Ultimate Comfort: Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken and dumplings to bring comfort on a chilly day. Our incredibly easy Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe takes this classic dish to a whole new level of convenience and speed. Imagine savory, tender chicken, rich, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings—all ready in just about 30 minutes, right in your pressure cooker or Ninja Foodi. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a complete one-pot wonder that delivers ultimate comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe quickly became one of our family’s most requested Instant Pot recipes, especially when the weather cools down. It evokes fond memories of childhood, but with a modern twist that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. Forget the long simmering times; with your pressure cooker, you’ll achieve that deep, comforting flavor in a fraction of the time.
Ninja Foodi Chicken and Dumplings Made Simple
Whether you own an Instant Pot, a Crockpot Express, or a Ninja Foodi, these instructions are universally applicable for any brand of pressure cooker. The key is the sealed, high-pressure environment that drastically cuts down cooking time, ensuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This method is a game-changer for those seeking delicious, hearty meals without the traditional fuss.
To make this recipe even simpler, we utilize refrigerated biscuits for the dumplings. This convenient shortcut saves you time and effort without sacrificing the soft, fluffy texture crucial for this classic dish. However, if you prefer, you could certainly substitute gnocchi or homemade biscuit dough (perhaps using Bisquick for ease). With a medley of vegetables, succulent chicken, and a rich sauce, this one-pot meal truly embodies the essence of homemade comfort food.
Essential Pressure Cooking Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, welcome! You’re about to discover a fantastic way to create incredible one-pot meals with minimal effort. To help you get started on the right foot, here are a few basic tips that will make your experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Make sure to bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We regularly add new and exciting recipes that cater to all tastes and skill levels!
- For quick reference, print out this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable tool that helps you understand precisely how long different ingredients like meat, vegetables, and beans need to cook in your pressure cooker to achieve perfect results every time.
- I highly recommend you invest in a non-stick inner pot for your pressure cooker. It makes a significant difference in preventing food from sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- While it’s always good to understand how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing, a quality non-stick liner greatly reduces the chances of anything sticking or burning, making your cooking process even more carefree.
For reference, the model I primarily use for all my recipe creations is a 6-quart Instant Pot, which offers ample capacity for family-sized meals.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings with Canned Biscuits: The Ultimate Shortcut
One of the beauties of this Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe is its embrace of convenience. There’s absolutely no need to painstakingly make Bisquick biscuits “from scratch” unless you genuinely enjoy the process. Our philosophy here is all about creating easy, delicious meals, and readily available refrigerated biscuit dough works wonderfully for creating those perfect, tender dumplings.
Not only are refrigerated biscuits a fantastic time-saver, but if you happen to find frozen biscuit dough, that works too! Simply allow the dough to defrost just enough so you can easily slice it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This slight modification makes them ideal for quickly adding to your pressure cooker for an effortless one-pot meal. The result is consistently soft, savory dumplings that cook up beautifully in the flavorful broth.
How Do You Make Chicken and Dumplings Effortlessly?
At its heart, chicken and dumplings is a straightforward dish, and the Instant Pot makes it even more so. The first essential step, of course, is selecting your chicken. You have flexibility here: boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are both excellent choices. Aim for pieces of similar thickness to ensure they cook evenly. While removing skin and bones yourself can save money, pre-cut boneless, skinless options offer maximum convenience, allowing you to focus on the flavors.
This pressure cooker chicken and dumplings recipe truly epitomizes comfort food, yet it bypasses the lengthy stovetop cooking times your grandmother might have endured. She would undoubtedly be amazed at how quickly you can create such a rich and flavorful meal today! We’ve made countless Instant Pot soup recipes, and this one holds a special place, especially during the colder months when a warm, hearty bowl is exactly what you crave.
Ingredient Notes for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot chicken and dumplings starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at our recommendations to ensure your dish is packed with flavor and excellent texture:
- Chicken: For the meat, I almost exclusively use diced (bite-sized) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Medium-sized pieces are ideal as they cook evenly and integrate well into the stew. For the best flavor and texture, I always recommend organic, free-range chicken if available.
