Why Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings Delight

Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, look no further than Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings. This timeless Southern classic combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, savory broth into a dish bursting with comfort and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to a satisfying homemade dinner, Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings captures that perfect balance of hearty and heartwarming that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: This recipe wraps you in warmth with every tender bite of chicken and dumplings.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using everyday pantry staples means it’s easy to make without sacrificing taste.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you need a little extra cozy on a chilly night.
  • Homemade Goodness: It tastes like the real deal straight from Cracker Barrel, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies to make it your own signature dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken that soaks up all the rich flavors to the comforting dumplings that add fluffy texture, making the dish a perfect blend of heart and soul.

  • Chicken: Use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the juiciest, most flavorful meat.
  • Flour: Essential for making the dumplings light and fluffy, creating that classic Cracker Barrel texture.
  • Chicken broth: The base of the stew, adding depth, warmth, and richness.
  • Milk or heavy cream: Adds a velvety smoothness to the broth for that creamy, indulgent feel.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps tenderize the dumplings.
  • Onion and celery: Aromatics that bring savory notes and a subtle crunch to the broth.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs like thyme or parsley elevate the flavors.

Variations for Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to tweak it depending on what’s on hand, dietary restrictions, or flavor preferences—making it a versatile classic everyone can enjoy.

  • Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, peas, or green beans for extra color and nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blends to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
  • Herb Infusion: Fresh rosemary or sage can add a delightful aromatic twist to the traditional flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream for a lighter, dairy-free broth.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat boost.
Why Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings Delight

How to Make Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by simmering your chicken in chicken broth with chopped onions and celery. This infuses the meat with flavor while creating a rich, savory base for your dumplings later.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk in a bowl, stirring gently until smooth. The dough should be thick but soft, perfect for dropping by spoonfuls into the simmering broth.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the bubbling chicken broth. Cover and let them steam for about 15 minutes until they puff up and become tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot to combine with the dumplings and broth.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Simmer

Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

  • Use Bone-In Chicken: It adds flavor and helps create a richer broth for your dumplings to soak in.
  • Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough: Gentle stirring keeps dumplings light and fluffy, avoiding toughness.
  • Cover While Cooking Dumplings: Trapping steam is key to perfectly cooked dumplings every time.
  • Skip the Skin for Less Fat: Removing chicken skin keeps it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Add parsley or thyme at the end to brighten the dish with fresh notes.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

Garnishes

Top your bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to add a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich dish with simple green beans, a crisp salad, or warm cornbread to balance the meal without overpowering those soulful flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings in rustic bowls with a drizzle of melted butter or a side of homemade hot sauce for guests who like a bit of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to enjoy the comforting flavors again without losing freshness.

Freezing

Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep dumplings from getting mushy.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency without drying out the chicken or dumplings.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Are the dumplings made from scratch?

Yes, this recipe uses a simple homemade dumpling dough for that authentic, fluffy texture that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely! The dish freezes well, but it’s best to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Feel free to add veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans to boost nutrition and add a touch of color and sweetness.

How thick should the broth be?

The broth should be creamy and slightly thickened from the dumplings and butter but still pourable enough to enjoy as a hearty stew.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bowl of Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings to brighten up a chilly day or bring loved ones together around the table. This homemade recipe captures all the comforting charm and soulful flavors that make the original so beloved, and it’s simple enough to whip up any time. Give it a try, and you may just find your new favorite comfort food!

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Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth with fluffy homemade dumplings. This wholesome, soul-warming dish combines simple pantry ingredients to create a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

  • Author: Kaeli
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

  • Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – about 2 lbs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), for seasoning

Dumplings

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream (or coconut/almond milk for dairy-free option)

Optional Add-Ins

  • Carrots, peas, or green beans (for vegetable boost)
  • Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
  • Fresh rosemary or sage (for herb infusion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, chopped onions, and celery. Simmer gently to infuse the chicken with flavors while creating a savory base for the dumplings.
  2. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk or cream until a thick, soft dough forms.
  3. Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering chicken broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes, until they puff up and become tender and fluffy.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot, shred into bite-sized pieces, and return the chicken to the pot to combine with the broth and dumplings.
  5. Final Seasoning and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor and broth depth.
  • Do not overmix the dumpling dough to keep dumplings light and fluffy.
  • Cover the pot while cooking dumplings to trap steam and ensure perfect texture.
  • Removing chicken skin reduces fat without sacrificing flavor.
  • Add fresh parsley or thyme at the end to brighten flavors.
  • To keep dumplings gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends.
  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut or almond milk instead of cream or regular milk.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creamy texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Chicken and Dumplings, Southern Comfort Food, Cracker Barrel Copycat, Homemade Dumplings, Cozy Dinner, Chicken Stew

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