Hearty & Quick: The Best Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

There are few dishes that evoke the feeling of warmth and home quite like a classic bowl of Chicken and Dumplings. This beloved comfort food typically takes hours to simmer on the stovetop, but with the magic of your Instant Pot, you can achieve that same deep, delicious flavor in a fraction of the time. Our Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is designed for busy weeknights, delivering a creamy, hearty, and satisfying meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Forget the long prep; this recipe gets you from kitchen to table in under an hour, making it a perfect staple for those cooler “ber” months and beyond. Get ready to enjoy tender rotisserie chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy biscuit dumplings enveloped in a rich, flavorful broth – all with minimal effort!

What Exactly Are Dumplings?

When you hear “chicken and dumplings,” the star of the show (besides the chicken, of course!) is undoubtedly the dumplings. Traditionally, dumplings are small, soft pieces of dough that are dropped into a simmering liquid, where they cook to a wonderfully moist and fluffy consistency. They absorb the flavors of the broth, becoming little pillows of savory goodness. These “bread-like” morsels offer a unique texture that perfectly complements the rich stew.

For this Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe, we’ve taken a shortcut to make the process incredibly easy and accessible for everyone: canned biscuit dough! This simple hack eliminates the need for mixing, kneading, and rolling dough from scratch, saving you precious time without compromising on flavor or texture. By cutting each biscuit into small cubes, you create perfectly sized dumplings that cook quickly and become wonderfully tender. These convenient biscuit dumplings are truly a delightful addition, ensuring a drop of moist, delicious comfort in every single bite!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

There are numerous reasons why this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation, especially when you’re craving something comforting and substantial:

• Speed and Convenience: The Instant Pot slashes cooking time dramatically. What once took hours can now be on your table in less than 60 minutes, including prep! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal fast.
• Effortless Dumplings: Using canned biscuit dough for the dumplings is a game-changer. No need to measure flour or knead dough; just cut and drop! This simple trick makes the dish approachable for even novice cooks.
• Deep, Homestyle Flavor: Despite the quick cooking time, the pressure cooker infuses all the ingredients with rich, savory flavors, mimicking a slow-simmered stew. The combination of aromatic vegetables, tender chicken, and savory seasonings creates a truly satisfying experience.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything, from sautéing the aromatics to pressure cooking the broth and dumplings, happens in a single pot. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This isn’t just a soup; it’s a full meal. The shredded chicken, wholesome vegetables, and fluffy dumplings make it incredibly filling and comforting, ideal for cooler weather or any time you need a culinary hug.
• Versatile Ingredients: This recipe is flexible! It uses readily available ingredients, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or by swapping fresh chicken for rotisserie if you prefer.

Here’s What You Need To Make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our aromatic vegetables, providing a healthy base.
• 1 Tablespoon butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: The foundation of flavor for many comforting dishes, adding a sweet and pungent note.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Essential for its aromatic depth, enhancing the savory profile.
• 1 cup diced celery: A classic mirepoix component, offering a subtle, earthy crunch.
• One cup of shredded carrots: For natural sweetness and a vibrant color, rounding out the vegetable base.
• 1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out all the flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements chicken, giving that classic homestyle taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme*, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary*, 1/4 teaspoon sage*: These herbs provide a fragrant and savory depth. For ultimate simplicity, you can substitute these three with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• 1 bay leaf: A subtle aromatic that adds a complex, earthy note to the broth, removed before serving.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The liquid base for our stew, infusing everything with chicken flavor. Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, saving you cooking time and adding incredible flavor. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
• 1 cup diced potatoes: Potatoes add heartiness and texture. Pro Tip: I love using frozen cubed hashbrowns in soup recipes like this! They’re pre-cut and cook quickly, making it incredibly easy to add them in. Keeping a bag in your freezer is a great time-saver.
• 6 large biscuits, cut into small cubes: The star of our dumplings! Canned biscuit dough is incredibly convenient and yields wonderfully fluffy dumplings.
• 1/2 cup half & half: Stirred in at the end to create a creamy, luxurious broth that makes this dish so comforting.
• 1 cup frozen vegetable medley: Adding a frozen mix of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans at the end boosts the nutritional value and vibrant color without extra chopping.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in the Instant Pot

Making this comforting dish in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Begin by hitting the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant, typically 3-5 minutes. Next, add the diced celery and shredded carrots, stirring to combine them with the aromatics.
2. Season and Deglaze: Season the vegetables generously with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any browned bits – this adds immense flavor and prevents a “Burn” error. Add the bay leaf.
3. Add Chicken, Potatoes, and Dumplings: Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and diced potatoes to the pot. Finally, gently add the small cubes of biscuit dough. Stir briefly and carefully to ensure the biscuit pieces are submerged in the liquid and aren’t sticking together. Avoid over-stirring at this stage.
4. Pressure Cook: Securely lock the lid onto the Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Manually set the pressure cooking time for 5 minutes on High Pressure. The Instant Pot will display “ON” while it builds pressure, then the timer will count down from 5. Once the timer sounds, perform a Quick Release (QR) by carefully turning the valve from “Sealing” to “Venting.” Be cautious of the hot steam.
5. Finish and Serve: Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, remove the lid. Carefully take out and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the half-and-half and the frozen vegetable medley. Place the lid back on the pot (without locking or setting to pressure) for just 1 minute. This brief period will gently warm the frozen vegetables and slightly thicken the broth. Give it a final stir, then serve your hot and creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings immediately!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there’s enough liquid for the dumplings to cook properly without sticking together. The Instant Pot should not be filled beyond its max fill line.
• Stir Gently: When adding the biscuit dough cubes, stir just enough to separate them. Over-stirring can break them apart.
• Quick Release is Key: For tender, not mushy, vegetables and dumplings, a quick release of pressure is essential.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after cooking, especially after adding the half-and-half.
• For Thicker Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. After adding the half-and-half and vegetables, stir in the slurry and let it simmer on the “Sauté” (Low) setting for a few minutes until thickened.
• Rotisserie Chicken is a Time Saver: Don’t underestimate the power of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It cuts down a significant amount of prep time.

Variations and Customizations

This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings for a little kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Different Proteins: While chicken is traditional, you could try turkey (especially leftover holiday turkey) or even a plant-based chicken substitute.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped mushrooms, green beans, or corn kernels. Add them with the frozen medley at the end.
• Homemade Dumplings: If you have more time and prefer to make your own, a simple drop biscuit recipe will work beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute half-and-half with a dairy-free creamer or full-fat coconut milk for a creamy alternative, though the flavor will change slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, creamy broth.
• Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty stew.
• Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread offers a sweet and savory complement.

Storage and Reheating

This dish makes for excellent leftovers! Store any extra Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce, as it tends to thicken as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use 1.5-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into 1-inch pieces and add them to the pot along with the potatoes. They will cook perfectly in 5 minutes of pressure cooking.

My dumplings are a bit dense, what went wrong?

This can happen if the dumplings are over-mixed, or if they clumped together during cooking. Ensure you stir gently when adding them and that they are separated before pressure cooking. Also, make sure your Instant Pot comes to pressure properly.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings?

Yes, you can! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the dumplings might change slightly after freezing and thawing.

My broth is too thin. How can I thicken it?

After opening the Instant Pot, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the pot, select “Sauté” (Low), and simmer for a few minutes until the broth reaches your desired thickness.

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Other Comforting Biscuit & Dough Recipes to Try!

If you loved the ease and comfort of this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious biscuit and dough-based creations:

• Biscuits & Gravy Bombs: A delightful twist on a breakfast classic, perfect for a hearty start to your day.
• Sourdough Biscuits: For those who appreciate the tangy depth of sourdough, these fluffy biscuits are a must-try.
• Mini Monkeybread Muffins: A sweet, pull-apart treat that’s easy to make and fun to eat, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
• Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread: Master the art of homemade bread with this straightforward recipe for a perfectly crusty loaf.