Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken breasts: Cubed pieces of chicken that provide the main protein for the dish.

Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color to the dish.

Celery: Diced celery adds a subtle crunch and flavor.

Onion: Diced onion provides a savory base for the dish.

Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the base of the soup.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness 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.

Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dumplings.

When making dumplings for chicken and dumplings, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings. Stir the ingredients until just combined to ensure they remain light and fluffy.

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

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste but a similar texture to carrots, which works well in this recipe.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a slightly anise-like flavor but provides a similar crunch and texture to celery.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good substitute.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used for a vegetarian version.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a subtle complexity.

• frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor, making it a good alternative.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the dumplings slightly denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: A combination of baking soda and cream of tartar can mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar liquid consistency and can be used for a dairy-free version.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and can be used for a dairy-free alternative.

• 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 to keep track of freshness. This is especially useful if you plan to freeze the dish.

• For refrigeration, store the containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C) to maintain the quality of the chicken and vegetables.

• To freeze, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure the freezer temperature is at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

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

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

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the chicken and dumplings in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

• For best results, avoid reheating the dish multiple times. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume to maintain the quality of the dumplings and vegetables.

• For stovetop reheating, place the leftover chicken and dumplings in a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• To reheat using an Instant Pot, add the leftovers back into the pot. Use the sauté mode on low, stirring occasionally, until the dish is thoroughly warmed. Add a bit of chicken broth if needed to prevent sticking.
• For a slow cooker, transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker. Set to low heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the dumplings and vegetables.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking appliance used to sauté the chicken and cook the entire dish under high pressure.

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

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

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the chicken broth, flour, milk, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt, pepper, and baking powder.

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

• Knife: Used to cube the chicken and dice the vegetables.

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

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

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

Prep ingredients ahead: Dice carrots, celery, and onion in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Substitute raw chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.

Instant broth: Use store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

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

Quick dumplings: Mix the dumpling batter while the chicken and vegetables cook.