Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

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There’s something uniquely comforting about Cracker Barrel’s Chicken & Dumplings. It brings back memories of cozy road trips, family dinners, and those rustic Southern vibes that make everything feel like home. I’ve always been drawn to its creamy, savory richness and the soft, doughy dumplings that practically melt in your mouth. After countless tries in my own kitchen, I’ve finally nailed a version that captures that iconic flavor—and now I’m excited to share it with you.

This homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe is surprisingly simple, but it delivers deep flavor and hearty satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly night or craving a classic Southern dinner idea, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Let’s dig into why you’re going to fall head over heels for this timeless comfort food.

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Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings

This dish wraps you in comfort—it’s warm, creamy, and packed with that old-fashioned, down-home goodness. The tender shredded chicken, the silky, thick broth, and the buttery soft dumplings are what soul food is all about.

It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it’s actually quite doable on a weeknight. You’ll love how it turns a few humble pantry ingredients into something truly special, and the leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For a truly authentic Cracker Barrel-style experience, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are lean and shred beautifully, keeping the dish light yet satisfying. Thighs offer a bit more richness and moisture, which gives the broth extra flavor. If you’re short on time, using a rotisserie chicken works wonders too—it’s flavorful and already cooked, making this recipe even quicker.

For those who want a deeper, more traditional flavor, bone-in chicken simmered in the broth and then shredded is an excellent choice. It does take more time, but the resulting broth is unbeatable.

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Options for Substitutions

Cooking is all about flexibility, and this recipe can bend to your needs without losing its charm.

• Chicken: Swap in turkey, leftover roasted chicken, or even cooked tofu for a vegetarian twist (just use veggie broth instead of chicken stock).
• Dumplings: No time to make your own? Store-bought biscuit dough rolled and sliced into strips makes a decent shortcut.
• Flour: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed for the dumplings.
• Milk or Cream: If you want it dairy-free, opt for unsweetened almond or oat milk—but stick with full-fat for the best texture.
• Butter: Vegan butter or margarine can substitute in a pinch if you need a dairy-free option.

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Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building that nostalgic, comforting flavor we all love. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs – The heart of the dish. They bring protein, richness, and that savory, shredded bite that blends seamlessly into the broth.
• All-Purpose Flour – A staple for the dumplings and the broth thickener. It creates that signature soft texture in the dumplings and helps the broth become creamy without needing heavy cream.
• Baking Powder – A leavening agent for the dumplings. It gives them a slight lift and ensures they’re not too dense.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings. They bring out all the subtle flavors in the chicken and dumplings.
• Butter – Adds richness to the dumplings and depth to the broth. It’s key to getting that smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
• Whole Milk – Brings moisture and softness to the dumpling dough. It also adds creaminess to the broth.
• Chicken Broth – The liquid gold base of this dish. Go for low-sodium so you can control the seasoning, or homemade if you want to elevate the flavor even further.
• Celery and Onion (Optional but Recommended) – They’re not in every version, but I like adding them to the broth for extra flavor and aroma. Sautéed until soft, they build a deeper, more rounded taste.

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Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot and cover them with chicken broth (about 6–8 cups). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.

Once done, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and set aside. Keep the broth simmering—you’ll use it to cook the dumplings.

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Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, then add 3 tablespoons of softened butter and 3/4 cup of whole milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork it—just enough to bring it together.

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Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into rectangles or strips (about 1×2 inches). These imperfect, rustic cuts are part of the charm.

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Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Bring your reserved chicken broth back to a gentle boil. Carefully drop in the dumpling strips, one at a time, stirring gently so they don’t stick together. Lower the heat to a simmer, and let them cook uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, until they puff up slightly and become tender.

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Step 5: Add the Chicken Back

Once the dumplings are soft and the broth has thickened slightly, stir in the shredded chicken. Simmer everything together for another 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

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How Long to Cook Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 50 to 60 minutes:

• Prep time: 15 minutes (including making and rolling out the dumplings)
• Cooking chicken: 20–25 minutes
• Cooking dumplings: 15–20 minutes
• Final simmer: 5–10 minutes

It’s a dish that feels like it took hours but actually fits nicely into a weeknight dinner schedule—especially if you prep some components ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken.

