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Cracker Barrel Dumplings

Featured in Ambitious Recipes Worth Your Time.

Tender chicken and easy dumplings cooked together in a rich broth. Ready in just 40 minutes. Serves 6.
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Sarah
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 00:15:48 GMT
Homestyle Chicken Dumplings Bowl Pin it
Homestyle Chicken Dumplings Bowl | chefmiarecipes.com

Bringing homestyle goodness to your table, this knockoff Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings features juicy chicken chunks and soft, cloud-like dumplings bathed in a hearty, tasty broth. Every bite blends velvety dumplings with succulent chicken in a bowl that makes you feel like you're dining out without leaving home.

While trying to copy famous eatery favorites, getting these dumplings just right became my obsession. When I finally got that texture spot-on, I knew I'd nailed what makes the original so special.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Chicken: Go with boneless breasts for pure taste
  • Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for dumpling consistency
  • Broth: Hearty stock creates the tasty foundation
  • Milk: Full-fat milk helps dumplings stay soft
  • Celery: Brings subtle flavor notes to the mix
  • Fresh Herbs: Throw in if you want extra pop and color

Mastering Perfect Dumplings

Start The Foundation:
Cook aromatics slowly to build flavor.
Handle The Chicken:
Simmer carefully for juicy bites.
Perfect The Dumplings:
Combine and flatten with gentle hands.
Drop Them Right:
Ease dumplings into bubbling broth one by one.
Bring It Together:
Pull chicken apart and mix everything in.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Pin it
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

My granny always told me, 'Take your time for the best dumplings.' After making pot after pot, I've found this advice works wonders with this dish.

Make It Even Better

Dish up in big bowls with a crack of fresh pepper and maybe some parsley on top. Want the full experience? Grab some buttermilk biscuits to serve alongside.

Tasty Twists

Switch things up by swapping in turkey, tossing in some veggies, or adding fresh herbs. Looking for something lighter? Try chicken thighs and low-fat milk instead.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop extras in a sealed container and eat within three days. Warm up slowly on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it's gotten too thick.

Over time working on this dish, I've learned that the little things really count. When you pay attention to each step, you'll end up with something that tastes just like what you'd get at the restaurant.

Close-up Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Pin it
Close-up Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do dumplings turn out dense?
If you mix the dough too much, they'll turn dense. Stop stirring once everything sticks together, and handle gently.
→ Can rotisserie chicken be used?
Absolutely. Just skip cooking the chicken and toss shredded rotisserie chicken in with the dumplings.
→ Can the dish be frozen?
Yes, but know the dumplings may soften after freezing. Heat gently to avoid breaking them.
→ What if my broth stays thin?
Simmer it slowly and keep going. The dumplings naturally release flour, thickening the broth over time.
→ Can dumplings be made ahead?
It's better to make them fresh. Pre-prepared dough can dry out and might not cook nicely in the broth.

Cracker Barrel Dumplings

Juicy chicken and doughy dumplings in a tasty broth. The ultimate comfort dish that's surprisingly simple.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Weekend Projects

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Broth Base

01 2 stalks of celery, split in half
02 6 cups of chicken stock
03 1 pound chicken breasts, no bones or skin, cut in two
04 Half an onion, whole but uncut

→ Dumplings

05 3 cups plain flour
06 1 1/4 teaspoons regular salt
07 1 cup and 2 extra tablespoons of milk
08 1 tablespoon of baking powder

→ Seasoning

09 Add black pepper and salt as you like

Instructions

Step 01

Throw together chicken stock, halved celery, whole onion, and chicken in a big pot or Dutch oven.

Step 02

Let it boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. Keep the lid slightly open and cook for 15 minutes until chicken's done.

Step 03

In a bowl, blend together flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour in milk and mix just until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough about 1/4 inch thick, then slice it into little rectangles about 1-2 inches.

Step 04

Take out the chicken, celery, and onion. Toss the veggies and shred the chicken.

Step 05

Put the dough rectangles into the warm broth. Stir now and then while letting them cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Broth will thicken as they cook.

Step 06

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve while hot.

Notes

  1. Keep the broth on a mild simmer so dumplings don’t fall apart
  2. If you mix dumpling dough too much, it’ll get chewy

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Pizza cutter or sharp blade
  • Rolling pin

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products
  • Contains wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g