Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken breast: Diced into small pieces, this provides the main protein for the dish.

Carrots: Sliced, they add sweetness and color.

Celery: Sliced, it adds a subtle crunch and flavor.

Onion: Diced, it brings a savory depth to the dish.

Chicken broth: The base liquid that cooks everything together.

Frozen peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

Biscuit dough: Cut into small pieces, it forms the dumplings.

When browning the chicken in the Instant Pot, make sure to do it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that each piece gets a nice sear, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, when adding the biscuit dough pieces, make sure they are evenly distributed on top without stirring them in. This allows them to steam properly and maintain their dumpling-like texture.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative in this dish.

• Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste but a similar texture when cooked, providing a comparable flavor and consistency.

• Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild anise flavor that complements the dish well, and it provides a similar crunch and texture.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter taste compared to onions, but they can be used in the same quantity for a similar flavor profile.

• Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to maintain the soup's base flavor while making the dish suitable for vegetarians.

• Frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slightly nuttier flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and umami while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used in the same quantity to provide a similar level of heat and spice.

• Biscuit dough - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can be cut into small pieces and used as a topping, offering a flaky and buttery alternative to biscuit dough.

• 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 easier reheating, consider portioning the dish into individual servings.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. This keeps the vegetables and chicken fresh and flavorful.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

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

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

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed.

• If the biscuit dough becomes too soft or mushy during reheating, consider adding a few fresh pieces on top and baking in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore some texture.

• Always check the internal temperature of the reheated chicken and dumplings to ensure it reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.

• For stovetop reheating, place the leftover chicken and dumplings in a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• To reheat in the microwave, transfer the chicken and dumplings 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 chicken and dumplings in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
• If using an Instant Pot, add the leftovers back into the pot. Set to sauté mode and stir occasionally until the chicken and dumplings are hot. You can add a bit of chicken broth if it seems too thick.
• For a slow cooker, transfer the chicken and dumplings to the slow cooker and set to low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

• Instant Pot: This is the main appliance used for cooking the chicken and dumplings. It allows for sautéing, pressure cooking, and quick releasing pressure.

• Sauté function: This function on the Instant Pot is used to brown the chicken and soften the vegetables before pressure cooking.

• Pressure cooker lid: This is used to seal the Instant Pot for pressure cooking.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure the chicken broth, vegetables, and biscuit dough accurately.

• Knife: This is used to dice the chicken breast and chop the vegetables.

• Cutting board: This provides a safe surface for chopping the chicken and vegetables.

• Wooden spoon: This is used for stirring the ingredients in the Instant Pot.

• Oil dispenser: This is used to add a bit of oil to the Instant Pot for sautéing the chicken.

• Timer: This is used to set the cooking time on the Instant Pot.

• Measuring spoons: These are used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: This can be used to hold the diced chicken and chopped vegetables before adding them to the Instant Pot.

Pre-dice ingredients: Dice chicken breast, carrots, celery, and onion in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making your own.

Frozen peas: Keep frozen peas on hand so you can quickly add them at the end.

Pre-cut biscuit dough: Use pre-cut biscuit dough pieces to avoid extra prep time.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings to quickly switch between modes.