Instant Pot chicken and dumplings — made the soul food way — is comfort food at its best. This version delivers the same Southern warmth and depth of flavor but comes together much faster. Tender, seasoned chicken, a creamy, flavorful broth, and soft homemade dumplings that soak up every bit of goodness make this dish a weeknight favorite or a weekend comfort meal.
The soul food influence is clear in the seasoning and layering of flavors: aromatic herbs, well-seasoned chicken, and vegetables that build a rich base. Using the Instant Pot shortens cooking time while preserving the homemade, down-home taste passed down through African American kitchens. You get classic soul food flavor with modern convenience.
Dumplings in Southern cooking
Southern dumplings are simple, doughy morsels made from pantry staples like flour, baking powder, milk, and a bit of fat. They can be formed into small balls and dropped into simmering broth, rolled and cut into strips, or hand-shaped into tender rounds. As they cook, dumplings absorb the savory broth and become fluffy pieces that thicken the soup and make it hearty enough to serve a crowd.
Can you make chicken and dumplings in the Instant Pot?
Yes. The Instant Pot speeds things up without sacrificing texture or taste. With a short high-pressure cook and a natural release, you can have fluffy dumplings and rich broth in a fraction of the time. This recipe pressure-cooks for just 3 minutes, with a natural release to finish.
Ingredients
This Instant Pot version uses the same core components as a stovetop chicken and dumplings: seasoned shredded chicken, homemade dumplings, onions, and a blend of soul-style seasonings. A mix of breast and thigh meat gives a good balance of lean texture and richer flavor. Sautéed onions and celery add depth beyond the usual frozen vegetables.
How to make Instant Pot chicken and dumplings
This recipe is quick: 3 minutes pressure cook time and about 10 minutes of natural pressure release. Steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Prepare the dumpling dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix until just combined and set aside.
- Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to soften the vegetables in a little oil, then add the garlic and seasonings to bloom the flavors.
- Add the seasoned, shredded chicken and chicken broth, then drop the prepared dumpling dough by spoonfuls into the simmering broth.
- Seal and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural pressure release. Finish by stirring in heavy cream for richness and serve with cornbread if desired.
Can you use canned biscuits?
Yes — canned biscuit dough is a convenient shortcut. Pinch off pieces of biscuit dough and shape them into dumplings to save time. Another time-saver is using shredded rotisserie chicken in place of poached or roasted chicken you prepare at home.
Is Instant Pot chicken and dumplings thick or soupy?
It should be both: thick enough to coat a spoon but brothy enough to feel like a comforting soup. Stirring in heavy cream just before serving gives it a silky richness and the ideal balance between creamy and soupy.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the soup’s texture. Flavors often deepen after sitting overnight.
Instant Pot Chicken And Dumplings The Soul Food Way
Equipment
- Handheld or stand electric mixer (optional, for dumplings)
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
Ingredients
Ingredients for the dumplings
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the chicken soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¾ cup carrots, chopped
- ¾ cup yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Instructions for the homemade dumplings
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and vegetable oil until just combined. Set the dough aside while you prepare the soup.
Instructions for soul food chicken and dumplings
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Heat the oil, then add carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, chicken bouillon, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook about 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked chicken. Cancel the sauté function.
- Pinch off small portions of the dumpling dough and roll into ½–1 inch balls. Drop the dumplings into the broth, making sure they are submerged. Remember they will expand as they cook.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.
- Move the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure, open the lid, and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Serve warm and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 44 g |
Protein: 23 g |
Fat: 4 g
❤️ Shaunda’s Soul Food Standard
Created and tested by Shaunda Necole of The Soul Food Pot®, this recipe honors African American culinary traditions while using modern shortcuts that preserve flavor and authenticity. Measurements and techniques were developed in a real kitchen to give you reliable results and flexibility to cook with the tools you have.
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