Materials:

Instant Pot
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Whisk

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes) Greet the students and introduce the topic of the lesson: making instant pot chicken and dumplings. Explain the importance of learning basic cooking skills and how they can be applied to various recipes. Discuss the benefits of using an instant pot for quick and easy cooking.

2. Preparing the Ingredients (10 minutes) Demonstrate proper knife handling and cutting techniques while preparing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Emphasize the importance of uniformity in cutting to ensure even cooking. Discuss the role of each ingredient in the recipe and its flavor contribution.

3. Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables (10 minutes) Heat the instant pot on the sauté function and add olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Demonstrate how to sauté the vegetables until they become slightly tender. Explain that beginner chefs often rush this step, resulting in undercooked vegetables.

4. Adding the Chicken, Broth, and Seasonings (5 minutes) Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the instant pot. Pour in the chicken broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Discuss the importance of seasoning and how it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Remind students to avoid over-seasoning, as it can overpower the other flavors.

5. Pressure Cooking (15 minutes) Secure the instant pot lid and set the pressure cooking function for 10 minutes. Explain the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions for safe pressure cooking. Discuss the common mistake of releasing the pressure too quickly, resulting in tough chicken.

6. Preparing the Dumplings (10 minutes) While the chicken is cooking, demonstrate how to prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and chopped parsley. Show students how to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Explain that overmixing can lead to dense and tough dumplings.

7. Adding the Dumplings (5 minutes) Once the pressure has been released from the instant pot, carefully open the lid. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the chicken and broth mixture. Explain that the dumplings will expand during cooking, so it's important to leave enough space between them. Discuss the common mistake of overcrowding the pot, resulting in uneven cooking of the dumplings.

8. Finishing the Dish (10 minutes) Secure the instant pot lid again and set the pressure cooking function for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Carefully open the lid and stir the chicken and dumplings gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the instant pot chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

9. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes) Recap the key steps and techniques learned during the lesson. Discuss the common beginner chef errors and how they can be avoided. Encourage students to practice their newfound skills and experiment with variations of the recipe. Answer any questions and provide additional resources for further learning.