Authentic Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Southern comfort swirls through this classic cracker barrel homemade chicken & dumplings recipe that warms hearts and satisfies deep hunger.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Every spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked love and traditional Southern cooking.

Generations have savored this comforting dish that turns simple ingredients into something magical.

Delicate dumplings soak up the velvety sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.

This recipe brings the beloved restaurant favorite straight to your dining table with ease and authenticity.

Dive into a bowl of pure, nostalgic comfort that promises to become a cherished family staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1.5 hours

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You’ll Need For Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Whole Chicken: Provides rich, hearty flavor and tender meat for the classic comfort dish.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal undertones and depth to the broth's complexity.
• Celery: Introduces a gentle, aromatic freshness that enhances the overall soup profile.
• Onion: Delivers a sweet and savory foundation that rounds out the broth's taste.

• Salt: Elevates and balances the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Brings a warm, slightly spicy kick that brightens the entire dish.

• Water: Creates the foundational broth that will soften and cook the chicken and develop deep, layered flavors.

Helpful Tools For Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Large pot or dutch oven: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the base broth.
• Strainer: Helps separate chicken pieces and herbs from the liquid.
• Cutting board: For shredding cooked chicken.
• Sharp knife: For removing chicken skin and separating meat from bones.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Simple Steps To Make Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Chicken Preparation

Grab a big pot and toss in whole chicken with fragrant herbs and vegetables. The magic starts with creating a rich, flavorful base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Slow Simmering

Let the chicken dance in a gentle bubble bath of water and seasonings. This low and slow technique transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting, soul-warming meal that whispers of home-style cooking.

• Meat Transformation

Once the chicken becomes tender and falls apart effortlessly, carefully pull it from the liquid. Shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, discarding anything tough or unwanted. Strain the broth to ensure a silky, smooth foundation for your dish.

• Dumpling Creation

Mix flour and other key ingredients to form a soft, pillowy dough. Roll and cut into rustic, irregular shapes that’ll float beautifully in the rich broth.

• Final Assembly

Gently drop dumplings into the simmering liquid, letting them cook until they’re puffy and light. Nestle the shredded chicken back into the pot, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and flavor that’ll transport you to a cozy kitchen.

Ways To Personalize Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

• Cooking Like a Pro Chicken & Dumplings
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken broth and shred meat a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator to enhance flavor development and simplify final cooking.
• Broth Brilliance: Use homemade chicken stock instead of water for a richer, more intense taste that elevates the entire dish's depth and complexity.
• Texture Perfection: Keep dumpling dough slightly sticky but not wet – this ensures light, fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth without becoming dense or heavy.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional flour dumplings with almond flour or cauliflower dumplings for a gluten-free, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the classic comfort food essence.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley mixed into the dumpling dough to add subtle aromatic dimensions and personalize the traditional recipe.

Serve Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Comfort-Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this classic comfort dish with a crisp green salad and warm buttermilk biscuits for a complete meal that hugs everyone's taste buds.
• Hearty Lunch Upgrade: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a warming midday meal at work or school, paired with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Southern-Style Side Suggestions: Complement the chicken and dumplings with sautéed green beans, roasted carrots, or creamy mashed potatoes to create a traditional Southern-inspired spread that celebrates home cooking.
• Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Present this dish in a large, rustic serving bowl at family reunions or potlucks, allowing guests to serve themselves and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of homemade comfort food.

Store Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings The Smart Way

• Quick Refrigeration: Store chicken and dumplings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, where it maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally for even heating.
• Batch Preparation Strategy: Double the recipe and portion into individual servings for convenient grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel homemade chicken & dumplings combine Southern comfort with hearty home cooking. Tender chicken and pillowy dumplings create a nostalgic meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger with classic American hospitality.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs or 1.8 kg) or 4-6 chicken thighs
• 8 cups (2 L) water
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter (for soup base)
• 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter (for dumplings), cold and cubed
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (for soup base)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt (for dumplings)
• 2 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Poaching Preparation: Submerge whole chicken in a large pot filled with water, onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, and salt, creating a deeply flavored cooking base.
2. Chicken Cooking: Bring liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing chicken to cook slowly and tenderly for approximately 90 minutes until meat becomes remarkably soft and easily separable.
3. Chicken Breakdown: Remove chicken from broth, cool slightly, then methodically shred meat into delicate pieces, discarding skin and bones while preserving the delectable protein.
4. Broth Refinement: Strain the aromatic liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, removing vegetable fragments and ensuring a clear, rich cooking foundation for the dumplings.
5. Dumpling Preparation: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening in a mixing bowl, gradually incorporating milk to form a soft, pliable dough that will transform into pillowy dumplings.
6. Dumpling Shaping: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface, cutting into rectangular strips that will gracefully float and expand within the golden broth.
7. Final Assembly: Return shredded chicken to the strained broth, gently introduce dumpling strips, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until dumplings become perfectly tender and fully cooked.

Notes

• Select Right Chicken: Choose a fresh, plump whole chicken for maximum flavor and tender meat, preferably organic or free-range for richer taste.
• Control Simmering Temperature: Keep liquid at a gentle, consistent low heat to prevent tough chicken and ensure meat remains incredibly moist and delicate.
• Strain Broth Carefully: Use a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth to remove all solid particles, creating a crystal-clear, pure golden broth that enhances overall dish quality.
• Shred Chicken Strategically: Allow chicken to cool completely before hand-pulling meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces to maintain perfect texture and prevent stringy, uneven shredding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg