Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings

Hi, I’m Amanda, 35 years old, born and raised in the United States, and I’ll admit something right away—I didn’t learn cooking the traditional way. I finally made this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe I pinned on Pinterest months ago, and honestly, I wish I hadn’t waited so long. The broth turned rich and creamy, the dumplings were perfectly soft, and the whole kitchen smelled like Sunday comfort. It came out even better than I imagined—warm, cozy, and just like the real thing. If you’ve saved this one too, make it today and let me know what you thi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe because it’s as simple as it is soothing. The ingredients are humble — flour, milk, broth, and chicken — yet the end result tastes like something that simmered all afternoon in your grandmother’s kitchen.

It’s an easy, forgiving recipe that feels old-fashioned in the best way possible. Each spoonful is rich, tender, and cozy — perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or anytime you want to serve love in a bowl.

Ingredients (Detailed & Humanized)

• 2–3 cups cooked chicken breast, torn into bite-sized pieces — tender, juicy, and full of comforting flavor.
• 6 cups chicken broth — the soul of the dish; rich and savory.
• 2 cups flour — gives the dumplings their hearty, homey texture.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder — helps the dumplings puff just slightly, keeping them soft.
• 1¼ teaspoons salt — brings out the flavor in every bite.
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk — creates a silky, smooth dough for the dumplings.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

Step 1: In a large pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll start to smell that warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen — it’s the perfect beginning.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Slowly stir in the milk until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel smooth and slightly sticky — that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4: Let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes. This small pause allows the flour to hydrate and gives your dumplings that perfect chewy-soft texture.

Step 5: Lightly flour your counter or board, then roll the dough out to about ½ inch thick. The dough will feel soft and elastic beneath your rolling pin.

Step 6: Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into small ½-inch squares. These simple little dumplings are the heart of this dish.

Step 7: Drop the dumpling squares into the simmering broth one by one, stirring gently so they don’t stick together. As they cook, they’ll puff slightly and turn beautifully tender.

Step 8: Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring often. You’ll notice the broth becoming creamy as the dumplings release a bit of starch — that’s what makes it so deliciously thick.

Step 9: Add the cooked chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The flavors will meld together into that signature Cracker Barrel taste — hearty, savory, and deeply comforting.

Cultural or Technique Note

Chicken and dumplings have long been a staple of Southern home cooking, celebrated for their simplicity and warmth. This Cracker Barrel version pays homage to that tradition with flat-style dumplings, which soak up the broth and create that signature creamy texture. It’s the kind of recipe that feels timeless — born from family kitchens where comfort and love were always served first.

Serving Suggestions

• With green beans and bacon for a true Southern supper
• Alongside a crisp garden salad with creamy ranch
• Paired with cornbread or flaky biscuits for soaking up the broth
• Topped with cracked black pepper for a little extra depth

Pro Tips for Success

• Let the dough rest — it helps the dumplings stay tender, not tough.
• Roll on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking.
• Stir gently after adding dumplings to keep them from clumping.
• Use good-quality broth — it makes all the difference in flavor.
• Add chicken at the end to keep it juicy and prevent overcooking.
• For a richer flavor, use a mix of chicken breast and thigh meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough: This is one of the most common issues and can make your dumplings dense instead of soft and tender. Mix only until the dough comes together — no more.
Skipping the rest time: Allowing the dough to rest gives the gluten time to relax, ensuring a lighter texture. If you skip this step, the dumplings might turn chewy or tough.
Boiling too hard: A rolling boil can cause the dumplings to fall apart or disintegrate. Keep your broth at a steady, gentle simmer for best results.
Adding chicken too early: Overcooked chicken loses its tenderness and becomes stringy. Always add it in the last few minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Not stirring occasionally: Dumplings can clump together if left unattended. Give the pot a gentle stir every few minutes to keep everything evenly cooked.
Using cold ingredients: For the dumpling dough, make sure your milk is room temperature — it blends better and helps create a smoother texture.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezer: Store airtight for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheat: Warm gently on low heat on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to keep the texture creamy and even. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can make the dumplings rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
: Yes! You can prepare the dumplings and broth separately, then combine them just before serving. This keeps the dumplings soft and prevents them from absorbing too much liquid.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
: Absolutely — it’s a great time-saver. The roasted flavor from the skin adds an extra layer of richness to the broth.

Q3: Can I make the dumplings thicker?
: Yes, if you prefer a heartier bite, roll them a bit thicker before cutting. Just remember to extend the simmer time slightly so they cook through.

Q4: What if my broth gets too thick?
: That happens as the dumplings release starch — just stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy but not heavy.

Q5: Can I use whole wheat flour for the dumplings?
: You can, but the texture will be denser. For a softer dumpling, try using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat — it adds a nutty flavor without making them heavy.

Closing Paragraph

This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe is pure comfort in a bowl — creamy, hearty, and irresistibly nostalgic. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients can make the most soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it for a Sunday family dinner or curling up with a bowl on a quiet evening, it’s the kind of food that brings people together. Share it, savor it, and make it your own — that’s what home cooking is all about.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this dish, it takes me right back to those cozy Cracker Barrel meals on road trips — simple food that feels like home. There’s something magical about stirring a pot of chicken and dumplings, knowing you’re about to serve comfort by the spoonful. I hope this recipe brings that same warmth to your table. Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy, quick, and nostalgic recipes.