Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Chicken breast: Diced pieces of chicken that provide the main protein for the dish.

Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweetness and color to the dish.

Celery: Sliced celery adds a subtle crunch and flavor.

Onion: Diced onion provides a savory base for the dish.

Chicken broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the base of the soup.

Frozen peas: These add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.

Refrigerated biscuits: Used to create the dumplings, these are cut into quarters before being added to the pot.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor.

When browning the chicken on the sauté function, make sure to not overcrowd the pot. Browning in batches if necessary ensures that each piece gets a nice sear, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, when cutting the biscuits into quarters, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dumplings.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement in this dish.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu provides a similar protein content and can absorb the flavors of the dish well.

• Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish nicely.

• Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a slightly anise-like flavor that can add an interesting twist to the dish.

• Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can work well in this recipe.

• Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of the dish while still providing a rich flavor.

• Chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a deeper, richer flavor to the dish if you prefer a heartier taste.

• Frozen peas - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can provide a similar texture and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.

• Frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame offers a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.

• Refrigerated biscuits - Substitute with homemade dumplings: Homemade dumplings can provide a fresher taste and allow for customization in flavor and texture.

• Refrigerated biscuits - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can add a flaky, buttery texture that complements the dish well.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add a subtle complexity to the dish.

• Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled chicken and dumplings into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are just the right size to minimize air exposure.

• Label the containers with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the meal has been stored.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken and dumplings within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The chicken and dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken and dumplings in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.

• Reheat the chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid cold spots.

• If the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid and the dish appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore its original consistency.

• Avoid reheating the chicken and dumplings multiple times, as this can affect the texture and flavor. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

• stovetop method: Place the leftover chicken and dumplings in a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the desired consistency. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps retain the texture of the dumplings and ensures even heating.

• microwave method: Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed. Be cautious, as the dumplings can become chewy if overheated.

• oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and dumplings in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through. This method is ideal for reheating larger portions and helps maintain the dish's original texture.

• instant pot method: Use the 'sauté' function to reheat the leftovers. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the pot and stir occasionally. Heat until the chicken and dumplings are warmed through. This method is quick and keeps the flavors intact.

• slow cooker method: Transfer the leftovers to a slow cooker and set it to the 'low' setting. Add a bit of chicken broth or water if needed. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for reheating without constant attention and keeps the dumplings soft.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking appliance used to prepare the chicken and dumplings. It has multiple functions including sautéing and pressure cooking.

• Sauté function: A feature of the Instant Pot used to brown the chicken and soften the vegetables before pressure cooking.

• Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables during the sautéing process.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the chicken breast and chopping the vegetables.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely cutting the chicken and vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth accurately.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of refrigerated biscuits.

• Mixing spoon: Used to stir the ingredients together in the Instant Pot.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the chicken pieces while browning them.

• Lid: The Instant Pot lid is crucial for sealing the pot during pressure cooking.

• Timer: Used to keep track of the cooking times for both the initial and final pressure cooking stages.

• Serving spoon: For serving the finished chicken and dumplings.

Pre-cut vegetables: Use pre-cut carrots, celery, and onion from the store to save chopping time.

Pre-cooked chicken: Opt for pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to skip the browning step.

Frozen peas: Keep frozen peas on hand to avoid extra prep.

Refrigerated biscuits: Use canned biscuits for quick and easy dumplings.

Instant Pot settings: Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings to speed up the process.