Quick and Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

When you’re craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is the answer. This easy, family-friendly recipe delivers all the heartwarming flavors of homemade chicken and dumplings in just 30 minutes. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, filling dinner on the table without the long cooking time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe brings a cozy, hearty meal that will satisfy everyone.

But there’s more to this dish than just its convenience. The rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together perfectly in one pot, creating a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Plus, with the versatility of the Instant Pot, you can tweak the ingredients to your liking, making it an adaptable recipe for any occasion.

What Makes Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Special?

The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe is how effortlessly it combines convenience with flavor. The Instant Pot cooks everything to perfection under pressure, infusing the dish with deep flavors in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare it on the stovetop. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Fast and Convenient: The Instant Pot eliminates the need for long simmering times, allowing you to enjoy a homemade chicken and dumplings meal in just 30 minutes.

Minimal Prep Time: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Customizable: Want to make it creamier? Add some heavy cream. Prefer vegetables? Use a mix of your favorites. The possibilities are endless.

One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process.

Now that we’ve covered the highlights, let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this incredible meal!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe is straightforward, and you’ll find most items in your pantry or fridge. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless): Provides a lean protein base for the dish. You can also substitute with skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A classic blend of peas and carrots works well, but feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on your preference (think green beans, corn, or even bell peppers).

Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the broth. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion depending on your taste.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the creamy base of the dish, lending both flavor and texture. You can use homemade or store-bought versions.

Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid to cook everything in. If you prefer a richer taste, consider using chicken stock.

Garlic Salt: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Poultry Seasoning: A blend of herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary that complements the chicken beautifully.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Canned Biscuits: The secret to easy dumplings! These will puff up beautifully under pressure, creating soft, fluffy dumplings.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. The Instant Pot makes this process quick and simple, so you can get dinner on the table in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Instant Pot:
Start by placing the chicken broth at the bottom of the Instant Pot. This forms the base for your dish. Next, add the chicken breasts, followed by the frozen vegetables, and then sprinkle the seasonings (garlic salt, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper) on top.

Add the Creamy Base:
Open both cans of cream of chicken soup and pour them over the top of the ingredients. Do not stir! The soup acts as a protective layer and will help the Instant Pot come to pressure faster.

Seal and Cook:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. This may seem long, but it allows the chicken to become tender and infuses the vegetables with flavor.

Quick Release of Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the hot steam. The pressure will release within a few minutes.

Shred the Chicken:
After the pressure is released, remove the lid and take out the chicken breasts. Shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together for even distribution.

Prepare the Dumplings:
Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Place the biscuit pieces on top of the mixture in the Instant Pot. They may look small at first, but don’t worry! They will expand and soften into dumplings as they cook.

Cook the Dumplings:
Seal the Instant Pot again, ensuring the valve is in the sealing position. Set it to cook on high pressure for an additional 4 minutes. Afterward, perform another quick release.

Final Stir and Serve:
Open the Instant Pot and give everything a good stir. The dumplings should be fluffy, and the chicken should be perfectly shredded. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Frozen vs. Fresh Chicken: If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, you’ll need to cook them for a little longer—about 30 minutes on high pressure instead of 25 minutes. Just be sure to do a quick release after cooking.

Substitute with Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are an excellent option. They add richness to the dish and stay tender under pressure.

Biscuit Variations: For the fluffiest dumplings, use the cheapest canned biscuits. Avoid flaky-layer biscuits, as they tend to not work as well. Alternatively, you can make your own biscuit dough if you want a more homemade touch.

Thickening the Broth: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can turn on the sauté setting once the cooking is complete and stir in some flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth. Combine ¼ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, whisk it together, and then stir it into the pot.

Heavy Cream for Creaminess: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream just before serving.

Variations and Customization Ideas

While the basic recipe is incredibly versatile, there are many ways to tweak it to your taste. Here are a few ideas to elevate your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings:

Vegetable Options: If you want more vegetables in your dish, you can swap the frozen peas and carrots with a mixed veggie blend or even add celery, corn, or green beans. Feel free to experiment based on what you have available.

Make It a Soup: For a heartier, brothier version, add 2 more cups of chicken broth to turn this into a flavorful chicken and dumpling soup.

Homemade Biscuits: If you have the time and desire, you can skip the canned biscuits and make your own biscuits from scratch. Use your favorite dough recipe and cook them as you normally would in the Instant Pot.

Substitutions and Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ingredient swaps and substitutions you can make:

Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful base. Chicken thighs remain moist and tender even under the pressure of the Instant Pot, giving the dish a deep, savory flavor. If you want to use a whole chicken, that works too! You can break down the chicken into pieces and add them to the pot for a more rustic style.

Non-Dairy Options: For those who prefer a dairy-free meal, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or a vegan “cream of chicken” soup. You can also swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based cream to maintain the creamy texture without the dairy.

Vegetable Variations: While peas and carrots are classic choices, feel free to use your favorite vegetables. Corn, green beans, celery, and sweet potatoes are all excellent options. They can either be mixed in with the original vegetables or used as the main filling, depending on your preference.

