Chicken and Dumplings (Cracker Barrel Copycat)
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings!
This Cracker Barrel-inspired recipe brings you tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth—all made from scratch in under an hour.
Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or looking for a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot!
For the Chicken and Broth
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the rich, savory broth.
- Celery – Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- Onion – Enhances the broth’s depth.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Provides tender, shredded chicken.
- Salt and Pepper – Seasons the dish perfectly.
For the Dumplings
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the dumplings structure.
- Baking Powder – Makes the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Salt – Enhances the dough’s flavor.
- Milk – Brings the dough together for a tender texture.
Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings (Cracker Barrel Copycat)
Notes
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth – forms the base of the rich, savory broth.
- 2 celery stalks, halved – adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, left as a chunk – enhances the broth’s depth.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved – provides tender, shredded chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste – seasons the dish perfectly.
For the Dumplings:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – gives the dumplings structure.
- 1 Tbsp baking powder – makes the dumplings light and fluffy.
- 1 1/4 tsp salt – enhances the dough’s flavor.
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk – brings the dough together for a tender texture.
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. - Prepare the Dumplings
While the chicken is cooking, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Gradually stir in the milk until the dough forms a rough, shaggy texture. - Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice it into strips or squares, approximately 1 to 2 inches in size. - Remove the Chicken and Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board.
Discard the onion and celery. - Cook the Dumplings
Add the dough pieces to the simmering broth and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are tender and the broth thickens to a gravy-like consistency. - Shred the Chicken
While the dumplings simmer, shred or chop the chicken, then return it to the pot. - Season and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If using pre-cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken), simmer the broth with the onion, celery, and dumplings at the same time.
- Remove the onion and celery, then add the shredded chicken during the last 5 minutes to warm through.
Nutrition
Calories: 418kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1778mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg
- Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the broth during the last 5 minutes of simmering to warm it through.
- How can I make the dumplings quickly without making dough from scratch?
A convenient shortcut is to use refrigerated biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters and gently stir them into the simmering soup. They will puff up and serve as dumplings.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use water combined with chicken bouillon cubes or base to create a flavorful broth. Adjust the seasoning to taste
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots and peas can enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the broth along with the dumplings.
- How can I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?
To thicken the broth, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this into the simmering broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
