Quick Homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Comfort flows through every spoonful of these hearty cracker barrel chicken and dumplings that bring warmth to your kitchen.

Southern cooking reaches its pinnacle with this classic recipe steeped in tradition.

Tender chicken simmers alongside soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down secrets from one kitchen to another.

Memories of family gatherings and cozy meals dance within each delectable bite.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this homestyle classic.

Prepare to experience a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

What You’ll Need for Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that becomes the star of this comforting dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating soft, pillowy dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light.
• Milk: Brings moisture and richness to the dumpling dough.

• Chicken Broth, Celery, Onion: Flavorful base that creates a rich and aromatic cooking liquid.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Butter: Adds a creamy finish and extra richness to the dish.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, aromatic touch.

Step-by-Step for Homemade Chicken Dumplings

Step 1: Brew Flavorful Broth

• Celery
• Onion

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Carefully add chicken breasts and cook until they’re tender and easily fall apart, about 15 minutes.

Remove chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Set shredded chicken aside.

Step 2: Mix Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly pour in milk, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

The mixture should look slightly sticky and cohesive.

Step 3: Shape and Drop Dumplings

Dust your countertop with flour.

Roll out the dough to approximately quarter-inch thickness.

Slice the dough into small, rustic squares about 1-2 inches wide.

Gently drop dumplings into the simmering broth one at a time.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Cover the pot and let dumplings cook for 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The dumplings will puff up and become wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return shredded chicken to the pot.

Stir everything together, allowing the chicken to warm through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

For extra richness, swirl in some butter.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chicken and dumplings into warm bowls.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips for Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

• Poach chicken in homemade stock or add aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the broth's depth and richness.
• Roll dough evenly and cut uniform squares to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some dumplings from becoming too soft or undercooked.
• Adjust liquid by adding more broth if the mixture becomes too thick, maintaining a creamy, silky texture that coats the dumplings and chicken perfectly.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version or use low-sodium broth for reduced-salt diets.
• Cool completely before refrigerating, store chicken and dumplings in airtight container, and gently reheat with splash of additional broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying.

Storing and Reheating Tips for Dumplings

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken and dumplings will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Let the dish reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Warm portions in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Satisfying Sides for Chicken and Dumplings

• Pair Hearty Southern Comfort with Crisp White Wine: A light, unoaked chardonnay cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken and dumplings, balancing the dish's heaviness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Complement Rustic Flavors with Homestyle Sides: Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or green beans add color and nutritional balance, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy, comforting main dish.
• Elevate Texture with Crusty Artisan Bread: Warm, crusty sourdough or country bread serves as the perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to soak up the delicious, savory broth and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Refresh Palate with Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty, vinegar-based coleslaw introduces a crunchy, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, creamy chicken and dumplings.

Ways to Switch Up This Comfort Food Favorite

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Add xanthan gum to improve dough texture and binding.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Enhance flavor with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to compensate for reduced sodium.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of regular butter to maintain creamy consistency.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a meat-free comfort meal that retains the classic dumpling experience.

FAQs

• Are the dumplings handmade or store-bought in this recipe?

The dumplings are handmade from scratch using flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. You’ll mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and cut it into small squares before cooking them directly in the broth.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Some people prefer thighs for more flavor, while others stick with breasts for a leaner option. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.

• How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings are typically done after about 15 minutes of simmering in the broth. They should look puffy, feel soft when you touch them, and have absorbed some of the broth’s flavor. They should no longer have a raw, doughy texture.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and broth in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add fresh dumplings. The dish is best served immediately after cooking to maintain the perfect dumpling texture.

Why This Chicken and Dumplings Is a Comfort Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in pure, homemade goodness with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare this restaurant-style recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together, satisfying both kids and adults with its classic, comforting flavors.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Whip up this one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, filling dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this classic Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe, where tender chicken nestles between pillowy dough clouds. Home cooks will savor this hearty dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 2 celery ribs, halved
• 1 medium onion, halved

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful broth by simmering chicken, celery, and onion in a spacious pot. Gently poach the chicken until tender, then extract and shred into delicate morsels.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing vessel. Introduce milk gradually, blending until a supple dough materializes.
3. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to a slim quarter-inch thickness. Slice into rustic squares measuring roughly 1-2 inches.
4. Restore the broth to a gentle bubble and delicately float dumpling squares across the surface. Cover and allow to simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Reintegrate the shredded chicken into the bubbling mixture, ensuring even distribution and thorough warming. Enhance with additional seasoning and optional butter for richness.
6. Transfer the comforting concoction to serving dishes, adorning with fresh, verdant herbs like parsley or thyme for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken for deeper, richer flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Roll dumpling dough gently to prevent tough texture, ensuring light and fluffy consistency.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before shredding to maintain moisture and prevent stringy texture.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of rice and almond flour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg