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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the classic appeal of chicken and dumplings. This hearty, flavorful meal warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. Traditionally, preparing chicken and dumplings could be a time-consuming process, but with the help of the Instant Pot, you can now enjoy this delicious meal in a fraction of the time.
In this article, we will walk you through a scrumptious Instant Pot chicken and dumplings recipe and provide you with some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken and broth:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot and heat it until “Hot.” Add a small amount of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and vegetables: Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural release and shredding: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release the remaining pressure. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Dumpling preparation: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and milk, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it may result in tough dumplings.
- Cook the dumplings: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode again and bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the simmering broth. Cover the Instant Pot with a glass lid or a plate, allowing the dumplings to cook for about 8-10 minutes, until they are puffy and cooked through.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot, stirring gently to combine with the dumplings and broth. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or a combination of both for added flavor.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add other herbs and spices like rosemary, parsley, or poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor of the dish according to your taste preferences.
- Dumpling consistency: The dumpling batter should be sticky but not too wet or dry. Adjust the flour or milk quantities if needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Fluffiness: Avoid pressing down on the dumplings while they cook, as this can result in dense and heavy dumplings. Allow them to steam undisturbed for light and fluffy results.
- Thickening the broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and add it to the Instant Pot after the dumplings have finished cooking. Stir well and simmer until the desired thickness is reached.
Thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot, preparing a delightful chicken and dumplings dish is now easier than ever. With this recipe and helpful tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. So, grab your Instant Pot, gather the ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of chicken and dumplings. Bon appétit!
