A comfort food classic, Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is a hearty dish that brings the warmth of a Southern kitchen straight to your table. With tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or a nostalgic treat any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the same homey, satisfying taste you know and love from Cracker Barrel.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh chicken, it’s both budget-friendly and accessible.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a warm, filling meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that’s sure to delight the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken (preferably a whole chicken or chicken thighs for maximum flavor)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Chicken broth
- Butter
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken in a large pot of water until fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside. Reserve the cooking water for broth.
- Make the Dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually mix in milk until a dough forms. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into strips or squares.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth (reserved cooking water) to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add shredded chicken back to the pot. Let the mixture simmer until the broth thickens and the dumplings are cooked through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Dish out warm and enjoy the classic flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4–6 people
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Include diced carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Seasonings: Enhance the dish with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like parsley.
- Creamy Broth: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an even richer broth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make dumplings.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the dumplings.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Yes, pre-made dumplings are a convenient option, but homemade offers the best texture and flavor.
2. How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?
Stir gently when adding dumplings to the broth and ensure they’re spaced apart.
3. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Yes, though using chicken with bones and skin adds more flavor to the broth.
4. What can I use instead of milk in the dumplings?
You can substitute milk with buttermilk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk.
5. How thick should the dumpling dough be?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for fluffy dumplings.
6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the chicken and broth in the slow cooker, then add dumplings during the last hour.
7. What if my broth isn’t thick enough?
Mix a slurry of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth to thicken.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and dumplings separately and combine them when reheating.
9. What should I serve with chicken and dumplings?
Pair it with a fresh side salad, cornbread, or green beans.
10. How can I add more flavor to the broth?
Use chicken bouillon, a splash of white wine, or fresh herbs for added depth.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich broth for a meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or simply looking for a hearty dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the comforting aroma fill your home!
PrintCracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Enjoy a comforting bowl of tender chicken and soft dumplings in a rich, savory broth, reminiscent of the classic dish from Cracker Barrel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
For the Broth and Chicken:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 celery stalks, halved
- 1 small onion, peeled and quartered
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, halved celery stalks, and quartered onion.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, celery, and onion from the pot. Discard the vegetables.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Make the Dumplings:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a fork or pastry blender, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 1-2 inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Bring the broth back to a gentle boil.
- Drop the dumplings into the broth one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the dumplings.
- Stir gently to combine and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier broth, consider adding a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if needed.