Easy Lighter Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Recreating Cracker Barrel's famous Chicken and Dumplings at home is easier than you think with this easy Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken recipe. This ultimate comfort food combines juicy chicken, and soft dumpling dough in a rich and savory broth. It's the perfect hearty meal to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're craving a nostalgic dish or simply looking for one of the best recipes for busy weeknights, this is a must-try.

In just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious dish using everyday ingredients, and it pairs wonderfully with sides like green beans, biscuits,  and mashed potatoes. This ultimate comfort dinner is great for feeding the whole family.

Perfect for any occasion, this copycat recipe is versatile enough to serve with your favorite side dish and easy to customize to your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. 

Ingredients for this homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

For the Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either breasts or thighs for this recipe, and they will taste delicious. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for convenience, especially if you have leftovers that you need to use up.
• Chicken Broth: adds a savory flavor to this recipe. You can also use water and chicken bullion cubes.
• Celery: enhances the flavor of the chicken and dumplings. 
• Onion: adds a mild, sweet flavor to the broth and pairs well with the savory flavors. 
• Salt and Pepper: help bring out the flavors of the chicken and the broth. 

For the Dumpling Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: is the main structure for the dumplings and gives them a neutral flavor allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors in the broth.
• Baking Powder: helps your dumplings become light and tender. 
• Salt: enhances the flavor of the dumplings. 
• Milk: adds moisture to the dough and creates a tender texture in the dumplings. 
• Butter: adds a rich flavor to your dumplings. I recommend using cold butter as it helps create tiny pockets of air keeping your dumplings light. 

How to make this Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, add the chicken, celery, onion, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred the chicken, and set aside. Keep the broth on low simmering.
2. While the chicken cooks, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the cold butter with a fork or your hands until the mixture is crumbly. Add the cold milk and stir until a dough forms.
3. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1x2 inch strips or squares. You can use a pizza cutter for easy cutting. 
4. Remove the onion pieces and the celery pieces and bring the broth back to a boil.
5. Drop the homemade dumplings into the broth, one at a time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are tender and cooked through. (You'll know they are ready when they begin to float. )
6. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings. Let it simmer together for 5 more minutes to combine flavors.
7. Ladle the cooked chicken and dumplings into bowls, top with fresh parsley and freshly cracked pepper, and enjoy!

If you want a creamier soup like the OG version, I recommend using 1/2-2/3 less broth and replacing that with heavy cream once you stir in the shredded chicken and simmer everything to get those flavors melded together.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings

• Keep the Butter Cold. Using cold butter for the dumplings will help them cook lighter and fluffier. The cold butter forms small pockets in the dough as it melts, creating a delicate texture.
• Roll the Dumplings Thinly. Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness will give you the best balance of chewy and tender texture. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the dumplings from getting tough.
• Remove the Onion and Celery. After the chicken is cooked, remove the whole pieces of onion and celery before adding the dumplings. This helps create a smoother consistency.
• Simmer Gently. Once the dumplings are in, try to maintain a low simmer. A gentle heat helps prevent the dumplings from becoming tough or breaking apart.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Why are my dumplings tough?

If your dumplings turn out tough, it's probably due to overworking the dough or cooking them at too high a temperature. Mix the dough until it just comes together, and roll it out gently. Also, keep the pot at a gentle simmer after the dumplings are added, as boiling too vigorously can make them tough.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! For a heartier dish, you can add vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or small potato cubes. Add them when you're cooking the chicken and let them simmer until they turn tender. Then continue with the recipe as normal. 

Can I make Cracker Barrel's Chicken and Dumplings in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker works well for this recipe. Cook the chicken, broth, celery, and onion on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it to shred, and add it back after cooking the dumplings. The dumplings can be cooked on high for 30-45 minutes depending on the thickness, or until they're cooked through.

How can I make my broth thicker?

To thicken the broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and add it to the pot before adding the dumplings. This cornstarch slurry will give the broth a slightly thicker, creamier consistency that pairs perfectly with the fluffy dumplings.

You could also add a splash of cream to make your soup even creamier!

How do I store leftover chicken and dumplings?

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pot to thin up the broth a little. Warm it on low heat on the stovetop to stop the dumplings from becoming too mushy.

Can I freeze this Chicken and Dumplings recipe?

Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings, but keep in mind that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding more broth as needed.

Easy Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe