Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

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Warm, comforting, and filled with Southern charm, Cracker Barrel’s Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is a dish that embodies home-cooked nostalgia. The tender chunks of chicken combined with fluffy, doughy dumplings in a savory broth make this meal a family favorite that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.

Whether you’re craving a hearty meal to bring back memories of a roadside stop at Cracker Barrel or you’re simply in the mood for a fulfilling comfort food classic, this recipe brings all the elements of the original straight to your kitchen. You’ll find the flavors simple yet rich, and the preparation a delightful ritual of Southern cooking.

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Ingredients for this recipe

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• 10 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped (optional)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup milk (more if needed)

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Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large stockpot, combine chicken pieces, water, salt, pepper, bay leaves, onion, celery, and carrots. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 2: Remove and Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and let them cool slightly. Discard bay leaves. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Strain the broth if desired to remove vegetables and return the clear broth to the pot.

Step 3: Make the Dumplings

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk gradually until a soft dough forms. Add a splash more milk if the dough feels too dry.

Step 4: Roll and Cut Dumplings

Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1×2-inch strips using a knife or pizza cutter. Let them rest while the broth comes back to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Drop the dumplings one at a time into the boiling broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently to combine. Let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the dumplings may become mushy upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 6 servings total)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

A whole chicken is ideal because it adds deep flavor to the broth. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you’re short on time, using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can work. Just skip the broth-making step and use store-bought chicken broth instead.

How thick should the dumplings be?

Roll them out to about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner dumplings cook faster and soak up more broth.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cut the dough, then refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just bring them to room temperature before adding to the broth.

How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?

Add them one at a time and stir gently as you go. Avoid overcrowding the pot.

What if my broth reduces too much?

Add a bit more chicken broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can try a plant-based chicken substitute and use vegetable broth, but the flavor will be quite different from the classic version.

What sides go well with chicken and dumplings?

Classic Southern sides like green beans, cornbread, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this hearty main dish.

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