Chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that evokes warmth and home-style goodness. If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, you know she champions delicious, family-friendly recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe brings that Pioneer Woman spirit right to your table, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time.
china bowl filled with pressure cooker chicken and dumplings next to a white and yellow kitchen towel
This recipe captures the essence of classic chicken and dumplings with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft, homemade dumplings, all made conveniently in your Instant Pot. Forget spending all afternoon simmering on the stovetop; the Instant Pot transforms this traditionally time-consuming dish into a weeknight winner. Whether you’re craving a taste of Southern comfort or simply need a fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love, this Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe is your answer.
Why Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings is a Game Changer
For generations, chicken and dumplings was a labor of love, often taking hours to prepare. The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it drastically cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. Pressure cooking infuses the chicken with incredible tenderness and creates a rich, flavorful broth base in minutes. Plus, the Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to cook the dumplings directly in the same pot, making it a true one-pot meal and minimizing cleanup.
This method is not only faster but also incredibly convenient. You can set it and forget it, freeing you up to tackle other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself. For busy families or anyone who appreciates efficient cooking, Instant Pot chicken and dumplings is a revelation.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Chicken and Dumplings
To achieve that authentic, comforting flavor reminiscent of Pioneer Woman recipes, we’re focusing on simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their quick cooking time and lean protein. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Chicken Broth: A good quality chicken broth is the foundation of the flavor. Low sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness.
- Aromatics: Celery and onion provide a classic savory base. These vegetables infuse the broth with depth and fragrance.
- Seasoning: Simple salt and pepper are essential. Feel free to add a pinch of herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor, if desired.
- Dumpling Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk combine to create light and fluffy homemade dumplings.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Let’s break down how to make this comforting dish in your Instant Pot:
- Pressure Cook the Chicken and Broth: Begin by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, celery, and onion in the Instant Pot insert. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot: Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 3 minutes at high pressure.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add milk, stirring until just combined. The dough will be slightly shaggy.
- Release Pressure and Shred Chicken: Once the Instant Pot timer is up, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the lid. Take out the celery and onion pieces and discard them. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and shred them using two forks.
- Cook the Dumplings: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Bring the broth to a simmer. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth, or roll the dough out and cut into strips for flat dumplings, if you prefer a more traditional style.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let the dumplings cook in the simmering broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the broth has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken Back In: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve your Pioneer Woman inspired Instant Pot chicken and dumplings hot and enjoy!
china bowl of chicken and pastry cooked in the Instant Pot pressure cooker
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
- Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Mix until just combined for tender results.
- Control Dumpling Thickness: For thicker, biscuit-like dumplings, drop spoonfuls of dough. For thinner, noodle-like dumplings, roll the dough out and cut into strips.
- Thicken to Your Preference: If you desire a thicker broth, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering broth during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your chicken and dumplings. Carrots, peas, or diced potatoes would be delicious additions.
- Leftovers are Delicious: Chicken and dumplings are even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating as the dumplings will absorb some of the liquid.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Comfort Meal
Instant Pot chicken and dumplings is a hearty meal on its own, but you can easily round it out with some classic Southern side dishes for a true Pioneer Woman style feast:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the savory broth.
- Green Beans: Southern-style green beans, cooked until tender, provide a flavorful and colorful side.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy chicken and dumplings.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting and carb-loaded meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
a china bowl with a floral pattern filled with a serving of chicken and flat dumplings
Embrace the Comfort of Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
This Pioneer Woman inspired Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe brings classic comfort food to your table with incredible ease and speed. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, a family favorite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So dust off your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that’s both satisfying and simple to make. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly you can create this timeless dish, bringing the warmth and flavor of home-cooked comfort to your own kitchen.
