Cozy Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Comfort arrives perfectly with cracker barrel homemade chicken & dumplings, a classic southern dish that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Generations have savored this hearty meal passed down through family traditions.

Soft, pillowy dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in a creamy, rich broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Delicate herbs and simple ingredients combine to create a nostalgic experience that transports you to cozy dining rooms.

Skilled home cooks understand the magic of transforming basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Every spoonful promises pure, soul-satisfying warmth that connects people through shared culinary love.

You won’t believe how simple yet incredible this recipe can be when prepared with care and passion.

Variations for a Twist on the Classic Dish

• Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley to the dough for an aromatic herb-packed version that elevates the classic recipe.
• Cheesy Chicken Dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese into the dough for a rich, savory spin that creates extra comfort and depth of flavor.
• Spicy Southern Dumplings: Incorporate cayenne pepper and paprika into the flour mixture to give the dish a warm, spicy kick that brings southern heat.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more wholesome texture and added nutritional value.

Pairings to Serve Alongside Chicken & Dumplings

• Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the rich, creamy chicken and dumplings. Its smooth texture and light acidity will balance the dish's hearty flavors without overwhelming the delicate dumpling texture.
• Roast honey-glazed carrots or buttered green beans as a vibrant vegetable side. These colorful accompaniments add nutritional balance and provide a sweet, fresh contrast to the comforting main course.
• Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing. The crisp, zesty slaw cuts through the dish's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint that enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Leftover Chicken & Dumplings

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken and dumplings to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour contents into a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir gently to prevent dumplings from breaking apart. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What makes the dumplings tender and soft?

The key is not overworking the dough and using cold butter, which helps create a flaky texture when cut into the dry ingredients.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the dish.

• Why do I need to flour the surface and dumplings heavily?

The extra flour helps thicken the broth and prevents the dumplings from sticking together during cooking.

• Is this recipe similar to traditional Southern chicken and dumplings?

Yes, this Cracker Barrel-style recipe follows classic Southern cooking techniques with simple ingredients and a comforting, hearty approach.

Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Classic and Cozy

• Comfort Culinary Journey: Dive into a nostalgic Southern-style dish that transports you to a cozy Cracker Barrel kitchen with every hearty spoonful.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn an easy cooking method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Family Gathering Star: Create a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings everyone together, sparking conversations and warming hearts around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy a protein-packed dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you crave a satisfying home-cooked meal.

Ingredients to Make Chicken & Dumplings Like Cracker Barrel

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that creates the soft and tender texture of the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, flaky texture in the dough.
• Milk: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture to the dumpling dough.

• Chicken Broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid that cooks and infuses the dumplings with savory taste.
• Cooked Chicken: The protein that makes this dish a complete and satisfying meal.

• Flour (Extra): Used for dusting and preventing sticking during dough preparation and helps thicken the broth.

How to Whip Up Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Step 1: Whip Up Dumpling Dry Mix

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and looking smooth.

Step 2: Work in the Butter

Using a fork or pastry blender, gently cut the butter into the dry mixture. You want it to look like tiny crumbly bits throughout the mix.

Step 3: Create Dumpling Dough

Pour in the milk and stir with a fork until the ingredients come together and form a soft, cohesive ball of dough.

Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Surface

Generously dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour.

Roll out the dough super thin, making sure it doesn’t stick to anything.

Step 5: Cut Dumpling Shapes

Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into neat square shapes.

Aim for roughly bite-sized pieces that will float beautifully in the broth.

Step 6: Flour and Separate Dumplings

Transfer the cut dumplings to a flour-dusted plate.

Layer them carefully, sprinkling extra flour between each layer to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Boil and Drop Dumplings

Bring chicken broth to a rolling boil.

Gently drop dumplings into the hot liquid one at a time, stirring softly as you add them. The extra flour will naturally thicken the broth.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes. They’re done when they look puffy and no longer have a raw, doughy texture.

Step 9: Add Chicken and Serve

Fold in your pre-cooked chicken pieces, give everything a gentle stir, and serve this comforting Southern-style dish piping hot.

Tips to Get Creamy and Tender Chicken & Dumplings

• Heavily flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking and ensure easy dough handling.
• Mix the dough just until it forms a ball, avoiding overmixing to keep the dumplings tender and light.
• The extra flour on dumplings naturally thickens the broth, creating a rich, creamy texture without additional thickeners.
• Drop dumplings one at a time and stir gently to prevent them from clumping together during cooking.
• Cook dumplings for 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure they're fully cooked but not tough or doughy.

Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cracker Barrel’s homemade chicken & dumplings bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen, weaving nostalgic flavors into a classic dish. Hearty broth, tender chicken, and pillowy dumplings create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken

Dumplings and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons butter

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 quarts (8 cups) chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing container to create a uniform dry foundation for the dumplings.
2. Using a fork or pastry blender, incorporate cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
3. Gradually introduce milk, gently stirring until the ingredients form a cohesive, soft dough ball.
4. Generously dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking, then roll out the dough extremely thin using a well-floured rolling pin.
5. Slice the rolled dough into precise square-shaped dumplings approximately 2-inches wide using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
6. Carefully transfer dumpling squares onto a flour-dusted plate, strategically layering them with additional flour to prevent adhesion.
7. Heat chicken broth to a vigorous boil, then methodically drop dumplings into the liquid, stirring continuously to distribute evenly and prevent clumping.
8. Simmer the dumplings for 15-20 minutes at medium heat, ensuring they become tender and fully cooked without any raw dough consistency.
9. Gently fold pre-cooked chicken pieces into the broth, allowing them to warm through and absorb the rich, flavorful liquid before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose cold butter for a flakier, more tender dumpling texture that melts perfectly into the dough.
• Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to create clean, even dumpling edges that cook uniformly.
• Dust surfaces generously with flour to prevent sticky dough and ensure easy handling during preparation.
• Stir dumplings gently while cooking to maintain their shape and prevent clumping in the broth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 182 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg