Introduction

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting classic, perfect for cozy meals any time of year. Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful broth with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors. This easy recipe brings homemade goodness to your table with minimal fuss.

The image shows a white bowl with a green rim filled with a creamy chicken and vegetable stew. The dish has several layers visible: the base is a thick, pale beige creamy sauce; scattered throughout are chunky pieces of white chicken; bright orange carrot cubes and fresh green peas are mixed evenly in the sauce; small translucent pieces of celery add extra texture. The bowl sits on a larger white plate, both placed on a white marbled surface. There is a green textured cloth and decorative autumn leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced into 1″ pieces
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (includes thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, etc.)
Salt to taste
5 refrigerated canned biscuits, each cut into 8 pieces (or see below for homemade dumplings)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken soup)
1/4 cup cold water (optional, to thicken soup)
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
For homemade dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot and add the oil. When it reads “Hot,” add the chopped onions and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until they soften.
Step 2: Add the chopped celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir frequently to cook the vegetables evenly and prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Add the diced chicken and cook with the vegetables for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, then add black pepper, poultry seasoning, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Step 5: If using canned biscuits, slice each biscuit into 8 pieces and drop them into the Instant Pot. If making homemade dumplings, prepare the dumpling batter as directed below and add spoonfuls into the pot now.
Step 6: Press CANCEL to stop sautéing. Close the pressure cooker lid and set to Pressure Cook or Manual on High Pressure for 7 minutes.
Step 7: When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully switch the sealing knob to venting to release any remaining steam, then open the lid carefully.
Step 8: Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream into the soup.
Step 9: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir into the pot until thickened.
Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Instructions for homemade dumplings:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the milk and stir until just moistened.
4. Drop teaspoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the Instant Pot right after adding the chicken and broth in Step 5.

Tips & Variations

Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables in place of chicken.
Swapping canned biscuits with homemade dumplings adds a fresh, homemade touch.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma if you don’t have poultry seasoning.
To add extra protein, stir in cooked bacon or sausage pieces before pressure cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave to preserve the texture of the dumplings. The dumplings may absorb some liquid over time; add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy chicken and dumplings dish in a white bowl with a green rim, placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The dish features soft, pale dumplings floating in a thick, light creamy broth mixed with tender pieces of white chicken, small bright green peas, orange carrot cubes, and pale green celery pieces. The background shows blurry warm autumn-colored leaves. The texture looks smooth and rich with some black pepper specks visible in the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces, but you should increase the pressure cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I do if my dumplings become too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough; mix just until moistened for tender dumplings. Also, using baking powder and baking soda helps them rise and stay fluffy.