Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Warm, comforting, and absolutely brimming with nostalgic flavor, this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is pure classic Southern goodness you can bring to your kitchen in under two hours. Silky, savory broth envelops tender chicken and homemade biscuit-like dumplings, creating a dish that conjures up the beloved restaurant feel and a real sense of home. Whether you’re searching for a soul-soothing Sunday supper or a simple way to wow your family on a weeknight, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the secrets to the irresistible charm of the Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is just how few ingredients it asks for, and how every single one counts. From the gentle sweetness of carrots and onions to the rich base of chicken and fluffy dumplings, each element helps build a cozy, classic flavor that never fails to satisfy.

• Salted butter: Starts things off with a golden, savory base and helps vegetables gently soften and bloom with flavor.
• Diced carrots, celery, and onion: This trio forms the aromatic backbone of the broth, adding color, sweetness, and a subtle crunch.
• Freshly cracked pepper and sea salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, letting the other ingredients sing while keeping things balanced and bright.
• Chicken tenderloins: Quick to cook and juicy, these are perfect for shredding into the most comforting bites.
• Chicken bouillon granules (or chicken base): Packs a punch of deep, homey flavor into the broth in a snap.
• Water: Brings it all together, creating that signature silky broth when combined with bouillon and vegetables.
• All-purpose flour: The heart of the dumplings, giving them their signature structure and tender chew.
• Baking powder: Fluffs up the dumplings just enough so they aren’t dense—think pillows rather than bricks.
• Buttermilk: Makes the dumplings wonderfully tender and adds gentle tang.
• Heavy cream (optional): A drizzle at the end for luscious richness—totally decadent, totally worthy.
• Chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh pop of green to finish the dish and brighten the flavors.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, melt your salted butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced carrots, celery, and onion along with a sprinkle of parsley. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are softened and the onion turns beautifully translucent. This mellow, garden-fresh base is where the crave-worthy flavor starts.

Step 2: Build the Broth and Simmer the Chicken

Add a pinch of salt and pepper, a teaspoon of bouillon granules, and half a cup of water to your sautéed veggies. Gently add the chicken tenderloins, then bring everything up to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the chicken poach to juicy perfection while soaking up all that veggie essence.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

While your chicken simmers, it’s time for dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the buttermilk and stir just until the dough comes together—don’t fret if it’s shaggy or a bit sticky. That’s just right for fluffy dumplings.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Generously dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Use floured hands or a rolling pin to pat the dough gently into a rectangle, about a quarter inch thick. With a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into roughly one-inch squares. Dust them with a little extra flour and try to keep them from touching each other, since these tender squares can be a bit clingy before cooking.

Step 5: Prepare the Broth and Cook the Dumplings

Once the chicken has cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Strain the veggies from the broth (unless you love a rustic bite), then return the broth to the saucepan. Pour in the remaining water, the rest of the bouillon, and a good half-teaspoon of pepper. Bring everything to a low boil before dropping in the dumplings, one by one, giving them space to float and plump up. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the dumplings go from doughy to tender and noodle-like all the way through.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Dish

While the dumplings cook, shred or chop your chicken into wholesome, bite-sized pieces. Once the dumplings have finished cooking, stir the chicken back into the pot and let everything warm together for a few minutes. If you want a little extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving, then dish up piping hot with a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper and parsley over the top.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

This dish shines brightest when you finish it with a simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and an extra grind of pepper. The parsley adds a pop of freshness and color to the creamy background, making each serving look (and taste) inviting and homey.

Side Dishes

To capture that cozy Cracker Barrel spirit at home, serve your chicken and dumplings with classics like buttery green beans, sweet baby carrots, or skillet corn. For the ultimate comfort meal, add a side of warm buttermilk biscuits or fluffy mashed potatoes—the perfect vehicles to scoop up every last bit of broth and dumpling.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe for guests by dishing it into individual ramekins with a sprinkle of chives or colorful edible flowers. Or, serve family-style in a heavy, rustic pot right at the table; let everyone ladle up their own helping for a hearty, communal feel. If you’re feeling bold, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting Southern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge—simply store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The dumplings soak up the broth as they rest, making every bite even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to stock your freezer with comfort food, this recipe freezes surprisingly well. Let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be gentle when reheating so the dumplings don’t break apart.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too: just stick to short bursts, stirring between each, to keep those dumplings from getting tough or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, absolutely! If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken on hand, just chop or shred it and add it after the dumplings are cooked. Simmer the broth with the veggies for a flavor boost before assembling everything together.

Do I have to strain out the vegetables?

Nope—leaving the carrots, celery, and onion in the broth adds rustic texture and extra flavor. Straining them creates a smoother, more classic Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe broth, but it’s all up to your preference.

Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, you can try substituting your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just know the texture might change slightly, but you’ll still end up with cozy, satisfying results!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can quickly make your own: add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to just under 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use it in place of the buttermilk in your dumplings.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is fantastic for feeding a crowd. Just make sure you’ve got a roomy pot and maybe a helping hand or two for rolling out extra dumplings.

Final Thoughts

If you crave the ultimate comfort meal, don’t miss your chance to bring the Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to life in your own kitchen. Every bowl is a warm hug, perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply savoring on a quiet night in. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let its classic, cozy charm win you over!

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