Herb Choices: Poultry seasoning works well for this dish, but if you’re looking to change things up, you can experiment with other herbs. Thyme, rosemary, and sage are great additions, giving the dish a more aromatic profile. For a fresh touch, you can add fresh parsley or chives just before serving.

Adjusting for Your Family’s Preferences

Every family has different tastes, so feel free to adjust the recipe based on your loved ones’ preferences. Here are a few ideas to make the recipe even more suited to your family:

Kid-Friendly Tips: If you have picky eaters, you can easily make this recipe more palatable for children. Finely chop the onions and any other vegetables, so they’re less noticeable. You can also skip certain vegetables and add more of the ones your kids enjoy. To keep them entertained, let them help with cutting the biscuits into quarters—they’ll feel involved and excited to eat their creation!

Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth to give the dish a mild spicy kick. Adding jalapeños (either fresh or pickled) can also make for an exciting twist.

Use Broth Wisely: If you’re making a larger batch or want a more intense flavor, you can use a combination of chicken stock and vegetable broth instead of just chicken broth. This not only deepens the flavor but also adds layers of taste from the vegetables in the broth.

Making Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Ahead of Time

One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. If you want to streamline your meal prep, here’s how you can make this dish in advance:

Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble everything except for the biscuits and freeze the ingredients in an airtight bag or container. To cook, just defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, then cook it in the Instant Pot as usual. The only thing you’ll need to do when you’re ready to serve is add the biscuits before cooking.

Meal Prep for the Week: This recipe also stores well in the fridge. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days, and you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’d like to freshen it up, you can add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

Troubleshooting Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Sometimes, things don’t always go according to plan, but don’t worry! Here are some common issues people face when cooking Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings and how to solve them:

Dumplings Too Dense: If your dumplings turn out dense instead of light and fluffy, it could be because you used the wrong type of biscuits. Be sure to use regular canned biscuits (not the flaky kind). Also, avoid overcooking the biscuits. If you accidentally set the cooking time too long, the dumplings may become too hard.

Burnt or Stuck Food: If you notice that some of the food is stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot or there’s a burnt smell, it’s usually because the liquid wasn’t sufficient. Be sure to have enough broth or stock to prevent burning. If you’ve added extra ingredients or reduced the liquid too much, you can add a bit more broth to fix the issue.

Soup Too Thin: If your broth is thinner than you like, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) or a tablespoon of all-purpose flour. You can also turn on the sauté setting and let it simmer to reduce the broth until it thickens.

How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Once your Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is ready, you may have leftovers—or you may want to prep extra for later. Here’s how to store and reheat your dish to keep it tasting just as good as the first time.

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes a hearty meal, so you may have leftovers that need to be stored for later. Here’s how to keep your chicken and dumplings fresh:

Cool It Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy leftovers.
Airtight Storage: Place the leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container. This helps prevent the dish from drying out or absorbing unwanted smells from the fridge.
Refrigeration: Store the dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings should still be delicious and safe to eat within this time frame.
Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers or want to make this meal ahead of time, it can be frozen! Transfer the chicken and dumplings into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the dumplings may lose some of their texture after freezing, but the flavor will remain intact.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s the best way to reheat Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings:

Stovetop Reheat: Place the chicken and dumplings in a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed. Stir occasionally to ensure the dish heats evenly. Once hot, serve it up just like you did the first time.
Microwave Reheat: Place a serving of the chicken and dumplings in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until fully warmed. If the dish appears too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth or water before microwaving.
Instant Pot Reheat: You can also reheat the dish in the Instant Pot. Set it to saute mode on low heat. Stir frequently and add a little more broth to ensure the dish doesn’t burn at the bottom. Keep it on the heat for about 10 minutes or until hot.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Card

Ingredients:

3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
12 oz package of Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas and carrots)
1/2 Onion, chopped
2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups Chicken Broth
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Poultry Seasoning
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 can of Biscuits (10 count)

Instructions:

Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
Add the chicken breasts, vegetables, and seasonings (garlic salt, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper).
Open both cans of cream of chicken soup and pour them over the ingredients. Do not stir.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, setting the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Once the cook time is complete, do a quick release by turning the valve to the venting position.
Open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Shred the chicken using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Cut the biscuits into quarters and place them on top of the mixture in the Instant Pot.
Seal the Instant Pot again, setting the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Do a quick release once the cook time is finished.
Stir everything together and serve warm.

Notes:

If using frozen chicken breasts, increase the cook time to 30 minutes with a quick release.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
Use regular canned biscuits (not flaky layers) for the best dumplings.
To thicken the broth, add a cornstarch slurry or flour once the cooking is complete.
You can customize the vegetables to your liking—feel free to add green beans, celery, or sweet potatoes.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	274 kcal
Protein	17g
Carbohydrates	31g
Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	2g
Trans Fat	1g
Cholesterol	37mg
Sodium	1581mg
Potassium	510mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2g
Vitamin A	2905 IU
Vitamin C	13mg
Calcium	49mg
Iron	2mg