Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh

Warm and comforting, Chicken and Dumplings is a classic winter dinner recipe that everyone loves. Now, it’s a convenient weeknight dinner option, thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot. Gone are the hours of simmering and waiting. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful chicken and dumplings dish in a fraction of the time, all with minimal effort! With tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is sure to a regular on your dinner rotation.

Why We Love This Recipe

Chicken and Dumplings is a nostalgic dish. Everyone’s family seems to have their own variation, and remembers the way Grandma used to make it. It’s truly the epitome of comfort food. It’s a healing dish when you need it most and warms the soul. This version shines because it comes together in minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot. Now, a comforting meal doesn’t take hours on a busy weeknight. I make this dish for my family and it works around our busy after-school schedule.

If you love your Instant Pot and you’re looking for even more great dinner recipes, some of my favorites are Instant Pot Gumbo, my Cheesy Meatball Soup recipe and Salisbury Steak! They’re all comforting family-friendly dishes.

What To Serve With Chicken and Dumplings

This is a hearty one-bowl dinner recipe, but I always turn to a good loaf of bread and a side salad to pair with it. No-Knead Dinner Rolls or a Beginner Sourdough are fantastic options, or just keep it simple with a store-bought bread option. Make an easy side salad and you’ve got a complete meal for the whole family to enjoy.

Recipe Variations

This is such a classic way to prepare Chicken and Dumplings, but there are some regional flairs that easily change the flavors, without adding complication. For a Southern version, add a bit of smoked sausage or ham, along with some okra. You could also use Cajun spices to give it a more Creole flavor. For an Italian version, toss in some Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and spinach for an Italian-inspired version. You could even top it with a bit of mozzarella for a cheesy finish.

Speaking of toppings, crumbled cooked bacon and chives, along with cheddar cheese are my favorites for this Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Make it your own and it’ll never get old!

How To Store Leftover Chicken and Dumplings

Transfer leftovers to an airtight food storage container. Keep the leftovers refrigerated. For the best freshness, enjoy the dish within 3-4 days after cooking. I like to reheat my Chicken and Dumplings in the microwave, on high, for 2-3 minutes until warm again. Stir as needed.

Chicken and Dumplings are also very easy to freeze. Transfer the leftovers to a freezer bag. Secure the freezer bag and lay it flat, in the freezer. Keep the leftovers frozen for up to three months. Store the Chicken and Dumplings in the back of the freezer where temperatures are more stable. Let it thaw, overnight, in the refrigerator before heating again.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients:

• Chicken Broth
• Water
• Olive Oil
• Chicken Breast: Use a boneless and skinless chicken breast
• Refrigerated Biscuits: I use the Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuits
• Carrots
• Frozen Peas
• Oregano
• Onion Powder: This adds flavor without the crunch of fresh onion
• Basil
• Garlic: fresh and minced
• Salt
• Pepper

Instant Pot Tips For Beginners

1. Always Check the Sealing Ring

Before using your Instant Pot, make sure the silicone sealing ring is properly in place. It ensures a tight seal, which is crucial for pressure cooking. If the ring is not securely seated, steam can escape, and the pot won’t reach the required pressure. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean and inspect the ring to prevent odors or residue buildup.

2. Use the Right Amount of Liquid

The Instant Pot relies on steam to build pressure, so always add enough liquid. Follow this recipe exactly and you’ll be fine!

3. Don’t Overfill the Pot

The Instant Pot should never be filled past the 2/3 mark (or 1/2 mark for foods that expand like rice or beans). Overfilling can interfere with proper pressure cooking and may result in unevenly cooked food or a safety issue.

4. Use the Right Setting

The Instant Pot has different settings for different types of cooking (Pressure Cook, Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, etc.). Follow the recipe settings, which are different for the meat vs. potatoes and you will be fine.

5. Quick Release vs. Natural Release

After the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot will take some time to release the pressure. Quick release (turning the valve to venting) releases pressure immediately, which is great for delicate foods like vegetables or seafood. Natural release (letting the pressure come down slowly on its own) is better for meats or dishes that you want to continue cooking in the residual heat. Follow the recipe instructions below.

How To Make Chicken and Dumplings In The Instant Pot

Flatten each biscuit to about 1/8″ thickness. Use a knife to cut into 1/2″ strips. Place 1 teaspoon olive oil, chicken, oregano, onion powder, basil, garlic, salt and pepper into the instant pot and mix to coat.

Turn instant pot to sauté and cook chicken (with the lid off) until brown on all sides, stirring frequently. When finished, shut off instant pot by pressing cancel.

Add 2 cups of chicken broth, and 1 cup of water, carrots and peas to instant pot and mix well. Stir in the biscuits.

Once cooking cycle is finished, press cancel to turn off the unit and quick release steam/pressure. Spoon chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve.