Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Easy Chicken and Dumplings is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 475 calories per serving. Recipe by Jacky on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs 20 min | Total: 4 hrs 55 min
Cost: $13.83 total, $3.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup (low‑sodium if available)
- 12 oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables (any blend, no need to thaw)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 cans Chicken Broth (from cans) (use the empty soup cans to hold the broth)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or to taste)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 can (15 oz) Pillsbury Gravy Mix (cut into quarters before adding)
- 2 sprigs Green Onions (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Chop the onion, open the two cans of condensed chicken noodle soup, and set aside the empty cans for later use.
Time: PT10M
Layer Base in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a pre‑greased slow cooker. Add the two cans of condensed soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and the chopped onion.
Time: PT5M
Add Broth and Seasonings
Fill the empty soup cans with low‑sodium chicken broth, then pour the broth over the ingredients. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook on High
Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3½ hours (or LOW for 5‑6 hours).
Time: PT3H30M
Add Dumpling Mix
After the initial cooking time, cut the entire can of Pillsbury Gravy Mix into quarters and place the pieces on top of the stew.
Time: PT5M
Finish Cooking Dumplings
Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 30‑45 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
Time: PT45M
Garnish and Serve
Stir in chopped green onions, serve hot, and enjoy.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 475
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thighs: Chicken Drumsticks, Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup: Cream of Chicken Soup, Homemade Chicken Broth
- Instead of Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Fresh Mixed Vegetables, Frozen Peas and Carrots
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Green Onion
- Instead of Chicken Broth (from cans): Store‑bought low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh Minced Garlic
- Instead of Pillsbury Gravy Mix: Homemade biscuit dough, Store‑bought dumpling biscuits
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Can Opener
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the broth from the empty soup cans is fully poured over the ingredients.
- Cooking the chicken long enough to become tender but not dry.
- Adding the dumpling mix at the correct time and allowing sufficient steam cooking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken thighs in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Add a splash of heavy cream or half‑and‑half at the end for a richer broth.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a brighter taste.
Troubleshooting
Dumplings are dense or doughy.
Make sure the slow cooker is set to HIGH for the full 30‑45 minutes and that the lid stays on; undercooking leaves them raw.
Chicken is dry.
Check that the broth covers the chicken; add a little extra broth or water if the liquid level is low.
Soup is too watery.
Reduce the liquid by removing the lid for the last 15 minutes, or add a tablespoon of flour slurry to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to refrigeration within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop the onion and measure spices the night before; store in the fridge.
- The broth can be prepared ahead and kept in the empty cans in the fridge.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and dumplings in American cuisine?
Chicken and dumplings originated in the Southern United States as a hearty, frugal dish that stretched inexpensive ingredients like chicken, broth, and simple dough into a filling meal for farm families.
What regional variations of chicken and dumplings exist within the United States?
In the South, the dumplings are often fluffy biscuits, while in the Midwest they may be rolled into small noodle‑like pieces. Some versions add cornmeal or use a cream‑based broth for extra richness.
How is chicken and dumplings traditionally served in Southern American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, sometimes with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad, and enjoyed as a comforting family dinner especially during colder months.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken and dumplings traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is a staple for family gatherings, Sunday meals, and holiday comfort menus such as Thanksgiving leftovers, as it uses pantry staples and provides a warm, soothing meal.
How does chicken and dumplings fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Southern cooking’s emphasis on one‑pot comfort foods that make the most of modest ingredients, showcasing the region’s love for slow‑cooked, broth‑based dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken and dumplings versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include bone‑in chicken, homemade broth, flour‑based biscuit dough dumplings, and fresh herbs. Acceptable substitutes are canned broth, store‑bought dumpling mixes like Pillsbury, and frozen mixed vegetables.
What other Southern dishes pair well with chicken and dumplings?
Collard greens, cornbread, sweet potato casserole, and a simple cucumber salad are classic side dishes that complement the rich, savory flavors of chicken and dumplings.
What makes this slow cooker chicken and dumplings recipe special compared to other versions?
It leverages pantry staples like condensed chicken noodle soup and a canned dumpling mix for speed, while still delivering the fluffy dumpling texture and deep chicken flavor that define the classic dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this slow cooker chicken and dumplings?
Common errors include not covering the chicken with enough broth, lifting the lid too often which extends cooking time, and adding the dumpling mix too early, which can cause it to dissolve instead of steam into fluffy pillows.
How do I know when the dumplings are done in this recipe?
The dumplings are done when they have puffed up, are golden on top, and a cut dumpling reveals a fully cooked, fluffy interior with no raw dough texture.
Can I make this slow cooker chicken and dumplings ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the dumpling mix, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the dumplings and finish cooking when ready to serve.
What does the YouTube channel Jacky specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jacky focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that often use pantry staples and simple equipment to create comforting meals for everyday families.
How does the YouTube channel Jacky's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Jacky emphasizes minimal prep, the use of canned and frozen ingredients, and slow‑cooker techniques, delivering recipes that require few steps and little cleanup compared to more elaborate, fresh‑ingredient‑heavy channels.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
