Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the main protein of the dish.

Carrots: Diced, they add sweetness and color.

Celery: Diced, it adds a crunchy texture and flavor.

Onion: Diced, it provides a savory base flavor.

Chicken broth: The liquid base that adds depth and richness.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

Dried thyme: Provides an earthy, aromatic flavor.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish.

All-purpose flour: Used to make the dumplings.

Baking powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.

Milk: Adds moisture to the dumpling batter.

Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.

When sautéing the chicken in the Instant Pot, make sure to use a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil. This prevents the oil from burning and ensures a nice, even browning on the chicken. Additionally, deglaze the pot with a bit of chicken broth before adding the vegetables to lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• diced carrots - Substitute with diced parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet flavor and similar texture when cooked.

• diced celery - Substitute with diced fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a mild anise flavor that complements the dish.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor and is suitable for those avoiding meat.

• frozen peas - Substitute with frozen green beans: Green beans offer a similar texture and a mild flavor that works well in the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without altering the color of the dish.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano offers a similar earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that works well in savory dishes.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour offers a similar texture with added nutritional benefits.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Combining these two ingredients can mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar consistency and is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil offers a similar fat content and can add a subtle, pleasant flavor.

• Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chicken and dumplings into airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the dish within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The heavy cream and dumplings can maintain their texture and flavor well within this period.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The chicken broth and vegetables will freeze well, but note that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the dish.

• Reheat the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the dish appears too thick.

• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to distribute heat evenly. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture.

• If the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid and become too soft, consider adding a fresh batch of dumplings during reheating. Mix the dumpling ingredients and drop spoonfuls into the reheated soup, cooking until done.

• Enjoy your reheated Instant Pot chicken and dumplings with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of black pepper to refresh the flavors.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking device used to sauté, pressure cook, and finish the dish.

• Sauté function: A feature of the Instant Pot used to brown the chicken and soften the vegetables.

• Pressure cooker lid: Essential for sealing the Instant Pot to build pressure for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, thyme, baking powder, and melted butter.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the dumpling batter.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients in the Instant Pot and mixing the dumpling batter.

• Ladle: Handy for serving the chicken and dumplings once they are cooked.

• Knife: Used to cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and dice the carrots, celery, and onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the chicken and vegetables.

• Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken in the Instant Pot.

• Timer: Helps to keep track of the cooking time, especially when pressure cooking for 10 minutes.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Prep ingredients ahead: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion the night before to save time.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Substitute with rotisserie chicken to skip the sauté step.

Frozen vegetables: Opt for pre-diced frozen carrots and celery to cut down on prep time.

Instant dumplings: Use store-bought biscuit dough instead of making dumplings from scratch.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future meal.

Quick release: Use the quick release function on your Instant Pot to save time on pressure release.