Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1” cubes; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons diced garlic; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 small bag of frozen peas; 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning; 1 can of biscuits; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 34 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of chicken swim in a creamy, savory broth studded with vibrant vegetables and fluffy dumplings made from biscuit dough. The magic happens quickly in the Instant Pot, giving you a hearty, soul-satisfying meal without hours of simmering. It’s such a wonderfully simple recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a meal that’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls and plates with different ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top row, there is a small white bowl with a light yellow liquid, a white square plate filled with raw, diced light pink chicken, and a white can of biscuits with a blue lid standing upright. The second row has a white bowl filled with bright green peas, a square white bowl with chopped orange carrots, and a small white bowl with light yellow butter. The bottom row has a white square bowl with chopped green celery, a white square bowl with chopped white onions, a small white bowl holding minced garlic, and to the far right, a blue spoon filled with a white powder placed on the surface. All items are carefully placed and well-lit, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this dish come alive, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor and perfect textures. Each item adds something special—from the creamy broth to the tender chicken and the irresistible dumplings on top.

1 can of biscuits: These form the fluffy, golden dumplings that soak up the rich broth beautifully.
1-2 pounds boneless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes, chicken breasts provide lean protein and tender bite-sized chunks.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and brings a subtle fruitiness to the dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture right from the start.
2 tablespoons diced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with depth and warmth.
1 small onion (diced): Offers a mild sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy base for the broth.
1 small can cream of chicken soup: Brings comforting flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
2 cups chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid where all the ingredients meld together.
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning: A classic blend that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
1 cup celery (diced): Adds crunch and a subtle herbal note.
1 cup carrots (diced): Brings sweetness and bright pops of color.
1 small bag of frozen peas: Adds a burst of sweetness and a fresh green touch near the end.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dumplings

Start by cutting each biscuit into quarters and setting them aside. These bite-sized pieces will transform into light and fluffy dumplings that gently cook over the creamy stew later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn your Instant Pot on to the sauté function and add the butter and olive oil. Once melted and sizzling, toss in the diced garlic and onions. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing delicious aromas that set the mood for the entire dish.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Veggies

Next, add the cubed chicken breasts and chicken broth. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream to create that velvety base. Toss in the diced celery and carrots for crunch and sweetness. Give everything a good mix so all flavors combine evenly.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Stew

Seal the lid carefully and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Make sure the venting valve is turned off. After cooking, allow the pressure to come down naturally for 15 minutes—you’ll love how tender and flavorful the chicken becomes during this time. Then carefully release any remaining pressure by venting.

Step 5: Add Peas and Dumplings

Stir the frozen peas into the pot, which will gently cook with the residual heat and keep their bright color. Scatter the biscuit pieces on top of the stew—this is where the magic of those fluffy dumplings begins.

Step 6: Final Dumpling Cook

Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode, secure the lid (venting closed), and cook for 5 minutes. Then, just like before, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before venting fully. This step finishes cooking the dumplings perfectly—soft, pillowy, and soaked with all the creamy goodness beneath.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with a creamy mixed vegetable and shredded meat stew. The dish includes layers of small green peas, soft orange carrot pieces, and light-colored shredded meat, all covered in a thick, light beige sauce. The textures appear soft and moist, with the vegetables and meat evenly mixed throughout. The pot sits on a green cloth with white patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a wooden cutting board with a knife, two slices of bread, and some butter, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a beautiful burst of color and light herbal aroma that complements the creaminess wonderfully. If you love a little heat, a quick dusting of cracked black pepper finishes the dish so well. A drizzle of melted butter on top of the dumplings is pure luxury, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad to balance richness—think mixed greens tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are wonderful for mopping up every last bit of that flavorful broth. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also work really nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in deep bowls or even rustic bread bowls for a charming effect. You can arrange the dumplings on top for a visually inviting presentation or stir them through the stew to create an irresistible, creamy casserole-like dish. A dusting of Parmesan cheese can add a slightly nutty richness if you want to get creative.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and dumplings taste just as amazing the next day. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen and mellow overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Because the biscuits may slightly change texture after freezing, it’s best to freeze the stew and add fresh biscuits when reheating to maintain that perfect fluffy dumpling texture. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low to medium heat to avoid breaking apart the chicken or overcooking the vegetables. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if the mixture seems too thick. If you’ve added fresh biscuits, steam or microwave them separately before serving to keep their lightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cutting size to match and cook times remain about the same in the Instant Pot.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer homemade or allergy-friendly options, you can make a quick roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth mixed with cream. This keeps your dish creamy without processed ingredients.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s convenience and speed, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering the stew for about 40 minutes before adding the biscuit pieces and cooking until dumplings are puffed and cooked through.

How do I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?

Using biscuit dough ensures a fluffy texture, but be careful not to stir them into the stew too much—let them steam on top during the final cooking step for best results.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, corn, or even potatoes for variety. Just keep in mind the cooking time and texture, adding firmer vegetables earlier and softer ones towards the end.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe a try soon because it truly embodies comfort food at its best. The way the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together will warm your heart and your belly. It’s a dish that feels like home, made easy and simple with the Instant Pot magic. Once you make it, it’ll be one you turn to again and again when you want something cozy and filling without the fuss.