Chicken Dumplings Cracker Barrel – You know that feeling when you take a bite of something and suddenly you’re a kid again? That’s exactly what Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings does to me. It’s like a warm hug from my grandma—except without the lectures about not calling often enough.
I still remember the first time I had it. I was on a road trip with my college friends, and we stopped at a Cracker Barrel because someone insisted on the gift shop (you know who you are). While my friends were debating over whether to get pancakes or biscuits, I went straight for the chicken and dumplings. Best decision ever. It was so comforting, I almost forgot about the car breaking down an hour later.
Fast forward to now, and I decided it was time to bring that magic to my own kitchen. I’ll admit, I was nervous—what if it didn’t turn out right? But guess what? It was so spot-on, my family actually thought I’d picked it up from the restaurant. No kidding. And the best part? No road trip drama.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Dumplings Cracker Barrel Recipe?
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: It’s warm, hearty, and just hits the spot on a chilly day.
- Cracker Barrel Vibes Without the Wait: No need to leave your house or fight over a rocking chair.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff to make this taste incredible.
- Easy Enough for Weeknights: It comes together in one pot—minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s chat about the key players that make this recipe work:
- Chicken Broth: This is where all the flavor lives. Homemade is amazing, but honestly, I’ve used boxed broth in a pinch, and no one complained. Add a little garlic powder if you want to give it a boost.
- Cooked Chicken: Leftovers are perfect for this. Rotisserie chicken? Even better. You can shred it with forks, but if you’re lazy like me, a hand mixer gets the job done in seconds.
- Flour & Baking Powder: These two make the dumplings fluff up just enough. It’s a science thing, but all you need to know is: they work.
- Butter: Cold butter = magic dumplings. Trust me, don’t skip this.
- Milk: This brings it all together and makes the dough soft and dreamy.
How To Make Chicken Dumplings Cracker Barrel?
Okay, here’s the deal—this recipe is easier than it sounds. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Make the Dough
Mix your flour, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl. Then, cut in the butter until it’s all crumbly (like breadcrumbs, but prettier). Stir in the milk a little at a time until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough ball. Don’t overthink it—this isn’t The Great British Bake Off.
Step 2: Roll It Out
Dust your counter with lots of flour (seriously, don’t be shy). Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. Then grab a pizza cutter (or a knife, or scissors—get creative) and cut it into strips or squares. They don’t need to be perfect; this is rustic cooking, not geometry class.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
Bring your chicken broth to a boil in a big pot. Start dropping in the dumplings one by one, trying not to splash yourself (been there). They’ll sink at first but float up as they cook.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Toss in the shredded chicken and let it all simmer for about 20 minutes. This is the part where your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Ladle it into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some parsley on top. Or don’t—this is comfort food, not a Michelin restaurant.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge—they’ll keep for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. And yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely first, and store it in freezer bags. It’s like having comfort food on demand.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix it up? Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Turkey Twist: Swap out the chicken for leftover turkey—perfect for post-Thanksgiving comfort.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous.
What to Serve with Chicken Dumplings Cracker Barrel?
Pair this cozy dish with any of these sides, and you’re golden:
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory, it’s the perfect dunking partner.
- Steamed Veggies: Green beans or broccoli add a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Simple Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap it up and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
My dumplings are sticking together—help!
Don’t panic! Just dust them with more flour before you stack them. A little extra flour never hurt anyone.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You sure can! Just make sure it’s an all-purpose gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go.
And there you have it! Cracker Barrel-style Chicken and Dumplings that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting by the fireplace in one of those big rocking chairs. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—your kitchen might just become everyone’s favorite “restaurant.”
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Dumplings Cracker Barrel
Ingredients
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Incorporate the butter using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk while stirring gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Generously flour a clean work surface. Place the dough on the floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Using a knife, pizza cutter, or your preferred tool, cut the dough into strips or squares. Dust the cut pieces with additional flour to prevent sticking.
Boil the Dumplings:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil. Carefully add the prepared dumplings, one at a time, ensuring they do not stick together. Allow the dumplings to cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Chicken:
- Once the dumplings are fully cooked and tender, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Serve:
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
