering, “Can I make Chicken and Dumplings in the Instant Pot?”, the answer is absolutely yes! Our Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a one-pot wonder made with real food ingredients and turns out tender and mouthwatering every time.

Why This Recipe is Famous!

This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumpling recipe comes from our cookbook, From Freezer to Cooker ,and was good enough to make national television.

Seriously! Here is a segment of us cooking Chicken & Dumplings on Hallmark Home & Family! We showed America how to make it in the crock pot and in the Instant Pot on their show.

Friends, I think you are going to LOVE this homemade classic comfort dish that turns out perfectly in the Instant Pot! I make it all the time for my own family. Be sure to double the recipe and freeze a batch for later using our freezing instructions.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

You won’t find any processed ingredients in our recipe, like cream soups or store-bought biscuits. That’s because our “from scratch” recipe isn’t difficult, it tastes so much better, and is healthier. Here are the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients for the Chicken Stew:

• Butter
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 4 carrots
• Poultry seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (sub: chicken breasts)
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and ground black pepper

Ingredients for the Dumplings:

• Unbleached all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar (just a little!)
• Dried parsley
• Butter
• Milk (your choice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Turn on the “Saute” function, add oil to the pot, and saute the onions, carrots, and celery for 4-5 minutes. Add in garlic for the last minute and stir. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Turn off the “Saute” function.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs

Then, season your chicken with salt and pepper. We use chicken thighs for the recipe because they stay incredibly tender and juicy when cooking in the slow cooker. Just make sure you cook the chicken the correct amount of time! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work, too.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Add the chicken, broth, and bay leaves to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Lock and seal the lid. Cook for 6 minutes at high pressure with a quick release of pressure when the cook time is up. (Move on to Step 4 while it cooks.)

When the stew is done, remove the bay leaves and the chicken to a wooden cutting board and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter

Turn on the “Saute” function again and bring the stew to a boil. While it heats up, make the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and dried parsley. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter and milk together until warm, about 1 minute, then whisk to melt the butter and combine. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined (do not over mix).

Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Instant Pot

Working quickly and using a soup spoon or tablespoon, scoop out heaping tablespoons of dumpling batter, and drop into the stew. (Wet your hands to prevent sticking and use them to help slide the batter off the spoon.)

Try to spread the dumplings out so they cover the whole surface and aren’t on top of one another. Set the lid on top of the cooker, but don’t lock and seal it. Keep it cracked to let steam release. Let the dumplings cook for about 11-12 minutes or until they’ve doubled in size and a toothpick inserted into the center of a dumpling comes out clean.

Step 6: Dice or Shred the Chicken

Meanwhile, shred or chop the chicken into bite-size pieces on a wooden cutting board and set aside.

Step 7: Stir in Chicken and Frozen Peas

When the dumplings are done, gently stir the chicken and frozen peas into the stew. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Last Step: Enjoy!!

Serve warm in bowls with a little chopped fresh parsley as garnish, if you want.

How to Freeze Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

We’ve come up with a foolproof way of prepping this dish ahead of time and freezing it for later so that it TASTES LIKE A FRESH MEAL. The best part is that you can cook the meal from frozen in the Instant Pot, unlike the crock pot (which the USDA says you must thaw first).

Read our article here to learn how to freeze chicken and dumplings.

What Goes With Chicken and Dumplings?

We love that Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings are a one-pot wonder. You’ve got vegetables, protein, and bread/starch all in one delicious bowl! But, if you’d like to add in something on the side, here are a few ideas to round out this comfort meal…

• Salad: Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Side: Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples
• Dessert: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Have questions? Feedback? Leave a comment and let us know!