Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe (stovetop instructions included!)

Jan 17, 2022 · 24 Comments

This is the best Instant Pot chicken and dumplings soup recipe – heavy on the dumplings. It’s a hearty creamy soup that is super flavorful and comforting. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, fear not, I’ve included how to make chicken and dumplings in a dutch oven / stovetop.

I know chicken and dumplings soup recipes can vary wildly, and I think it’s because it’s such a personal dish/ Plus, it is so easily customizable.

For example, if you have some extra veggies like carrots/celery/onion/or even peas you want to add, feel free. My kids do not like ‘green stuff’ (what they call parsley) so if you want to finish the dish with a sprinkle of parsley, definitely feel free to do so.

Ingredients for chicken and dumpling soup

Ingredients needed to make chicken and dumpling soup:

For the dumplings:

All purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cold butter
Milk
Egg

For the soup:

Extra virgin olive oil
Chicken breasts
Oregano
Yellow onion
Butter
Carrots
Celery stalks/ribs
Garlic cloves
Salt
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half and half
Squeeze of lemon (optional)

I always make it in the Instant Pot, just because you don’t have to mess with it, you can just open the lid and voila, but it doesn’t necessarily save time in the Instant Pot because the Instant Pot has to come to pressure. So, I’ve included stovetop instructions too if you don’t have an Instant Pot.

This recipe is heavy on the dumplings, they’re like drop style biscuit dumplings noodles where you make a batter, then drop them on top of the soup, and they cook while the soup cooks, resulting in tender delicious dumplings!

Can you make dumplings in an Instant Pot?

The answer is yes! And that is part of what makes this soup so easy to make in an Instant Pot. Check out how below.

How do you make dumplings?

Make the dumpling batter/dough by combining flour, baking powder and salt. Using a fork, stir in the cold butter, pressing it down into the flour with the fork, leaving pieces of butter – it doesn’t need to be incorporated. Add in the milk and egg and stir to combine, set aside.

Close up of Chicken and Dumpling soup

This is Ben’s favorite recipe I make. If you ask him what he wants for a special meal, he says mom’s chicken and dumpling soup. It just warms my heart. And it’s not just a one time thing he’s said. He did really good at school and Nick asked what he wanted for dinner, he said he could have anything – from a restaurant or homemade, and this is what he requests!!

I’ve been making this chicken and dumplings soup recipe over and over, working on perfecting it, and it’s just right. No matter how many times I make it, it’s just perfection!

How to make instant pot chicken and dumplings?

Make the dumpling batter/dough. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Using a fork, stir in the cold butter, pressing it down into the flour with the fork, leaving pieces of butter – it doesn’t need to be incorporated. Add in the milk and egg and stir to combine, set aside.
Set Instant Pot to sauté for 10 minutes. Add EVOO and chicken, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the oregano, onion, butter, carrots, celery, garlic and salt and sauté for remaining 5 minutes.
Into the Instant Pot, pour chicken broth and 1/4 cup heavy cream and a squeeze of lemon (if using), stir.
Using two spoons, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter around the top of the soup. I make 1-2 tablespoon sized dumplings.
Secure the lid with the pressure release valve to sealing. Set manual pressure to 8 minutes. When the timer goes off, move the pressure release valve to venting and perform a quick release.
Remove lid and stir/break up the dumplings up a little bit. Add remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream and stir, then serve.

Note: I’ve found that if you put a kitchen towel over the valve, it keeps slutters to a minimum – or at least contained – for quick releases.

If you loved this Instant Pot chicken and dumplings soup recipe and are looking for more great Instant Pot soup recipes, check these out: