Cozy Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

When southern comfort meets culinary magic, these cracker barrel homemade chicken & dumplings emerge as a nostalgic feast.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each creamy spoonful.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft, pillowy dumplings that practically melt on your tongue.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.

Comfort arrives in a bowl, promising satisfaction with every delectable bite.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this classic southern comfort staple.

FAQs About Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken are ideal. They shred easily and provide tender, flavorful meat that blends perfectly with the dumplings.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before cooking. Just cover the dough with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• How do I get fluffy dumplings?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, and handle the dough gently when forming dumplings.

Why Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Are Comforting

• Craft Classic Comfort: Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel favorite right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Perfect for satisfying hungry families with minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this dish brings everyone together around the table.
• Nostalgic Homestyle Cooking: Enjoy a traditional Southern recipe that connects you to generations of home cooking, delivering warm and hearty flavors that feel like a culinary hug.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Transform basic pantry staples into a delicious meal that stretches your grocery budget while providing rich, filling satisfaction for multiple servings.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that forms the hearty base of this classic comfort dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that create the structure and texture of the soft, fluffy dumplings.
• Cold Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a flaky, tender dumpling texture.
• Milk: Brings the dumpling dough together and adds moisture.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that serves as the cooking medium for the chicken and dumplings.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Boil Chicken Broth and Prepare Protein

Bring chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add shredded chicken and lower the heat to create a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Create Dumpling Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Use a fork to cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a sandy texture.

Step 3: Form Dumpling Dough

Pour milk into the flour mixture and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough. Cut the dough into small squares or rustic rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter.

Step 4: Cook Dumplings in Broth

Gently drop the dough pieces into the simmering chicken and broth mixture. Ensure each piece is partially submerged.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Cook the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, allowing them to become tender and fully cooked. The broth will slightly thicken during this process. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor before serving hot.

Pro Tips for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Optimize Butter Temperature: Use ice-cold butter cut into small cubes for flakier, more tender dumplings that melt in your mouth.
• Perfect Dough Consistency: Add milk gradually to control dough thickness, ensuring dumplings are light and not too dense or dry.
• Control Broth Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding dumplings to prevent tearing and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Select Chicken Wisely: Use rotisserie or freshly cooked shredded chicken for maximum flavor and tender meat texture.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to enhance overall dish richness without overwhelming the delicate dumpling flavor.

Flavor Variations for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this classic dish.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dumpling dough for an aromatic herbaceous flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and control salt content, making it heart-friendly while maintaining rich taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Savor Southern Comfort Companions
• Pair with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy chicken and highlights the buttery dumplings without overpowering their delicate flavor.
• Harmonize with Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve warm, golden buttermilk biscuits alongside the chicken and dumplings for an extra layer of Southern comfort and textural contrast.
• Elevate with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a zesty, crunchy coleslaw on the side to cut through the richness of the dish and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Complete with Sweet Tea: Pour a classic, ice-cold Southern sweet tea to balance the savory flavors and enhance the homestyle feel of this comforting meal.

Storage Advice for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Store chicken and dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish can last 2-3 months in the freezer without losing quality.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chicken and dumplings into a pot. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.

Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with its creamy, hearty embrace. Rich chicken broth and tender dumpling strips create a classic dish that warms souls and satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil, then gently lower the heat to create a steady simmer and incorporate the shredded chicken.
2. Create the dumpling base by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, using a fork to integrate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually introduce milk to the flour mixture, working the ingredients until a soft, pliable dough forms.
4. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Slice the rolled dough into uniform small squares or rectangular pieces, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
6. Delicately drop the dough pieces into the simmering broth and chicken mixture, allowing them to gently float on the surface.
7. Maintain a low, consistent simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, periodically checking the dumplings for tenderness and ensuring they are fully cooked through.
8. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile, adjusting seasoning as needed.
9. Remove from heat and serve the chicken and dumplings immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality, flavorful chicken broth to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Use cold butter and work quickly when cutting it into the flour mixture to ensure flaky, tender dumplings.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
• Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg