Are you craving a hearty and comforting meal? Look no further than chicken and dumplings! This classic dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. The tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings are a winning combination that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy this delicious meal, why not give your pressure cooker a try? With the help of this handy kitchen appliance, you can whip up a batch of chicken and dumplings in a fraction of the time it would take to make it on the stovetop. Plus, the pressure cooker locks in the flavors, resulting in a more intense and delicious dish.
But how exactly do you make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delectable dish. From preparing the ingredients to releasing the pressure, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to ensure your chicken and dumplings turn out perfect every time. So grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
Preparation of Chicken And Dumplings In A Pressure Cooker
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that can be easily made in a pressure cooker. This cooking method allows you to prepare this delicious meal in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker:
Ingredients: |
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces |
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil |
– 1 onion, diced |
– 3 carrots, sliced |
– 3 celery stalks, sliced |
– 4 cups chicken broth |
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
– Salt and black pepper to taste |
– 2 cups all-purpose flour |
– 1 tablespoon baking powder |
– 1/2 teaspoon salt |
– 1 cup milk |
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped |
Instructions:
- Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function and heat the vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pressure cooker and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pressure cooker and sauté until they begin to soften.
- Return the chicken to the pressure cooker and add the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the poultry function on your pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and parsley in a bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Open the pressure cooker lid and use a fork to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the chicken and broth mixture.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the manual function on your pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
- After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Open the pressure cooker lid and stir the chicken and dumplings gently before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade chicken and dumplings hot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Now you can enjoy a bowl of hearty and delicious chicken and dumplings made in your pressure cooker. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin making chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. This will save you time and ensure that you have everything you need to make this delicious and comforting dish.
1. Chicken
First and foremost, you will need chicken for your chicken and dumplings. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken before cooking.
2. Vegetables
Next, gather your vegetables. The classic combination for chicken and dumplings includes carrots, celery, and onion. Chop these vegetables into bite-sized pieces so that they will cook evenly in the pressure cooker.
3. Broth
The broth is a crucial component of chicken and dumplings. You can use either store-bought chicken broth or make your own homemade broth. If using store-bought, make sure to choose a low-sodium option. If making your own, simmer chicken bones or a whole chicken with vegetables and herbs to create a flavorful broth.
4. Dumplings
The dumplings are what make chicken and dumplings so comforting. You will need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to make the dumpling dough. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add in the milk to form a sticky dough.
5. Seasonings
To add flavor to your chicken and dumplings, gather seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Adjust the seasonings to taste, keeping in mind that the flavors will intensify as the dish cooks.
Note:
Make sure to read the recipe thoroughly and check for any additional ingredients or specific instructions.
Cooking the Chicken And Dumplings
Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken and dumplings. Start by turning on your pressure cooker and setting it to the sauté function. This will heat up the pot and allow you to brown the chicken.
Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Add a tablespoon of oil to the pressure cooker and wait for it to get hot. Place the chicken pieces in the pot and brown them on all sides. This will help to seal in the flavor and keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Next, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Add the diced onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, herbs, and spices. Close the pressure cooker lid and set the timer according to the recipe instructions.
Cooking on High Pressure
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, you can do a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
Open the lid carefully and check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Preparing the Dumplings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and herbs. Gradually add in the milk and melted butter, stirring until the dough comes together.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and switch the pressure cooker back to the sauté function.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering chicken and broth mixture. Cover the pressure cooker with the lid, but do not lock it. Allow the dumplings to cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!
Serving and Enjoying
Once the chicken and dumplings are cooked and ready to be served, it’s time to enjoy this comforting and delicious dish. Here are some tips for serving and enjoying your pressure cooker chicken and dumplings:
1. Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls. Make sure to get a good amount of the flavorful broth along with the tender chicken and dumplings.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives on top of each bowl adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Serve with your favorite side. Chicken and dumplings pair well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
4. Enjoy immediately. Chicken and dumplings are best enjoyed hot, so serve them as soon as they are ready.
Serving Suggestions | |
---|---|
Side Dish | Recommended Pairings |
Mashed Potatoes | Classic comfort food combination |
Roasted Vegetables | Healthy and flavorful addition |
Side Salad | Light and refreshing contrast |
With its tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and savory broth, this pressure cooker chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up, sit back, and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this classic dish.
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed to make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker?
To make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker, you will need chicken, flour, butter, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and biscuits.
Can I use frozen chicken to make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in a pressure cooker to make chicken and dumplings. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
How long does it take to make chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker?
The total cooking time for chicken and dumplings in a pressure cooker is about 30 minutes. This includes the time it takes for the pressure cooker to come to pressure and the actual cooking time under pressure.
Can I make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make chicken and dumplings in a slow cooker. The cooking time will be longer, typically around 6-8 hours on low heat, but the result will be just as delicious.