Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comforting, hearty and delicious one-pot meal. With the Instant Pot, you can make this classic dish even easier and faster. This guide will teach you how to make perfect chicken and dumplings in your Instant Pot with tips for the best ingredients, seasonings, cooking times and more.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that consists of fluffy dumpling dough cooked right in the broth along with chicken and vegetables. It originated in the Southern United States and has roots tracing back to European cuisines.

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The soft, pillowy dumplings soak up the savory chicken broth making each bite absolutely delicious. Different recipes call for various dumpling techniques, from drop biscuits to rolled or kneaded dough.

Chicken and dumplings makes for a hearty, filling and comforting meal any time of year. The Instant Pot takes this classic from time consuming to fast and easy.

History and Origins

Chicken and dumplings dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries in European cuisines. Immigrants brought versions of the dish over to America, leading to many regional adaptations.

The dish became most popular in the American South. Using dumplings as a way to stretch chicken into more portions made it an economical meal. Different areas put their own spin on recipes with different dumpling or dough techniques.

Over time, chicken and dumplings became a popular Sunday dinner tradition throughout the South. It remains a comfort food staple to this day.

Benefits of the Instant Pot for Chicken and Dumplings

Using the Instant Pot to make classic chicken and dumplings offers several benefits:

• Quick cooking time – Makes the dish in a fraction of the time of traditional methods.
• Convenience – No need to watch a stove. Everything cooks in one pot!
• Flavors – Seals in delicious flavors.
• Food safety – The pressurized environment eliminates bacteria.
• Easy cleaning – With just one pot to clean up!

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking makes the chicken extra moist and tender. And the dumplings cook right in the rich broth. You get maximum comfort food with minimum effort.

Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Making chicken and dumplings in the Instant Pot may be fast, but there are still some tips to follow for best results:

• Use bone-in chicken thighs – Bone-in thighs withstand pressure cooking better than breasts.
• Skip pre-browning – No need to brown the chicken first, this saves time.
• Use thighs with skin – The skin helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor.
• Trim excess fat from skin – This prevents the dish from becoming too fatty.
• Add aromatics – Onion, garlic, celery, carrots, etc bring big flavor.
• Use enough liquid – The broth cooks the dumplings so make sure there’s enough.
• Lock lid in place – Always make sure the lid is properly sealed before pressure cooking.
• Natural release pressure – Letting pressure release naturally prevents tearing tender dumplings.
• Add dumplings last – Put dumplings on top towards end of cook time so they don’t get too soggy.

Following these tips will lead to the ultimate tender chicken and perfectly cooked dumplings every time.

Top Instant Pot Chicken and Dumpling Ingredients

Chicken and dumplings requires just a handful of ingredients. Here are the top items to use:

Chicken

• Bone-in chicken thighs – Withstand pressure, add flavor
• Skin-on – Keeps meat juicy and adds flavor
• Trim excess fat – Prevents dish from being greasy

Aromatics

• Onion – Provides base flavor
• Garlic – Adds richness
• Celery – Enhances flavor
• Carrots – Sweetness and texture

Seasonings

• Salt – Essential for overall flavor
• Pepper – Brings out flavors
• Thyme – Earthy flavor
• Poultry seasoning – Tailored for chicken
• Bay leaves – Herbal background note

Liquid

• Chicken stock – Adds savory flavor
• Water – Helps create broth

Dumplings

• Flour – Binds dumplings
• Baking powder – Helps dumplings fluff
• Milk – Moisture for tender dumplings
• Herbs – Extra flavor boost

Step-By-Step Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Making this comforting classic in the Instant Pot is simple. Follow these steps:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Dumplings

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp minced parsley

Instructions

1. Add onions, carrots, celery and garlic to Instant Pot.
2. Add chicken thighs on top of vegetables.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper.
4. Secure lid and set vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
5. While chicken is cooking, make dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, milk and parsley together until just combined. Set aside.
6. After pressure cooking, quick release pressure.
7. Remove chicken thighs from pot and shred meat from bones. Discard bones and skin.
8. Add shredded chicken back to pot and stir in.
9. Drop dumpling batter by tablespoons into the broth.
10. Secure lid once again. Pressure cook on high 3 minutes.
11. Natural release pressure and remove lid.
12. Serve chicken and dumplings into bowls while hot. Enjoy!

Making Instant Pot chicken and dumplings really is that easy. In just 20 minutes you can have this comforting classic on the table.

Choosing Dumpling Methods

There are a few different ways to make the dumplings for chicken and dumplings. The drop biscuit style used above is simplest. But you can also use:

• Rolled dumplings – Roll out dough and cut into strips to add to pot.
• Kneaded dumplings – Knead a soft dough and pinch off pieces to add.

Both rolled and kneaded dumplings take a bit more time but can result in more tender dumplings.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Problems and Solutions

Even with the simplicity of the Instant Pot, you may run into an occasional problem when making this dish:

• Problem: Chicken is undercooked.
• Solution: Increase pressure cook time to ensure chicken is 165°F internally.
• Problem: Dumplings fall apart or are gooey.
• Solution: Add a bit more flour when mixing dough to bind dumplings.
• Problem: Stew ends up too thin.
• Solution: Use less broth next time or cook with lid off for 5-10 mins to reduce liquid.
• Problem: Dish is bland.
• Solution: Check seasoning and add more to taste. You can also use chicken broth or bullion to boost flavor.

Knowing these common issues and fixes will set you up for chicken and dumpling success every time.

Tips for Leftover Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Like many hearty dishes, chicken and dumplings tastes even better as leftovers! Here are tips for enjoying it the next day:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• The broth will thicken to a gelled consistency when chilled.
• Scoop chicken and dumplings into a bowl and reheat until warmed through.
• Add a splash of milk or broth to the bowl if you want a thinner consistency after reheating.
• Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Transform leftover chicken and dumplings into even more dishes:

• Serve over biscuits for chicken pot pie twist.
• Use in a sandwich or wrap with cheese.
• Mix with rice or pasta.
• Top a fresh salad for a protein boost.

With endless possibilities, you’ll look forward to leftovers of this classic.

FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

First time making this comforting dish? Here are answers to some common questions:

What size Instant Pot do I need?

A 6-quart Instant Pot is best for making chicken and dumplings to feed 4-6 people.

Can I double the recipe in an 8-quart Instant Pot?

Yes, the recipe can be doubled for an 8-quart model. Just make sure not to overfill pot.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No, one of the shortcuts of the Instant Pot is that you don’t need to brown meats first.

What chicken cuts work best?

Bone-in chicken thighs are perfect. They braise well and add lots of chicken flavor.

Should I use chicken broth or stock?

Chicken broth provides the most flavor. But chicken stock works as well.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The pressure cooking ensures it is cooked through.

Why do the dumplings need baking powder?

Baking powder helps the dumplings fluff up rather than turning dense.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover chicken and dumplings will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat until hot before serving.

Enjoy the Comfort of Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings made in the Instant Pot is a fast and delicious way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With flavorful ingredients, simple directions, and helpful tips, you’ll be making this hearty dish anytime you need some comfort.

Serve it up on a chilly night or anytime you want a little taste of home. The tender chicken and pillowy dumplings are sure to satisfy.

So grab your Instant Pot and reinvent this traditional favorite. In just 20 minutes you can be enjoying a serving of the ultimate comfort food – chicken and dumplings!