This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth. The pressure cooker does all the work, ensuring the chicken is cooked to perfection and the dumplings are light and airy.
Ideal for cold nights or when you need a quick, warming meal, this recipe brings the cozy flavors of traditional Southern chicken and dumplings to your kitchen in a fraction of the time. It’s a wonderful option for busy families or anyone craving a bowl of homemade goodness without the fuss.
Full Recipe:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Directions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, carrots, celery, peas, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cancel the sauté mode and secure the Instant Pot lid. Set to manual pressure for 10 minutes.
- While the Instant Pot is cooking, prepare the dumplings: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk until a dough forms.
- After the Instant Pot finishes, release the pressure manually. Stir in the cream of chicken soup.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the hot chicken mixture in the Instant Pot. Replace the lid and set to manual pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once done, release the pressure manually. Serve hot, with fluffy dumplings and tender chicken in a creamy broth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
Chicken and dumplings is a quintessential comfort food that has graced tables for generations, particularly in Southern kitchens. The combination of tender, juicy chicken and light, fluffy dumplings in a creamy, flavorful broth is the kind of meal that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. Traditionally, this dish requires slow cooking and attention to detail, with dumplings simmering in a rich, homemade broth for hours. However, with the rise of modern kitchen appliances, such as the Instant Pot, this classic recipe has undergone a transformation, making it accessible to busy cooks without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The Origins of Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a dish deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, but its origins can be traced back to both European and Native American influences. The practice of cooking meat with dough or bread has been a part of various cultures throughout history. Early settlers in America adapted these techniques, using local ingredients and their own culinary traditions to create what we now know as chicken and dumplings. Over time, the dish evolved into a Southern staple, known for its hearty, filling nature and its ability to feed large families affordably.
- A Cultural Symbol: Chicken and dumplings has become synonymous with Southern hospitality and comfort, often served at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and holidays.
- Adaptations Across Regions: While the basic components remain the same, different regions have put their own spin on the dish. Some versions use biscuit dough for the dumplings, while others use flat, noodle-like dumplings.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we approach time-intensive recipes, and chicken and dumplings is no exception. This multi-functional appliance allows for quicker cooking times without compromising on flavor, making it ideal for home cooks who want to enjoy classic dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Time-Saving: What traditionally took hours to prepare can now be done in under 40 minutes. The Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking function ensures that the chicken becomes tender and the broth rich in flavor in a fraction of the time.
- One-Pot Cooking: The Instant Pot allows you to sauté, simmer, and pressure cook all in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to clean. This makes the cooking process not only faster but more efficient.
- Consistent Results: One of the challenges with traditional chicken and dumplings is getting the dumplings just right. The Instant Pot’s controlled cooking environment helps ensure that the dumplings come out fluffy and perfectly cooked every time.
The Appeal of Chicken and Dumplings
There’s a reason why chicken and dumplings remains a beloved dish across generations and cultures. It’s not just about taste—it’s about the feelings of warmth and comfort that this meal evokes. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, chicken and dumplings has a way of bringing people together.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is not only delicious but incredibly filling. The combination of protein from the chicken, the richness of the broth, and the starchy, satisfying dumplings makes it a complete meal in itself.
- Customizable: One of the joys of cooking chicken and dumplings is how customizable it can be. You can use a variety of vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Carrots, celery, and peas are traditional, but feel free to experiment with other veggies like mushrooms, potatoes, or green beans.
- Comforting Flavors: The creamy broth, flavored with herbs like thyme and parsley, provides a comforting base for the tender chicken and soft dumplings. This combination of flavors creates a sense of nostalgia for many people, reminding them of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
While chicken and dumplings is often viewed as an indulgent comfort food, it can also offer some nutritional benefits, particularly when prepared with whole, fresh ingredients.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, immune function, and overall health. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts ensures that the dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
- Rich in Vegetables: The addition of carrots, celery, peas, and other vegetables adds a range of vitamins and minerals to the dish. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health, while celery is a good source of fiber.
- Balanced Meal: With a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates (from the dumplings), this dish can serve as a complete meal, providing a range of nutrients that support overall health.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
Even though the Instant Pot makes this dish easier and faster to prepare, there are still a few tips and tricks to ensure the best possible results.
- Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after pressure cooking. Thighs also shred more easily, making them ideal for this dish.
- Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: When preparing the dumpling dough, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense, tough dumplings instead of the light, fluffy ones you want. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Season Generously: Chicken and dumplings is all about deep, comforting flavors. Be sure to season both the chicken and the broth well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Thyme and parsley are classic choices, but you can also add rosemary or bay leaves for additional depth.
- Consider Texture: If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, you can use a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth after pressure cooking. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pot at the end of cooking.
Modern Twists and Variations
While the classic version of chicken and dumplings is hard to beat, there are countless ways to put a modern twist on this beloved dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a bit of heat to your dish by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the broth. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Herb Dumplings: Elevate the flavor of your dumplings by mixing fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or dill into the dough. The herbs will add a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer to avoid dairy, you can easily make this recipe without cream-based ingredients. Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or a cashew-based cream.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or chickpeas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
Conclusion
Chicken and dumplings is a time-honored dish that continues to bring comfort to tables around the world. With the help of modern appliances like the Instant Pot, this traditional recipe has become even more accessible for today’s busy cooks. The beauty of chicken and dumplings lies in its simplicity—humble ingredients come together to create a meal that’s deeply satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with modern twists, one thing is certain: chicken and dumplings will always be a go-to dish for cozy, comforting meals. The Instant Pot version not only saves time but ensures that the flavors are just as rich and the dumplings just as fluffy as the original. This dish is a testament to the power of comfort food, bringing joy and warmth to any table, any time of year.