Chicken and Dumplings in a Flash: Your Instant Pot Guide to Instant Comfort Food
Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade chicken and dumplings with the convenience of an Instant Pot. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the steps of creating this classic dish in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Chicken Broth:
1. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and add the water or broth.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
3. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Soup/Broth” on high pressure for 20 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Shredding the Chicken:
1. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the broth.
Making the Dumplings:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the boiling chicken broth.
Cooking the Dumplings:
1. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” on high pressure for 7 minutes.
2. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Instant Pot chicken and dumplings hot with a side of mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
- For fluffier dumplings, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before dropping it into the broth.
- Do not overmix the dumpling batter, as this will result in tough dumplings.
- If the dumplings are not cooked through after 7 minutes, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Variations
- Add your favorite vegetables to the chicken broth, such as peas, corn, or chopped potatoes.
- Use different types of flour for the dumplings, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Add herbs and spices to the dumpling batter for extra flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Without a Trivet
If you do not have a trivet, you can cook the dumplings on a foil packet. Simply line the bottom of the Instant Pot with aluminum foil and place the dumplings on top.
How to Freeze Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
To freeze the chicken and dumplings, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you will need to increase the cooking time to 25 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: You can make chicken and dumplings on the stovetop in a large pot. However, the cooking time will be longer.
Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dumpling batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, bring the broth to a boil and then drop the dumplings into the boiling broth.