If you’re longing for ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug straight from your favorite country kitchen, you absolutely need to try this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. With its tender bites of chicken, plump homemade dumplings, and a rich, fragrant broth, every spoonful tastes like a trip down memory lane. With a handful of humble ingredients and some old-fashioned techniques, you’ll create that classic homestyle experience right in your own kitchen – get ready for the cozy, soul-soothing meal of your dreams!

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity: just a few key ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Each one lends something special, whether it’s depth of flavor, creamy richness, or fluffy texture, so don’t underestimate these classics!

Chicken broth (6 cups): The savory base that carries all the dish’s flavors; homemade or high-quality store-bought broth works best for a rich, developed taste.
Celery (2 ribs, halved): Adds light aromatic notes to the broth; you’ll remove it later so you get the flavor without pieces in your bowl.
Onion (1 medium, halved): A touch of sweet and depth that infuses the stock; it simmers away so the broth sings with flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, about 1 lb each): The star of the show, becoming juicy and shreddable after simmering.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t forget to season as you go—these are your keys for a perfectly balanced broth.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base for your tender dumplings, creating that nostalgic, chewy bite.
Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Gives the dumplings just a hint of lift so they don’t turn out dense or heavy.
Salt (1 1/4 teaspoons, divided): Essential for seasoning both the broth and the dumplings separately—don’t skimp or the flavors may fall flat.
Milk (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds moisture to the dough for perfectly soft dumplings; whole milk will yield best results.
Butter (2 tablespoons, optional): Swirling in a bit at the end amps up the broth’s richness and body—so worth it!
Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, for garnish): Just a sprinkling at the end brightens the dish and adds a touch of color.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by grabbing your largest, sturdiest stockpot and pouring in the chicken broth. Add in the halved celery and onion, letting their flavors infuse as the pot comes to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Once simmering, carefully add the chicken breasts and let them poach until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. This step is where that unmistakable Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings base is built, so let those veggies release all their savory goodness.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

With the chicken fully cooked, lift it from the pot and let it cool for a moment. Using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces—get in there and don’t worry about perfect chunks! This rustic approach keeps things hearty. Set the chicken aside, but keep the broth gently simmering, ready for those dumplings.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

While your kitchen smells incredible, it’s time to make those legendary dumplings. Mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Pour in the milk a bit at a time, stirring until a soft dough just comes together. Don’t over-mix, just bring everything together until it’s cohesive and ready to roll out.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Dust your counter with flour and gently pat or roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into small squares—rustic edges are part of the charm! These pocket-sized dumplings will swell as they cook and soak up all the flavors from the simmering pot.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

One by one, drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, gently stirring so they don’t stick together. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 15 minutes. As they simmer, the flour from the dumplings thickens the broth, turning it velvety and rich—the essence of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

When the dumplings are perfectly plump, stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste and adjust your seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. This is also the perfect time to swirl in those two tablespoons of butter if you want an even more luxurious bite. Give everything a gentle mix and get ready to serve!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings into wide bowls, then sprinkle lightly with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. The green makes every bowl look special and adds a whisper of brightness—pure homemade happiness, ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

A simple garnish can make your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings feel restaurant-worthy. Fresh parsley or thyme sprinkled over each bowl not only adds a splash of color but also a little burst of herbaceous flavor. If you like a bit of zip, a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving is lovely too!

Side Dishes

Go all out with the comfort food theme! Serve your chicken and dumplings with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, country-style green beans, or sweet corn. Fluffy biscuits or buttery cornbread fit perfectly next to this dish, ready to sop up any extra broth at the end.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings into mini cast-iron skillets or vintage soup mugs for a rustic, “down-home” feel. For a gathering, place the pot in the center of the table family-style and let everyone help themselves—a true celebration of comfort food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature first. Transfer the chicken and dumplings to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving even more delicious.

Freezing

While Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings can be frozen, the texture of the dumplings may soften after thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then package in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy texture. If you’re short on time, microwaving in short bursts works too—just stir frequently so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be substituted for poached chicken. Just skip simmering the chicken breasts, and add your cooked chicken in with the dumplings – easy, fast, and still wonderfully flavorful.

What’s the secret to fluffy dumplings?

Be gentle with your dough—overworking it will make dumplings tough. Mix dough just until it comes together and use a light hand when rolling and cutting. The baking powder also helps them puff just the right amount.

How do I avoid mushy dumplings?

Make sure to simmer, not boil, the dumplings and avoid overcrowding the pot. Stir gently so the dumplings don’t break apart as they cook. Keeping your dumpling pieces small and even ensures they cook properly but keep their shape.

Can I make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings gluten free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. Just note that the dumpling texture may change slightly, but it’ll still be satisfying and delicious!

What herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh parsley adds classic color and freshness, but thyme or chives also complement the creamy broth and savory chicken. A mix of herbs can make each bowl unique and fragrant.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe—just thinking about the tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and savory broth makes my mouth water. Don’t wait for your next road trip to enjoy that iconic comfort—bring it to your kitchen and savor every cozy bite!

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty recipe for Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. This classic dish features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth that will satisfy your cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the Broth – In a large stockpot, bring the chicken broth, celery, and onion to a simmer over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred, and set aside.
Prepare the Dumplings – In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Cook the Dumplings – Roll dough onto a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into small squares. Add dumplings to simmering broth one at a time, stirring occasionally. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Finish the Dish – Add shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and optionally add butter for extra richness.
Garnish and Serve – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a thicker broth, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the simmering broth.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering, Boiling
Cuisine: American