Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

If you love rich, creamy comfort in a bowl, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is about to become your go-to! Tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and classic veggies all cook up together in one delightful, soul-warming pot—made extra easy with a little Instant Pot magic or a classic stovetop method. There’s nothing quite like it for bringing warmth and smiles to your table!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one playing a part in creating classic textures and depths of flavor. A few pantry staples, cozy aromatics, and your choice of biscuits or homemade dumplings are all you need to make magic happen in your kitchen.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: These provide juicy and tender bites; thighs add extra richness, while breasts are leaner.
• Onion, Celery, and Carrots: This “holy trinity” of vegetables lays the sweet, savory flavor base and adds beautiful color.
• Minced Garlic: Just a little wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The foundation of that deeply savory, comforting broth, and using low sodium lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
• Poultry and Italian Seasoning: Spices like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil bring all the cozy, herbal notes you crave in classic chicken and dumplings.
• Canned Biscuits or Homemade Dumplings: Biscuits are fast and fuss-free, while homemade dumplings give you a nostalgic, pillowy touch—choose what fits your mood.
• Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and sweetness right at the end, staying perfectly green and crisp-tender.
• Heavy Cream: For that irresistible richness and body to the finished soup.
• Cornstarch & Water (optional): Mix these if you like your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe extra thick and hearty—totally up to you!
• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A fresh herbal garnish brightens up every bowl beautifully.
• Pantry Ingredients for Homemade Dumplings (flour, milk, butter, baking soda & powder): These basic ingredients make the tender, homemade dumplings of your dreams.

Variations

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is made to fit your preferences and pantry—don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it! A simple swap here or a creative tweak there can make it fresh, fun, or perfectly suited to your tastes and dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for homemade dumplings, or look for gluten-free canned biscuits in the refrigerated section.
• Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings: Substitute the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth—still delicious and hearty!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or hot sauce to bring a gentle kick to your bowl.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced potatoes, corn, or chopped spinach to up the nutrition and color even more.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cream and use a splash of coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for creaminess without dairy.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Start with Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and let it get nice and hot before adding a splash of oil. Toss in your chopped onions and let them sizzle for a few minutes—be patient here, as this step adds sweet flavor depth that runs all the way through your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once onions are soft and fragrant, stir in the celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies brighten and the kitchen smells irresistible. This is your flavor foundation, so give it a couple of minutes to really develop!

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Add diced chicken and keep sautéing so the meat browns lightly and soaks up all those delicious aromatic flavors. Sprinkle in your poultry seasoning, Italian herbs, black pepper, and a little salt (remember, you can always add more later!).

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Add Dumplings

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot—helping lift up any browned bits from sautéing (the secret to extra flavor!). If you’re using canned biscuits, cut each into eight pieces and drop them right into the pot. For homemade dumplings, mix the dough, form into teaspoons, and add them just after the chicken and broth.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Cancel sauté, close the pot, and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. As the pressure builds, the dumplings puff up and the chicken becomes tender and juicy. Let the steam naturally release for about 10 minutes, then carefully open—the beautiful aroma at this stage is a treat all on its own!

Step 6: Add Creamy Goodness and Final Touches

Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream to create that signature velvety finish. If you like a thicker consistency, whisk cornstarch with cold water and stir it in now—just a few minutes of simmering and you’ll have the perfect creamy texture. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and brightness.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro—the green not only adds a fresh, herbal lift, but also makes every serving look extra inviting. A final crack of black pepper and perhaps a few tiny drops of hot sauce or lemon zest can add a creative twist if you like!

Side Dishes

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is super satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with a crisp green salad, crusty bread for sopping up extra broth, or even roasted green beans for a simple veggie side.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle chicken and dumplings into wide, shallow bowls for a rustic, bistro-style look, or serve in individual mugs topped with biscuit croutons for fun, casual gatherings. For potluck parties, keep them warm in the Instant Pot on “keep warm” and let everyone help themselves—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing in airtight containers. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—making lunch or a cozy second dinner practically effortless.

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken and Dumplings, but for best results, freeze the soup without dumplings and add fresh ones when reheating (dumplings can get a bit soft after thawing). Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed—the dumplings will soften up and the soup will return to creamy, dreamy perfection. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir often for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a cozy invitation to slow down, savor, and gather. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special Sunday dinner, give it a try and see just how much heartwarming comfort a simple bowl can hold. Happy cooking!

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