Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Easy 20 Min Family Fast

There is nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy chicken and dumplings to soothe the soul after a long day. Traditionally, this comfort food classic requires hours of simmering on the stove, but this Instant Pot version changes the game entirely. By using your pressure cooker and a few clever shortcuts, you can get that slow-cooked flavor in just 20 minutes. It is the ultimate “emergency” family meal that tastes like a Sunday dinner but fits perfectly into a hectic Tuesday night schedule. Your family will love the tender chicken and pillowy dumplings, and you will love how little cleanup is involved.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 42g

Why Make This Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Easy 20 Min Family Fast

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents and professionals alike. It eliminates the need for rolling out dough or monitoring a boiling pot. The Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays incredibly juicy while the “dumplings”—made from refrigerated biscuit dough—puff up perfectly in the pressurized steam. It is a complete, one-pot meal that provides protein, vegetables, and comfort all in one bowl. Plus, it is incredibly budget-friendly and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots blend
• 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated flaky layers biscuits (8 count)
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Start by cutting your chicken into small, uniform chunks. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Open the can of biscuits and cut each individual biscuit into six to eight small pieces. It is helpful to lightly dust the biscuit pieces with a tiny bit of flour so they do not stick together before they hit the pot.

Step 2: Cooking

Place the chicken pieces, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and poultry seasoning into the Instant Pot liner. Stir well to combine the liquid and soup. Gently drop the biscuit pieces on top of the liquid, spreading them out evenly. Do not stir them in, as they need to sit on top to steam correctly. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes. When the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release.

Step 3: Plating

Once the pin drops, carefully open the lid. The dumplings will look large and puffy. Gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots; the residual heat from the stew will cook them perfectly in about 2 minutes without making them mushy. Ladle the thick, creamy mixture into deep bowls, ensuring everyone gets plenty of chicken and dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings Easy 20 Min Family Fast

For the best results, do not over-stack the biscuit pieces. If they are all clumped together, the centers might remain doughy. If you prefer a thicker “gravy” consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it into the pot after the pressure cooking is done. Always use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the final dish. If you have an extra minute, searing the chicken using the “Sauté” function before adding the broth adds another layer of deep flavor.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a “from-scratch” feel, replace the refrigerated biscuits with a simple drop-biscuit dough made from flour, baking powder, and buttermilk. If you want a creamier base, stir in a half-cup of heavy cream at the very end. For those who like a bit of a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also swap the peas and carrots for green beans or corn if your family prefers those vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time to 12 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through. You should also wait to add the biscuits until the chicken is thawed and chopped, or cook the chicken first, shred it, and then do a second short pressure cycle for the dumplings.

What type of biscuits work best?

Refrigerated “Flaky Layers” or “Grands” style biscuits work best. The layers expand beautifully in the steam, creating a light and airy texture that mimics traditional dumplings. Avoid using “flaky” biscuits if you prefer a denser, more noodle-like dumpling.

Why are my dumplings doughy in the middle?

This usually happens if the biscuit pieces were too large or if they were piled on top of each other. Ensure you cut them into small pieces and scatter them across the surface of the liquid. If they are still doughy, simply put the lid back on for 2-3 minutes (the residual heat will finish them).

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free mushroom or chicken gravy and ensure your refrigerated biscuits do not contain milk derivatives. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk mixed with a bit of flour as a thickener.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the dumplings will absorb some of the liquid. Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving or heating on the stove to bring back the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of time to create a comforting, homemade meal. By utilizing the speed of pressure cooking and the convenience of biscuit dough, you can serve a hearty dinner that everyone will ask for again and again. It is fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for any night of the week.

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