Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is pure Southern comfort in a bowl. Fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, creamy chicken soup—every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you’re on the hunt for a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as cozy as it is satisfying, you’ve just found your next favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of cozy ingredients create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a special job, from building a savory base to making those incredible melt-in-your-mouth dumplings!

• Oil: Just a touch helps to sauté your aromatics and kickstart the flavor.
• Onion, Celery, and Carrots: This classic trio (mirepoix) adds sweetness, depth, and irresistible color to your soup.
• Minced Garlic: For a savory punch—because everything’s better with garlic!
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose thighs for extra tenderness, or breasts for a lighter bite.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The flavorful backbone of your comforting soup base.
• Black Pepper, Salt, Poultry Seasoning, & Italian Seasoning: These give your Chicken and Dumplings Recipe big, bold, herby warmth.
• Refrigerated Canned Biscuits (or Homemade Dumplings): A shortcut to fluffy dumplings, or get cozy and make your own with pantry staples!
• Frozen Peas: For a sweet pop of green and an extra veggie boost.
• Heavy Cream: Swirls in luscious richness and a velvety finish.
• Cornstarch & Cold Water (Optional): Ensures you get the exact thickness you crave.
• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Brightens each bowl with a splash of freshness.
• Homemade Dumpling Ingredients (Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Butter, Milk): For those who love a from-scratch dumpling moment!

Variations

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is your kitchen’s blank canvas! Don’t hesitate to get creative—swap ingredients, add veggies, or tailor the flavors to fit family traditions or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free refrigerated biscuits or make dumplings with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep things cozy and safe for everyone.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute a rich coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened oat milk for the heavy cream, and vegan butter for the dumplings.
• Veggie-Forward: Stir in extra vegetables like diced potatoes, corn, or green beans to make the soup heartier and even more colorful.
• Herb Lovers’ Twist: Fresh thyme, tarragon, or dill sprinkled in with the parsley will add a garden-fresh note to the final dish.

How to Make Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Add the oil, then toss in your chopped onions. Let them cook for about five minutes until they turn soft and fragrant—this is your flavor foundation! Add the celery, carrots, and minced garlic, stirring constantly so nothing burns and all those beautiful aromas get released.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Season

Now, stir in your diced chicken and let it cook for another five minutes, soaking up all that veggie goodness. Once the chicken looks slightly golden, pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in your black pepper, salt, poultry seasoning, and Italian herbs. This step sets up a flavorful backdrop for the dumplings to shine!

Step 3: Drop in the Dumplings

If you’re using canned biscuits for convenience, cut each into 8 “mini dumpling” pieces. Drop these, or homemade dumpling mixture, right into the simmering broth. This is where the magic happens—the dumplings puff, soak up flavors, and become impossibly pillowy.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Press CANCEL to turn off “Sauté,” then seal your Instant Pot. Set it to “High Pressure” for 7 minutes. Once it’s done, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully venting any remaining steam. When you lift the lid, you’ll inhale pure comfort!

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Peas

Stir in frozen peas and heavy cream—the peas brighten and the cream makes everything extra lush. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with cold water and blend it into the pot until you reach your preferred consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over each bowl for a bright, herby pop! Serve immediately and savor the dreamy, tender dumplings and velvety chicken soup.

How to Serve Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for color and a fresh, lively flavor burst. If you’re feeling fancy, a twist of cracked black pepper or even a gentle drizzle of extra cream right before serving makes things extra dreamy.

Side Dishes

This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, buttery peas, or homemade cornbread takes the comfort to a whole new level. For cozy nights, a simple side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts is lovely and straightforward.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun touch, ladle your chicken and dumplings into small Dutch ovens or wide mugs for individual servings. Top each with fresh herbs and serve alongside a rustic breadstick for dunking. If it’s a family gathering, serve directly from the Instant Pot or a big, colorful Dutch oven for a true country-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken and Dumplings Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As with most soups, the flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more satisfying!

Freezing

You can freeze chicken and dumplings, but keep in mind the dumplings may soften and slightly change in texture after thawing. For best results, cool completely and freeze in individual portions; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture. Stir well and heat just until warmed through—avoid overcooking the dumplings, so they stay light and fluffy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and altogether soul-soothing, this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe will hit the spot every single time. I can’t wait for you to cozy up with a bowl—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family classic in your kitchen. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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