Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings recipe is a surefire way to satisfy the hungriest bellies in your fam. It definitely does in my house!

This Southern classic combines tender chicken with pillowy dumplings in a rich, savory broth.

You’ll love how simple this recipe is to make at home, using basic ingredients like flour, chicken broth, and milk.

I’ve found the key to perfect dumplings is not overworking the dough – mix just until ingredients come together for the fluffiest texture.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb CHICKEN BREASTS (boneless, skinless)
• 6 cups CHICKEN BROTH
• 2 cups ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• 1/2 tsp BAKING POWDER
• 1 tsp SALT
• 1/4 cup BUTTER (cold, cubed)
• 3/4 cup BUTTERMILK

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Pour the chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2:

Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to low.

Step 3:

Simmer the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.

Step 4:

While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumpling dough by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 5:

Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6:

Stir in the buttermilk until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 7:

Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and shred it using two forks.

Step 8:

Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Don’t overmix the dough:

When preparing the dumpling dough, mix it just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings!

Keep the broth simmering:

Maintain a gentle simmer while cooking the dumplings. A rolling boil can break them apart and make them fall apart.

Add veggies for extra flavor:

I love tossing in some diced carrots, celery, and onions with the chicken for added depth and nutrition.

Use rotisserie chicken:

Short on time? You can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts.

Adjust the consistency:

If the broth is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken things up.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Classic Southern Green Beans

Green beans cooked with bacon and onions are a perfect accompaniment to chicken and dumplings.

This side dish adds a nice crunch and savory flavor that complements the creamy main course.

I like to cook my green beans until they’re tender but still have a slight bite to them for the best texture.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Nothing beats the simplicity and sweetness of corn on the cob alongside chicken and dumplings.

The natural sweetness of the corn provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the main dish.

I recommend brushing the corn with melted butter and sprinkling it with a touch of salt for the best taste.

Tangy Apple Slaw

For a refreshing twist, try serving a crisp apple slaw with your chicken and dumplings.

The tartness of the apples and the creaminess of the dressing cut through the richness of the main dish.

I love adding some chopped walnuts for extra crunch and a drizzle of honey for sweetness in my slaw.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delicious contrast in both flavor and texture to the soft dumplings.

The caramelization from roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts, while the balsamic adds depth.

I find that roasting the sprouts until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside works best.

Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

These bright and flavorful tomatoes add a pop of color and acidity to your plate of chicken and dumplings.

Roasting intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, while garlic adds a savory note that complements the main dish.

I suggest drizzling the roasted tomatoes with a bit of good olive oil just before serving for extra richness.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily switch up this classic Cracker Barrel dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs!

Protein Options

Try using turkey breast or even leftover rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping in mushrooms or chickpeas for the chicken.

Dumplings

For gluten-free dumplings, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your dumpling dough for extra flavor.

Broth

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Veggies

Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition and color.

How to Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Refrigeration

You’ll want to let your chicken and dumplings cool completely before storing.

Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container to keep them fresh in the fridge.

Your delicious meal will stay good for up to 3-4 days when properly refrigerated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is a great option for your chicken and dumplings.

Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

You can enjoy your frozen chicken and dumplings for up to 2-3 months!

Portioning

I recommend dividing leftovers into individual portions before storing.

This makes it easier to grab just what you need for a quick meal later.

Don’t forget to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Dough

Don’t overmix your dumpling dough, or you’ll end up with tough, chewy dumplings instead of light and fluffy ones!

Gently stir the ingredients just until they come together, then stop – a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Rolling Dumplings Too Thick

I’ve found that rolling the dumplings too thick can result in undercooked, doughy centers that ruin the texture of the dish.

Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness when rolling out your dough to ensure they cook through evenly.

Boiling Instead of Simmering

Resist the urge to crank up the heat! A gentle simmer is key for tender chicken and perfectly cooked dumplings.

If you boil the soup too vigorously, your dumplings may fall apart and the chicken could become tough.

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

This Southern classic combines tender chicken with pillowy dumplings in a rich, savory broth.I’ve found the key to perfect dumplings is not overworking the dough – mix just until ingredients come together for the fluffiest texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Side Dish

Servings People

Ingredients

1 lb CHICKEN BREASTS boneless, skinless
6 cups CHICKEN BROTH
2 cups ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 tsp BAKING POWDER
1 tsp SALT
1/4 cup BUTTER cold, cubed
3/4 cup BUTTERMILK

Instructions

Pour the chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumpling dough by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the buttermilk until a shaggy dough forms.
Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and shred it using two forks.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.