- Vegetables: These add essential flavor and nutrients. We always include carrots, peeled and sliced into thick “dials” so they retain their shape and don’t become mushy under pressure. Sliced celery adds a lovely aromatic crunch. Of course, a good hearty dish needs onions for that foundational savory base. Some also enjoy adding frozen peas for a touch of sweetness and color; if you do, add them after the pressure cooking cycle.
- Liquid Base: High-quality chicken broth is paramount. It provides a much richer and deeper flavor than water, forming the backbone of your soup.
- Creaminess: A splash of milk, preferably whole milk, is added at the end to create that luscious, creamy texture you expect in classic chicken and dumplings.
- Thickener: Cornstarch is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect consistency. It’s added at the end to thicken the broth to your desired richness.
- Dumplings: As mentioned, refrigerated biscuits are our go-to for convenience. They puff up beautifully and create tender dumplings. If refrigerated biscuits aren’t available where you live, you can easily make biscuit dough from scratch using a mix like Bisquick, then portion it into small pieces.
For those needing a dairy-free option, plain cashew milk works wonderfully due to its thicker consistency, though almond milk can also be used. Feel free to adjust the quantity of vegetables to your liking; doubling up or using just one or two of your favorites is perfectly fine. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – if you have leftover cooked turkey from a holiday meal, it can be substituted for chicken for a delicious twist! While this recipe focuses on a quick 30-minute pressure cooker method, it can also be adapted to a slow cooker chicken and dumplings for a more hands-off approach.
What Can You Substitute for Canned Biscuits in Dumplings?
We understand that refrigerated canned biscuits aren’t universally available, especially outside the United States. Don’t worry, you still have excellent options for delicious dumplings! A great alternative is to prepare biscuit dough from scratch using a reliable recipe like our fluffy Bisquick biscuits. Once prepared, simply portion the dough into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot as directed for the refrigerated biscuits. They will cook up beautifully, providing that desired soft and tender texture.
Another option, though less traditional, is to use prepared gnocchi. While these will give a different texture, they can be a quick and satisfying substitute for those who can’t find or prefer not to use biscuit dough. Simply add them towards the end of the cooking process until they are tender.
How Do You Thicken Chicken and Dumplings to Perfection?
Achieving the ideal, luscious consistency for your chicken and dumplings is key to its comforting appeal. The process is simple and ensures a rich, velvety broth that clings beautifully to the chicken and dumplings.
- Once your chicken is cooked and removed from the pot, set your Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function.
- In a small bowl, whisk together a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from your pot with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch until a smooth slurry forms. This prevents lumps when added to the main pot.
- Pour this cornstarch slurry into the pot with the remaining broth, along with your milk. Stir gently.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. As it heats, you’ll notice the broth thickening. Continue to cook for about a minute until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer it even thicker, repeat the process with another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with hot broth.
- Once thickened, shred your cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring all the delicious chicken is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Homemade Dumplings Option for the Traditionalist
While our recipe champions the convenience of refrigerated biscuits, we absolutely understand and appreciate the desire for truly homemade dumplings. Yes, you can certainly make traditional homemade dumplings from scratch. This usually involves a simple flour-based dough that you can cut into pieces or drop by spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth. The result is a slightly different, often more rustic texture, which many people adore.
However, for those seeking a quick and effortless weeknight meal, refrigerated biscuits deliver a wonderfully soft, fluffy consistency that perfectly complements the savory chicken and broth. They truly do the trick perfectly for an easy pressure cooker chicken and dumplings experience. If you’re looking for a simple, yet incredibly satisfying way to make this beloved dish in your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, this recipe is definitely one to try!
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings with Noodles: A Tasty Twist
If your palate leans more towards pasta than the doughy dollops of traditional dumplings, you can easily adapt this recipe to include noodles. For a true noodle-centric experience, you might prefer trying our pressure cooker chicken noodle casserole. Alternatively, if you want to keep the base of this recipe, you can modify it by submerging about 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni or a similar small pasta at the very top of the liquid (without stirring) before you seal the lid for pressure cooking. The pasta will cook directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the wonderful savory notes.
