Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 14 mins

Pressure Build/Release: 20 mins

Total: 49 mins

Servings: 5 servings

Instant Pot chicken and dumplings will quickly become a family favorite. It’s a quicker, easier version of the comfort food classic—the prep is a breeze and the pressure cooker does most of the work.

Sauté the aromatics before adding the other veggies, chicken, and broth. Simple dumplings take just moments to mix up and are just dropped on top before pressure cooking. They become nice and fluffy in the cooker and thicken the stew slightly as it cooks. A small amount of heavy cream is added just before serving for richness, but you can leave it out if you'd like.

Hearty chicken and dumplings is a meal in and of itself, but it pairs especially nicely with a fresh salad for a balanced plate. Or serve some tender green beans or broccoli alongside.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup milk

For the Stew:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup onion, diced (about 3/4 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients.
To make the dumpling dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Add the milk and stir to form a soft dough. Set aside.
Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute longer. Cancel the sauté function.
Add the chicken stock to the pot and stir, scraping up any browned bits that may be on the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the celery, carrots, and cubed chicken.
Scoop the dumpling dough up with a cookie scoop or tablespoon, allowing about 2 tablespoons for each dumpling. Place the dumplings atop the stew mixture.
Lock the lid in place and move the steam release vent to the sealing position. Select the pressure cook setting, high pressure, and set the time for 8 minutes. When the time is up, allow a natural release for 15 minutes and then carefully move the steam release vent to the venting position to release the remaining steam.
Carefully remove the dumplings to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.
Add the peas and the parsley to the stew. Select the sauté function and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the peas are tender.
Stir the heavy cream into the stew and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Ladle the stew into bowls and top with one or two dumplings. Sprinkle each serving with some chopped parsley.

How to Store and Freeze

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in 30-second increments in the microwave just until warm to avoid tough dumplings.
To freeze, add chicken and dumplings to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.

Tip

For a thicker stew, combine 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of softened butter in a small bowl. Knead the beurre manie until well blended. Add about half of the beurre manie to the stew mixture along with the heavy cream; stir to blend and bring to a simmer. Add the remaining beurre manie, a little at a time, until the stew is as thick as desired.

Recipe Variations

This recipe can also be made using skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Cut into small pieces before adding to the pot and cooking.
Feel free to add a handful of additional veggies to this recipe, such as up to a cup of small-diced potato or frozen corn.

Why Does Chicken Get Rubbery in the Instant Pot?

Chicken can become rubbery in the Instant Pot when it is overcooked. To achieve great texture, follow a good recipe for the appropriate cook time. It’s easier to overcook white meat, so swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you’re concerned about the finished texture.

Can You Overcook Dumplings in Chicken and Dumplings?

Dumplings should be cooked until fluffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overcooked dumplings will eventually become dry and tough.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5
Amount per serving
Calories	643
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g	35%
Saturated Fat 12g	62%
Cholesterol 164mg	55%
Sodium 1446mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4g	16%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 53g
Vitamin C 11mg	57%
Calcium 283mg	22%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 879mg	19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.