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Tips for Perfect Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings

• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. A rolling boil can break them apart or make them tough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking it can make the dumplings dense instead of tender and fluffy.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: Try to maintain a consistent thickness when rolling out your dumpling dough. Thin dumplings cook more evenly and absorb flavor better.
• Let the Dumplings Rest in the Broth: After they cook through, let them sit for a few minutes with the shredded chicken to soak up the broth and get that soft, pillowy texture.
• Use Quality Chicken Broth: Since the broth is the base of the whole dish, choose a good one—or better yet, use homemade. It makes a huge difference in the overall flavor.
• Add a Touch of Cream (Optional): If you want a richer broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end. It adds silkiness without overpowering the dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a comfort dish like Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Boiling the Dumplings Too Hard: A rapid boil can cause them to fall apart or turn gummy. Always simmer gently.
• Not Seasoning the Broth Enough: Taste as you go! Under-seasoned broth will leave the whole dish bland.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Drop the dumplings in gradually and stir gently so they don’t clump together.
• Rolling the Dough Too Thick or Too Thin: Too thick, and they may not cook through; too thin, and they’ll dissolve or become tough.
• Adding the Chicken Too Early: If you toss the shredded chicken in while the dumplings are cooking, it can become overcooked. Add it near the end for best texture.

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What to Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings?

This hearty meal pairs beautifully with Southern-style sides or light, fresh dishes to balance the richness. Here are my top picks:

Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned and vibrant, they add a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy main dish.

Garden Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

A fresh salad with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness and adds some texture.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, buttery biscuits on the side are just so Cracker Barrel. Perfect for scooping up every last bit of broth.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory dumplings, creating a beautiful balance.

Creamed Corn

This one-two punch of Southern comfort adds a sweet and velvety sidekick.

Sliced Tomatoes with Salt & Pepper

Simple, fresh, and a little acidic—great for balancing out the dish.

Southern-Style Collard Greens

For a deeper Southern meal, collards bring a smoky, tangy note that plays well with the creamy dumplings.

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Storage Instructions

Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings is just as comforting the next day—maybe even more. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth and get even more tender.
• Freezer: While you can freeze it, be aware that the dumplings may become slightly mushy after thawing. If freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. If it’s too thick, add more broth or a bit of milk to revive that creamy texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

This dish is satisfying and hearty—perfect for a comforting meal. Here’s a general estimate for one generous serving (based on a 6-serving batch):

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on the ingredients you use—especially the broth and butter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour should I use for dumplings?

All-purpose flour works best. It provides the right structure and tenderness. Self-rising flour can be used if you skip the baking powder, but avoid cake or bread flour—they’ll throw off the texture.

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Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes! You can make and cut the dumpling dough up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, lightly floured and covered. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.

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Do I have to use homemade broth?

No, but it makes a difference. A high-quality store-bought broth is totally fine, especially if you add aromatics like onion or celery to boost the flavor.

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Why are my dumplings tough?

That usually means you overworked the dough or boiled them too hard. Mix just until combined, and simmer gently for the perfect tender texture.

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Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and brings in some extra flavor. Just shred it and add it at the end, once the dumplings are cooked.

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How do I know when dumplings are done?

They’ll puff slightly and lose their raw dough look. Cut one open after 15 minutes—it should be cooked through with no gummy center.

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Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Sort of. You can cook the chicken in the slow cooker with broth and aromatics, but the dumplings should be cooked on the stovetop to avoid becoming too soggy or overcooked.

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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be, but the dumplings may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze the broth and chicken separately from freshly made dumplings and combine when ready to eat.

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Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings is one of those dishes that just feels like home. With its creamy broth, soft and tender dumplings, and hearty shredded chicken, it’s a Southern classic that brings comfort in every bite. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or introducing your family to a timeless dish, this recipe is approachable, satisfying, and full of love.

From busy weeknight dinners to cozy Sunday meals, this dish delivers flavor and warmth that’ll keep you coming back to it again and again.

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