Some grocery stores even offer frozen noodle dumplings or specialty pasta shapes that work beautifully. If you can get your hands on these, they’re excellent choices. The main difference you might observe is that they tend to release a bit more liquid during cooking, which could thin your soup slightly. This is easily remedied by adjusting the cornstarch at the end. Here’s a detailed look at how to make this easy chicken and dumplings recipe in your pressure cooker:
How to Make Chicken and Dumplings in a Pressure Cooker: Step-by-Step
Time needed: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook)
This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a quick and satisfying meal.
- Add ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (ensure they are of similar sizes for even cooking), chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion), seasonings (salt, oregano, thyme, pepper), and chicken broth into your Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
- Pressure Cook Chicken & Veggies: Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 12 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully lift the lid. Remove the cooked chicken and transfer it to a bowl, covering it to keep warm.
- Prepare Dumplings: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Take your refrigerated biscuits and cut each into 4-6 spoon-sized pieces. Add these biscuit pieces directly into the liquid mixture in the pot.
- Cook Dumplings: Allow the liquid to come to a boil. Let the biscuits bubble and steam for about 1 full minute. This brief boil helps to set the dumplings. Turn off the “Sauté” function or press “Cancel.”
- Second Pressure Cook (Dumplings): Place the lid back on and set the pressure cooker to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on LOW pressure for 4 minutes. If your model doesn’t have a low-pressure setting, use HIGH pressure for just 1 minute. Once done, perform another quick pressure release and carefully open the lid. Set the pot back to “Sauté” mode.
- Thicken & Finish: Pour the milk into the pot with the liquid and stir gently. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot broth from the pot until completely smooth. Pour this cornstarch mixture into your pot and stir gently until the soup begins to thicken to your desired consistency. You can add another tablespoon of cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker stew.
- Serve: Shred the cooked chicken (which you set aside earlier) and add it back into your pressure cooker. Allow the Instant Pot to gently boil or bubble again for about 1 full minute to ensure all liquids are well mixed and the chicken is warmed through. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, homemade comfort food!
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless skinless, medium size
- 3 carrots, large dials, peeled
- 2 stalks celery, sliced thick
- 1/2 onion, large chunks
- 1 c chicken broth, (add more if you like extra liquid)
- 1/2 c milk, (whole is best, add a bit more for thinner consistency)
- 1 tsp salt, optional (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp pepper
- 3 refrigerated biscuits (Grands brand recommended, cut into spoon-size pieces)
- 1-2 tbsp cornstarch, optional, for thickening broth
Instructions
- Put medium-sized chicken breasts, chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion), seasonings (salt, oregano, thyme, pepper), and chicken broth in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Ensure chicken breasts are of similar sizes for even cooking.
- Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure and carefully lift the lid.
- Remove the chicken and place it in a bowl, covering it to keep warm. Cut each refrigerated biscuit into 4-6 pieces.
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the cut-up biscuit pieces into the liquid mixture.
- Wait until the liquid boils and allow it to bubble for 1 full minute so it steams the biscuits. Turn the pot off/cancel “Sauté” function.
- Place the lid back on and set to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on LOW pressure for 4 minutes. (If your cooker doesn’t have a low function, use High pressure for 1 minute). Perform a quick release when done and carefully lift the lid. Set to “Sauté” again.
- Pour milk into the pot with the liquid and stir slightly. In a small dish, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of your hot broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into your pot and stir gently. You can add another tablespoon of cornstarch with the same whisking method if you desire an even thicker consistency.
- Shred the cooked chicken and add it back into your pressure cooker.
- Allow the Instant Pot to start to boil/bubble again for about 1 full minute to ensure all liquids are mixed and the chicken is thoroughly heated. Serve immediately!
Video
For a visual guide, please check our accompanying video tutorial on our blog!
Nutrition
Serving: 4oz, Calories: 262kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 76mg, Sodium: 1180mg, Potassium: 771mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 7816IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations in ingredients and preparation methods can alter nutritional values.
Additional Info
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
For this recipe, we achieve perfectly steamed dumplings by adding small pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough directly into the hot liquid in the Instant Pot while on the “Sauté” setting. After a brief boil, they are then pressure cooked for just a few minutes on low pressure. This two-step process ensures they become wonderfully soft and fluffy without being mushy.
The primary difference lies in their form and composition. Noodles are typically thin, stringy strips of pasta, made from an unleavened dough. Dumplings, on the other hand, are generally small balls or pieces of dough, often thicker and softer than noodles, which can be cooked by boiling, steaming, or frying. Dumplings may also be filled with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, or cheese, whereas noodles are usually served as a base or accompaniment. You can certainly use either in a similar stew-like dish depending on your preference!
Yes, you can cook certain types of dumplings in the oven on their own, but the result will be more akin to baked or crispy dumplings rather than the traditional soft, steamed, or boiled versions found in soup. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), arrange the dumplings in a single layer on a sheet pan, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even crispiness and golden-brown edges. This method is great for a side dish or appetizer, but it won’t yield the same texture as dumplings cooked directly in a broth.
While you can freeze cooked chicken and dumplings, it’s important to manage expectations regarding the texture of the dumplings upon reheating. The dumplings, particularly those made from refrigerated biscuits, may not retain their original soft and fluffy texture; they might become a bit gummier or denser after being frozen and thawed. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick.
What Exactly is a Dumpling (and its Variations)?
The term “dumpling” is delightfully broad and encompasses a wide array of delicious dough-based creations found in cuisines around the world. At its core, a dumpling is a piece of dough, often made from a starch source like flour, bread, or potatoes. This versatile dough can be cooked in various ways—boiled, steamed, fried, baked, or simmered in a stew.
What makes dumplings so fascinating are their endless variations. They can be plain and simple, like the fluffy biscuit-style dumplings in our recipe, or they can be elaborately filled with an assortment of ingredients. Common fillings include savory options like meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables, making them a complete meal in themselves. There are also sweet dumplings, filled with fruits or sweet mixtures, often served as desserts. This incredible diversity is why dumplings, much like the gnocchi in our gnocchi soup recipe, hold such a cherished place in global culinary traditions.
What Sides Go Well with Chicken and Dumplings for a Complete Meal?
While Instant Pot chicken and dumplings can certainly stand alone as a satisfying one-pot meal, adding a simple side dish can elevate your dining experience, providing extra texture and nutrients. Here are some excellent pairings:
- Sautéed Bell Peppers: Quickly sautéed bell peppers, in various vibrant colors, add a sweet and slightly crisp contrast to the creamy stew.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, lightly seasoned with a pat of melted butter, salt, and pepper, offers a fresh, healthy balance.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: If you’re feeding a larger crowd or craving extra indulgence, a comforting creamed corn casserole is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of chicken and dumplings.
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette is an effortless way to add brightness and cut through the richness of the main dish.
- Sautéed Spinach: Fresh spinach, quickly wilted with garlic, is a simple and nutritious green that complements the savory notes of the chicken and dumplings well.
What Should I Serve with Chicken and Dumplings? Our Favorite Suggestions
For many, our Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe is a hearty and complete one-pot meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting dough. However, if you’re looking to expand the meal or add a special touch, consider these options:
- As mentioned above, a fresh green salad provides a wonderful counterpoint to the rich, creamy main dish.
- Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- For dessert, why not extend the dumpling theme with something sweet? Our air fryer dumplings filled with warm apple are a fantastic, easy, and satisfying sweet treat to round out your meal.
After you’ve savored this easy Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe, you might be looking for more Instant Pot chicken recipes to add to your repertoire. We highly recommend trying our simple Instant Pot chicken noodle soup next. It uses many of the same main ingredients, offering a familiar yet distinctively delicious flavor profile that’s equally comforting and quick to prepare.
