Cracker barrel chicken dumplings

The tender, pillowy dumplings swimming in rich, savory broth alongside perfectly cooked chicken pieces make Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings an irresistible comfort food classic. This homemade version captures the nostalgic flavors of the beloved restaurant dish while giving you the satisfaction of creating it in your own kitchen. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices fills your home with a welcoming scent that promises warmth in every spoonful. You’ll learn how to achieve those signature flat, slippery dumplings and develop a broth that rivals the famous restaurant chain’s secret recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food without leaving your home. The contrast between the tender, shredded chicken and the soft yet slightly chewy dumplings creates a textural experience that’s utterly satisfying. Unlike many homemade versions that result in puffy, biscuit-like dumplings, this recipe produces those distinctive flat, slick dumplings that Cracker Barrel is famous for.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity combined with maximum flavor impact. Using everyday pantry ingredients, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though your active cooking time is minimal. The rich, velvety broth carries notes of herbs and chicken that penetrate every bite of dumpling.

For busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, these chicken and dumplings offer the perfect balance of heartiness and comfort. Each spoonful delivers that unmistakable homestyle flavor that keeps people coming back to Cracker Barrel, except now you can enjoy it anytime the craving strikes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 2 pounds (900g) bone-in chicken thighs and breasts
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 large carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about ¾ cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons (42g) cold unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (180ml) cold buttermilk (regular milk works too)
• Additional flour for rolling

The key to authentic Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings is using a combination of white and dark meat chicken for optimal flavor. Buttermilk in the dumplings creates that slight tanginess that makes them special, while the blend of herbs infuses the broth with that signature Cracker Barrel taste.

Pro Tips

Perfecting the Dumplings
The secret to authentic Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings lies in the texture of the dumplings themselves. Roll the dough quite thin (about ⅛-inch thickness) to achieve those signature flat, slippery dumplings rather than puffy ones. Work with a well-floured surface and cut them into approximately 1×2-inch rectangles for the most authentic experience. Don’t worry about perfection—slightly irregular shapes add to the homemade charm.

Developing Rich Broth
For maximum flavor development, brown the chicken pieces before simmering. This simple step creates fond (those browned bits on the pan bottom) that adds remarkable depth to your broth. Additionally, don’t rush the simmering process—allowing the chicken to cook slowly infuses the broth with richness that defines great chicken dumplings.

Controlling Thickness
The consistency of your chicken dumplings should be somewhere between a soup and a stew. If your finished dish is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and slowly stir it into the simmering broth. For a truly authentic Cracker Barrel experience, the broth should lightly coat the back of a spoon but still remain fluid enough to surround the dumplings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the hot oil. Brown for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. You might need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate temporarily.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot with the remaining chicken fat, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pot along with any accumulated juices.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and sage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and easily pulls from the bone.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the chicken cooks, make your dumpling dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the cold buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dumplings
Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface. Roll it out to approximately ⅛-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into roughly 1×2-inch rectangles. Let the cut dumplings rest while you finish preparing the chicken.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the broth. When cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and taste the broth, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Cook the Dumplings
Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the pot one by one, giving a gentle stir after adding several to prevent sticking. Once all dumplings are added, reduce heat to maintain a simmer (not a full boil). Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are tender but not mushy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let your Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the broth to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of chicken, dumplings, and that wonderful broth.

Variations

Herb-Enhanced Chicken Dumplings
Elevate your Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings by adding fresh herbs to both the broth and the dumpling dough. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon of fresh sage into the dumpling mix. This variation brightens the traditional flavors while maintaining the comforting essence of the original dish.

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For a richer, more indulgent version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter during the final 5 minutes of cooking. This creates a silkier, more decadent broth that’s particularly welcome on cold winter evenings. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and soft dumplings for an extra-comforting meal.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
Create a gluten-free version of chicken and dumplings by substituting the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend in both the dumplings and as a thickener. Add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dumpling mixture to improve texture, and note that gluten-free dumplings may cook slightly faster, so begin checking for doneness after 10 minutes.

Storage and Serving

These Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so when reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to restore the original consistency. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze the broth with chicken separately from the dumplings. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat the broth and chicken mixture before adding freshly made dumplings for the best texture.

Serve your chicken and dumplings in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the components. A side of buttermilk biscuits makes the meal even more authentic to the Cracker Barrel experience. For a complete comfort food dinner, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve with honey-glazed carrots for a sweet complement to the savory dumplings.

FAQs

Why are my dumplings dissolving in the broth?
If your dumplings are dissolving, the broth was likely boiling too vigorously. Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, when cooking Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings. Also, make sure you’re not overworking the dumpling dough, which can break down the gluten structure.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and add it to your broth. Since you’re skipping the chicken-cooking step, enhance your broth with extra herbs or a splash of chicken base for deeper flavor.

Why are Cracker Barrel’s dumplings flat instead of puffy?
Cracker Barrel uses a rolled dumpling style rather than a dropped biscuit-style dumpling. The dough is rolled thin and cut into strips, creating that signature flat, slippery texture. The minimal leavening agent in the recipe also keeps them from puffing up too much.

How can I make the broth thicker?
For a thicker broth, make a slurry with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly stir this into the simmering broth after the dumplings are cooked. Alternatively, you can reduce the broth by simmering uncovered for longer before adding the dumplings.

Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe is comfort food at its finest — a soul-warming blend of tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and rich, savory broth that captures the essence of Southern cooking. It’s the kind of dish that creates memories around the dinner table, offering both nostalgia and nourishment in every spoonful. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or starting a new family tradition, these homemade chicken and dumplings deliver the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction that makes comfort food so special.

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