Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is among my top three comfort foods. A big bowl of the savory soup, filled with tender chicken, vegetables and soft dumplings, is truly a perfect meal. But it can also be a labor of love to prepare. Thankfully, this Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe takes less time and effort, but still has all the warm, cozy taste. Making the soup in the pressure cooker with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits for the dumplings is a genius hack. Bookmark this recipe for a busy weeknight dinner that’s comforting, filling and affordable.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs cut up into cubes. You can substitute chicken breast if you prefer.
• Buttermilk biscuits: Premade refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough is the fastest, easiest option when you want the fluffiest dumplings.
• Olive oil: You’ll cook the vegetables in a small amount of oil to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Mirepoix: Carrot, onion and celery (aka mirepoix) give this chicken and dumplings Instant Pot recipe its classic flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will give you the best flavor here.
• Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt and pepper are all you need in the way of additional seasonings.
• Potato: Use small red or white potatoes. They’ll hold their shape and still get tender.
• Chicken broth: Boxed chicken broth works great here, but you’ll never regret using homemade chicken broth.
• Peas: Frozen peas are a perfect addition to chicken and dumplings.
• Parsley: Use fresh minced parsley to garnish your soup.

Directions

Step 1: Cook vegetables and biscuits

Set a 6- or 8-quart electric pressure cooker to saute and add the oil. Stir in the onion, carrot and celery and cook until they’re tender, about four to five minutes. Stir in the garlic, salt, poultry seasoning, thyme and pepper. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds or until they’re fragrant, then add the potato, cubed chicken and broth. Gently stir in the cubed biscuits.

Step 2: Cook the soup

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the toggle to sealing. Select the manual high-pressure setting for seven minutes, then allow the soup to cook. Once the cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully set the toggle to venting until the remaining pressure has been released, then remove the lid.

Step 3: Finish the soup and serve

Use two forks or tongs to break apart the biscuits. Stir in the frozen peas. Place the lid on top and let the soup rest for five minutes or until the peas are hot. Garnish the chicken and dumplings soup with parsley and serve it in bowls.

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Variations

• Make it creamy: I love a creamy broth with my chicken and dumplings. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup when you add the peas.
• Use turkey instead: This soup goes great with shredded turkey instead of chicken. It would be a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.

How to Store Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

I like to make a big batch of chicken and dumplings for several meals. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze chicken and dumplings?

You can freeze chicken and dumplings and have a comfort meal ready for you down the road. The dumpling texture might be slightly affected, but it will still be delicious. As a general rule, soups and stews can be frozen for two to three months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it.

How do you reheat Instant Pot chicken and dumplings?

Reheat Instant Pot chicken and dumplings on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s bubbling and warmed through.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Tips

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you use homemade biscuits for Instant Pot chicken and dumplings?

If you prefer to use homemade dumplings, they also work great here. Try the dumplings from this chicken and dumplings recipe.

Can you make this chicken and dumplings recipe in a slow cooker?

You can definitely make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker. Try our crockpot chicken and dumplings for an effortless meal the whole family will be into.

What can you serve with Instant Pot chicken and dumplings?

I often eat chicken and dumplings on their own because they’re so filling. But if you want a more well-rounded meal, serve them with some greens, like a fresh green salad, roasted or sauteed Brussels sprouts, or steamed artichoke.