Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a creamy, flavorful broth all cooked quickly in one pot. The dumplings puff up perfectly in the rich chicken stew, making every bite warm and satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Using the Instant Pot helps me get that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time, and the chicken stays juicy while the dumplings come out light and fluffy. It’s like comfort food magic without the wait.
My favorite way to serve this is with a simple side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. Plus, it’s a dish that everyone around the table seems to enjoy, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. It always feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I usually use boneless skinless thighs for juicy, tender meat, but breasts work fine too. Thighs add more flavor and stay moist longer.
Broth: Chicken broth is key for the rich base. If you want deeper flavor, use homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought kind.
Dumplings: The baking powder helps them puff up light and soft. If you’re avoiding dairy, milk can be swapped for a plant-based milk and butter for oil or vegan butter.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary give the stew a warm earthy touch. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
How Do You Make Dumplings That Are Soft and Fluffy?
To get tender dumplings, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, milk, melted butter, and egg gently. Don’t overmix, just stir until combined—it keeps them light.
- Drop spoonfuls carefully into simmering broth; don’t overcrowd them.
- Cover the pot loosely so steam can build, helping dumplings cook through evenly.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes—avoid lifting the lid too often or dumplings can get dense.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker – I like it because it cooks the chicken quickly and keeps it tender.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for combining the dumpling ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accuracy, especially with baking powder and liquids.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring and mixing the dough without overworking it.
- Slotted spoon – handy for removing the chicken and dumplings from the broth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw for extra flavor and quicker prep.
- Add frozen peas or corn when you’re returning the shredded chicken to the pot for more veggies.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill stirred in just before serving for bright flavor.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 25 minutes overall, including the quick pressure cook and simmering the dumplings. It’s a comforting meal that comes together fast thanks to the Instant Pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add the olive oil or butter, then throw in the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Mix in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors wake up.
3. Add Broth and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the pot’s bottom with a spatula to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom. Put your raw chicken pieces right into the pot.
4. Pressure Cook:
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on High for 8 minutes. When the time’s up, carefully perform a quick release to let the steam out.
5. Make the Dumpling Dough:
While the chicken cools a bit on the side, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and egg until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay!
6. Shred Chicken and Add Cream:
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Turn your Instant Pot back on “Sauté,” add the shredded chicken back to the broth, and stir in the cream or half-and-half if you like your stew extra creamy.
7. Cook the Dumplings:
Drop spoonfuls (about 1-2 tablespoons) of dumpling batter into the simmering broth. Cover the pot loosely and let the dumplings cook for 8-10 minutes, until puffed and cooked through.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hearty chicken and dumplings into bowls. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal with loved ones!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water thawing method before adding it to the Instant Pot.
Can I Make the Dumpling Dough Ahead of Time?
It’s best to make the dumpling dough fresh before cooking so it stays light and fluffy. However, you can prep the dry ingredients in advance and mix in the wet ingredients when ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans when you return the shredded chicken to the pot for extra color and nutrition.