Grandma’s Secret Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of homemade Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty classic that warms souls and satisfies deep hunger.

Tender chicken nestles between soft, pillowy dumplings swimming in a rich, creamy broth that hugs every spoonful.

Each bite promises a journey through generations of culinary love and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this dish, blending simple ingredients into pure magic.

Let’s find out this comforting recipe that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience you won’t forget.

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients

• Chicken Broth: Foundational liquid that infuses deep, comforting flavor into the entire dish.
• Onion, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that create a robust, layered taste profile and provide subtle background notes.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth depth to the broth, enhancing overall taste complexity.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and succulent when slowly simmered, forming the hearty core of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating soft, pillowy dumplings with perfect texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light, creating a fluffy interior.
• Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dumpling dough, ensuring tender results.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.

• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning to adjust and perfect the dish's taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh aromatic finish to the comforting dish.

Tools for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Large Stockpot: Essential for simmering broth and cooking chicken with vegetables.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for creating dumpling dough and blending ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and rolling out dumpling dough.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll dough to desired 1/4 inch thickness evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping celery and onions, cutting dough into squares.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring broth and gently mixing dumplings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect recipe.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Style Dumplings

• Broth Base

Grab a big pot and pour in chicken broth. Toss in some chopped celery and onions. Let everything bubble gently over medium heat. Slide chicken breasts into the warm liquid and let them cook until they’re super tender. Once done, pull out the chicken and shred it into soft pieces.

• Dumpling Magic

Mix flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Pour in milk slowly, stirring until you create a soft, pillowy dough. Dust your countertop with flour and roll out the dough, cutting it into cute little squares.

• Simmering Symphony

Drop those dumplings into the bubbling broth, one by one. They’ll dance around and slowly puff up. Cover the pot and let everything simmer until the dumplings look puffy and perfect.

• Final Touch

Bring the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together so the flavors can get to know each other. Season with a bit more salt and pepper. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a pat of butter for extra richness.

• Serving Happiness

Ladle the steaming mixture into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you want a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting meal straight from the pot!

Tips for Tender Dumplings and Juicy Chicken

• Make this classic dish your own culinary adventure!
• Replace chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor and easier shredding, saving precious cooking time.
• Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the traditional recipe's taste profile, adding unexpected layers of deliciousness.
• For extra fluffy dumplings, try replacing some all-purpose flour with self-rising flour, creating a lighter, more pillowy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a creamy alternative that works perfectly for lactose-intolerant food lovers, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting classic.

Serving Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Hot

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chicken and dumplings in deep ceramic bowls that keep the dish warm, creating a perfect winter meal that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the chicken and dumplings.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or buttered toast to complement the dish's warm, comforting flavors and provide a light, refreshing balance to the creamy main course.
• Southern Style Presentation: Serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet or traditional farmhouse-style dish to enhance the homestyle, Cracker Barrel-inspired feel of this classic comfort food recipe.

Storing Your Chicken and Dumpling Meal

• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chicken and dumplings stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly, maintaining their comforting texture and flavor.
• Freezing Magic: Carefully transfer cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Frozen portions remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating to prevent texture breakdown.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Warm portions in microwave using medium power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, use stovetop method by adding splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, stirring gently until heated through.
• Portion Planning: Divide recipe into individual servings before storing. This strategy helps maintain freshness, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays or quick comfort food moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings create comfort through Southern culinary tradition. Home cooks can easily recreate restaurant flavors with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques you’ll love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, about 1 lb or 454 g)
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 mL) + 2 tbsps milk
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 medium onion (halved)
• 2 ribs celery (halved)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Broth Preparation: Combine chicken broth, celery, and onion in a large stockpot, gently heating until the liquid reaches a delicate simmer.
2. Chicken Poaching: Submerge whole chicken breasts in the simmering liquid, cooking until the meat becomes fork-tender and reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 15-18 minutes.
3. Meat Preparation: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred into delicate, bite-sized pieces using two forks, keeping warm while preparing subsequent components.
4. Dumpling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring until the mixture forms a soft, slightly tacky dough with a consistent texture.
5. Dough Handling: Dust a work surface with flour and roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Slice the rolled dough into uniform 1-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
6. Dumpling Cooking: Carefully drop dough squares into the simmering broth, avoiding overlap. Cover and allow to cook for 12-15 minutes until the dumplings become puffy and fully cooked.
7. Final Assembly: Gently reintroduce shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and optionally stir in unsalted butter for added richness.
8. Serving: Ladle the aromatic chicken and dumplings into serving bowls, ensuring each portion is generously portioned. Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Temperature Control: Keep broth at a gentle simmer to prevent tough chicken and prevent dumplings from becoming rubbery during cooking.
• Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly tender meat that shreds easily.
• Dumpling Technique: Handle dough minimally to maintain tenderness; overworking can create dense, chewy dumplings instead of light, fluffy ones.
• Broth Enhancement: Optional butter adds richness and depth, transforming the dish from simple to restaurant-quality comfort food.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg