Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this exquisite Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings recipe, meticulously crafted for your Instant Precision Dutch Oven. This delightful one-pot meal features incredibly light, fluffy, and savory cheddar dumplings nestled in a rich, flavorful chicken and vegetable stew. It’s a dish that promises to warm your soul and impress your taste buds, making it an instant classic in your kitchen repertoire!
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chicken and dumplings to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. It’s a quintessential American comfort food, a culinary hug that has soothed generations. But what if we told you this timeless classic could be elevated to new heights of flavor and convenience? Our Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings recipe takes this beloved dish and infuses it with extra layers of savory goodness, transforming ordinary dumplings into irresistible, cheesy clouds that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. Best of all, this entire culinary masterpiece comes together effortlessly in your Instant Precision Dutch Oven, simplifying mealtime without sacrificing taste.
Forget the days of juggling multiple pots and pans. This innovative recipe harnesses the power of the Instant Precision Dutch Oven to create a complete, flavorful meal in a single pot. From perfectly browned chicken to tender vegetables and a creamy, herb-infused sauce, all topped with our signature cheddar dumplings, every element is cooked to perfection. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food that combines tradition with modern kitchen efficiency.
Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings
Crafting this savory Instant Precision Dutch Oven chicken and cheddar dumplings requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that build a robust flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich stew and the delicate, cheesy dumplings that make this dish so special.
For the Chicken and Stew Base:
- Instant Precision Dutch Oven: Your indispensable tool for this one-pot wonder. Also known as the Instant Pot Dutch Oven, it’s designed for consistent, even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, providing a foundational layer of flavor.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their lean texture and ease of preparation. They absorb the flavors of the stew beautifully. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more forgiving meat option if you prefer.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables to a golden, tender perfection.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: This classic trio of aromatic vegetables, often referred to as a mirepoix, forms the flavor backbone of the stew, adding natural sweetness and depth. Dice them uniformly for even cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, savory notes that round out the vegetable base.
- Dried Thyme & Dried Marjoram (or Chervil): These herbs infuse the stew with a warm, earthy aroma that complements the chicken and vegetables. Marjoram offers a slightly sweeter, milder note than oregano.
- White Wine: A splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) deglazes the pot, capturing all the delicious browned bits, and adds a sophisticated layer of acidity and depth. If you prefer to omit alcohol, a little extra chicken broth or even a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the stew to a creamy, luscious consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Low or no-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the seasoning precisely, providing the liquid base for the stew.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Stirred in at the end, it adds a touch of creamy richness that ties all the flavors together. Heavy cream will give a denser, more luxurious finish, while milk offers a lighter option.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.
For the Show-Stopping Cheddar Dumplings:
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient for creating light and tender dumplings.
- Butter: Cut into small pieces and worked into the flour, it creates a flaky, tender texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of these dumplings! Shredded sharp cheddar melts into pockets of cheesy goodness, adding a tangy, savory kick. Sharp cheddar provides the most pronounced flavor.
- Milk or Cream: Binds the dumpling dough together, ensuring a moist and pliable consistency.
- Chives: Fresh or dried chives add a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of color to the dumplings.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavor of the cheese and flour in the dumplings.
Introducing the Instant Precision Dutch Oven: Your New Kitchen Essential
For those unfamiliar, the Instant Precision Dutch Oven is a game-changer for home cooks seeking convenience and culinary excellence. Developed by the same innovators behind the popular Instant Pot, this appliance redefines the traditional Dutch oven experience. It’s a smart, electric Dutch oven designed to bring the versatility of stovetop searing, slow cooking, braising, and even baking directly to your countertop, eliminating the need for separate stovetop burners or oven space.
What sets the Instant Precision Dutch Oven apart is its precise temperature and time control. Unlike a conventional Dutch oven that relies on external heat sources, this electric version maintains consistent heat, ensuring optimal cooking conditions for every dish. This precision is particularly beneficial for recipes like Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings, where perfectly browned chicken, evenly sautéed vegetables, and delicate, fluffy dumplings are key to success. Its enameled cast iron pot provides superior heat retention and distribution, guaranteeing even cooking and simmering. Plus, its elegant design allows it to go straight from the countertop to the table, making serving a breeze.
Think of it as your multi-functional culinary workhorse, capable of tackling everything from slow-cooked stews to crispy roasts. For this specific chicken and dumplings recipe, it streamlines the entire process, allowing you to execute multiple cooking stages – from searing to simmering and steaming – all within the same vessel. This not only minimizes cleanup but also maximizes flavor as all the delicious fond (browned bits) from searing the chicken stay in the pot to enrich the stew.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings in Your Instant Precision Dutch Oven
Creating this delicious one-pot meal is surprisingly straightforward with the Instant Precision Dutch Oven. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a rich, comforting stew topped with light, cheesy dumplings.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by setting your Instant Precision Dutch Oven to the “Sauté” function, aiming for a 20-minute cycle. While it preheats, cut your boneless, skinless chicken breast into roughly 1-inch cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken in Batches: Once the Dutch Oven is hot and the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add about half of the seasoned chicken. Brown the chicken deeply on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This crucial step develops a rich flavor base. Resist the urge to overcrowd the pot, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Remove the browned chicken and set it aside, then repeat the process with the remaining chicken.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the butter to the pot, letting it melt. Then, introduce the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent but not browned. This process sweetens the vegetables and builds another layer of flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and continue to cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce until most of it has evaporated, concentrating its flavor.
- Build the Roux and Add Broth: Turn the Instant Precision Dutch Oven off. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir it in thoroughly until no dry spots remain. This creates a roux, which will thicken your stew. Gradually add about one-third of the chicken broth, mixing vigorously to ensure the flour is fully dispersed and there are no lumps. Then, add the remaining chicken broth and mix well until smooth.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned chicken to the Dutch Oven. Secure the lid and set the appliance to “Manual Mode 2” at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through gently and the flavors of the stew to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the Cheesy Dumplings: While the stew simmers, prepare your dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized pieces. This technique ensures light and fluffy dumplings. Stir in the chives, salt, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined. Gradually add the milk (or cream), one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the flour is just barely absorbed and the dough comes together in a shaggy, moist ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough dumplings.
- Add the Dumplings: Once the stew cooking cycle is complete, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Precision Dutch Oven. Using a large spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop generous spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering chicken mixture. You should yield approximately 6 evenly sized dumplings.
- Cook the Dumplings: Replace the lid on the Dutch Oven. Set the appliance to “Manual Mode 2” at 340°F (170°C) for an additional 10 minutes. The high heat will steam the dumplings to a perfect, fluffy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: When the dumpling cycle is complete, remove the lid. Stir the heavy cream (or milk) into the chicken mixture, and taste, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Gently ladle the creamy chicken and cheddar dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying one-pot meal!
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings
Achieving restaurant-quality chicken and cheddar dumplings in your Instant Precision Dutch Oven is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Brown the Chicken Properly: The key to a deeply flavored stew starts with a good sear on your chicken. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, ensuring the chicken truly browns rather than steams. Keep the Instant Precision Dutch Oven on its highest “Sauté” setting to achieve that beautiful golden crust. This creates the “fond” – the browned bits at the bottom of the pot – which will infuse the entire stew with incredible richness once deglazed.
- Uniform Veggie Dicing: For even cooking and consistent texture in your stew, aim to dice your carrots, celery, and onions to roughly the same size. This ensures they all become tender at the same rate.
- Boost Your Veggies: Want to add more nutritional value and color to your dish? Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen corn when you add the dumpling batter to the stew. They will cook perfectly in the steam generated by the dumplings.
- Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for light, tender dumplings. Mix the dough just enough to incorporate all the dry ingredients with the wet. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, rubbery dumplings. A shaggy, slightly crumbly dough is ideal.
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: For the most impactful flavor in your dumplings, opt for sharp cheddar cheese. Its distinct, tangy profile stands up beautifully to the rich stew, ensuring every bite of dumpling is bursting with cheesy goodness. Avoid mild cheddar, which may get lost in the overall flavors.
- Season Thoughtfully: Taste your stew before adding the heavy cream and adjusting final seasonings. Broth and wine can vary in saltiness, so it’s important to adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings
This Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings recipe is a hearty, complete meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or add some freshness, here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy stew. The acidity of the dressing can help cut through the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of greens, serve alongside some simply steamed and buttered vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. Their natural flavors will complement the main course without overpowering it.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of artisanal bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce. Garlic bread or a plain baguette would be perfect choices.
- Light Dessert: After such a satisfying meal, a lighter dessert is often appreciated. Consider something like these Chocolate Peanut Dried Cranberry Clusters for a sweet, bite-sized finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings
Absolutely! While it involves a few steps, the Instant Precision Dutch Oven simplifies the process immensely. The chicken and sauce come together straightforwardly, and while there’s some vegetable chopping, it’s minimal. The appliance handles the precise temperature control, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced cooks looking for a delicious, comforting meal with minimal fuss.
Yes, you can! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their lean quality and ease of cubing, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. Thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay more moist, making them a great option if you prefer dark meat. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger pieces to ensure they are cooked through.
While this recipe features homemade cheddar dumplings for superior flavor and texture, you can certainly use Bisquick or another biscuit mix for convenience. If you opt for a mix, follow the package instructions for drop biscuits, and for that signature cheesy flavor, be sure to incorporate some shredded sharp cheddar cheese and dried chives into the batter before dropping them into the stew. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary slightly.
You’ll be delighted to know that this hearty dish can be on your table in approximately one hour, including prep time. The Instant Precision Dutch Oven’s efficient cooking modes significantly cut down on overall cooking duration compared to traditional stovetop and oven methods.
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, divide the chicken and dumpling stew into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk when reheating to adjust the consistency, as the sauce can thicken slightly after freezing.
Explore More Delicious and Easy Recipes!
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this one-pot chicken and cheddar dumplings recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic dishes:
- Smoked Cream Cheese: An unexpected and incredibly addictive appetizer perfect for entertaining.
- Smoked Tri Tip: Master the art of smoking with this tender and flavorful beef recipe.
- The Best Traeger Recipes: A comprehensive collection for anyone who loves their pellet grill.
- Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A game-changing side dish that transforms a humble vegetable into a smoky delight.
Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings (Instant Precision Dutch Oven)
Thick, creamy, and chunky, topped with light and fluffy cheddar dumplings, this Chicken and Cheddar Dumplings recipe is incredibly satisfying and an effortless meal to create in your Instant Precision Dutch Oven!
Equipment
- Instant Precision Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes and seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour, mixed with 1/3 cup water
- 3 cups low or no sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
For the dumplings:
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 teaspoons dried chives
- 2/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Set the Instant Precision Dutch Oven to sauté for 20 minutes.
- Add the olive oil. When it shimmers, add the seasoned chicken in two batches to brown without steaming.
- Flip chicken after 2-3 minutes to brown the other side. Set aside and repeat with the second batch.
- Add butter to the Dutch Oven, then add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Pour in white wine and cook until most of it has evaporated, scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Turn the Instant Precision Dutch Oven off. Add the flour and mix it in thoroughly.
- Add 1/3 of the chicken broth, mixing well to disperse the flour. Then add the remaining broth and mix until smooth.
- Add the chicken to the Dutch Oven. Set to Manual Mode 2, 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes. Secure the lid.
To make the dumplings:
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the butter with the flour using your fingers until crumbly and shaggy.
- Stir in chives, salt, and cheese with a fork. Gradually add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until just combined and shaggy.
- When the Dutch Oven’s timer is up, remove the lid. Add large spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of dumpling batter to the top of the chicken mixture. You should get about 6 dumplings.
- Replace the lid and set the Dutch Oven to Manual Mode 2, 340°F (170°C) for 10 minutes.
- Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the lid. Stir the heavy cream into the chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- When browning the chicken, always work in batches to achieve a proper sear rather than steaming. Use the highest heat setting on your Instant Precision Dutch Oven.
- Dice all your vegetables to a consistent size to ensure they cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
- For an added vegetable boost, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen corn when you add the dumplings to the stew.
- To guarantee tender and light dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until all the flour is incorporated.
- For the best flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese in your dumplings. Its robust taste will shine through the creamy stew.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Step By Step Process Images
Gathering all the fresh ingredients for your delicious Chicken & Cheddar Dumplings. Season the chicken cubes generously before searing. Searing the chicken in batches for maximum flavor development. Sautéing the aromatics, deglazing with wine, then adding flour for the roux. Adding broth and chicken to simmer, building a rich stew base. The simple ingredients needed to create the fluffy cheddar dumplings. Combining flour and butter to create the perfect dumpling texture. Stirring in cheddar cheese and fresh chives for extra flavor. Adding milk gradually to form a shaggy, moist dumpling dough. Dropping spoonfuls of dumpling batter onto the simmering stew to cook.
