![To make a warm and hearty bowl of Instant Pot chicken and dumplings, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups frozen peas - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup milk - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor and comfort. The chicken thighs give a rich taste. Onions, carrots, and celery bring crunch and sweetness. Garlic adds depth. The herbs, thyme, and rosemary, offer a fragrant touch. Chicken broth ties everything together, making it luscious and warm. The dumplings, made from flour, baking powder, milk, and salt, are fluffy and perfect for sopping up the broth. Don't forget the fresh parsley to brighten up your dish! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on how to create this comforting meal. Sautéing Chicken and Vegetables First, I turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. I add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat for a minute. Next, I toss in one pound of diced chicken thighs. I season the chicken with salt and pepper. I cook it for about five minutes until it turns golden brown. Then, I stir in one small chopped onion, two sliced carrots, two chopped celery stalks, and three minced garlic cloves. I sauté these for another two to three minutes. The onions should look clear and soft. Adding Broth and Seasonings After that, I pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. I also add one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. I mix everything well and scrape any bits off the bottom. This helps build flavor. Whisking the Dry Ingredients While the chicken cooks, I take a bowl and whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. This is the base for my dumplings. Creating the Dumpling Dough Next, I slowly add one cup of milk to the dry mix. I stir until a sticky dough forms. It should not be too dry or too wet. Setting Cooking Time for Chicken Once the chicken mixture is ready, I close the Instant Pot lid. I set it to manual high pressure for ten minutes. I make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Dropping Dumplings and Final Cooking After ten minutes, I do a quick release of the pressure and open the lid. I stir in two cups of frozen peas. Then, I drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough over the chicken mixture. I cover it evenly. I close the lid again and set it to manual high pressure for another ten minutes. I do not release the pressure this time. When the cooking ends, I perform a quick release again. I check the dumplings to make sure they are fluffy and cooked through. Now, I stir everything gently to combine, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed. I love to serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley. For the full recipe, check the previous section! To make fluffy dumplings, choose the right ingredients. Use all-purpose flour and baking powder. These help the dumplings rise and stay light. Mix the dry ingredients well before adding milk. The dough should be sticky but not runny. Adjust cooking time for the best dumplings. After cooking the chicken, drop the dumpling dough onto the chicken mixture. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot for another 10 minutes. Do not release the pressure during this time. This keeps the steam in to cook the dumplings evenly. When using the Instant Pot, know the pressure release methods. You can use quick release or natural release. Quick release lets steam out fast, while natural release takes longer. Both methods work well, but quick release is best for this dish. Avoid common mistakes. Ensure the lid is sealed properly. Check that the valve is in the sealing position. This prevents steam from escaping and keeps your dish cooking perfectly. To boost flavor, add herbs and spices. I recommend dried thyme and rosemary for a warm taste. You can also try adding a pinch of paprika or oregano for a twist. Adding extra vegetables enhances the meal. Peas are a great choice, but you can include corn or green beans too. These veggies add color and nutrition to your comfort bowl. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} Using chicken breast instead of thighs reduces fat. Chicken breast is leaner but may be drier. You can marinate it in broth for added moisture. Low-carb dumpling alternatives exist. Instead of flour, try almond or coconut flour. These options cut carbs and add flavor. You might need to adjust the liquid amounts. Adding different vegetables can change your dish. Peas add sweetness, while corn brings a nice crunch. You can mix and match to find your favorites. Experimenting with spices can boost flavor. Paprika adds warmth, and oregano gives an herby note. Just a pinch can make a big difference. For gluten-free dumpling options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels for hidden gluten. Dairy-free adaptations are simple. Substitute milk with almond or oat milk. This lets everyone enjoy the meal without worry. Check out the Full Recipe to see how these variations fit in your dish! To keep your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature before sealing it. This helps to avoid moisture build-up. - Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the leftovers. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To enjoy your meal again, reheating properly is key. - Best Methods to Reheat Without Compromising Taste: Use the microwave for quick reheating. Place your serving in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the dish moist. You can also reheat it on the stove. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring often. - Recommended Time and Temperature: If microwaving, heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stove, heat for about 5-10 minutes until hot. Understanding how long your dish lasts helps avoid waste. - Understanding How Long It Lasts in Fridge: As mentioned, it lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you notice it has been longer, it’s best to throw it out. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for off smells or changes in texture. If the dumplings look dry or hard, discard them. Always trust your senses; if it seems off, don't eat it. For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The Instant Pot will cook it well from frozen. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Using frozen chicken can save time and still give you tender meat. You know the dumplings are done when they are fluffy and cooked through. After the second cooking time, check one by cutting it in half. If it looks light and airy inside, it's perfect. If not, close the lid and cook for a few more minutes. The dumplings should not be sticky or wet. This dish stands alone, but you can serve it with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve crusty bread or cornbread on the side. These pair well and add to the comfort of the meal. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the dumplings, ensure your flour and baking powder are vegetarian-friendly. This way, you can still enjoy that warm, hearty bowl without meat. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps. In this post, I covered the essential ingredients and simple steps for making Instant Pot chicken and dumplings. I shared tips to ensure fluffy dumplings and how to safely use your Instant Pot. You learned about variations and storage methods to keep your meal fresh. This dish is a comforting classic that you can easily adapt to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it yours!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bf8589d0-0905-42ae-a2a6-e15083aed921-250x250.webp)
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Cozy up with this comforting Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! This dish blends tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy dumplings for a delicious one-pot meal. In just 40 minutes, you can create a hearty dinner that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Discover how easy it is to whip up this classic comfort food in your Instant Pot!