Few dishes capture the warmth of Southern hospitality like Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken & Dumplings. Silky strips of dough simmered in rich chicken broth, tender meat that falls apart, and that irresistible homestyle flavor—it’s comfort food at its finest.
But what if you could bring that exact restaurant taste into your own kitchen? This guide doesn’t just share a copycat recipe—it gives you everything you need: history, pro cooking secrets, nutritional insights, and creative variations.
A Short History of Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken & Dumplings are a staple of Southern cuisine, dating back to the early settlers who stretched ingredients to feed large families. Cracker Barrel perfected this tradition, making the dish one of its most iconic menu items. Their version is known for rolled dumplings (not fluffy drop dumplings), simmered until tender in a rich broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the classic base, with suggested swaps to fit your lifestyle:
For the Chicken & Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 carrots, sliced (optional, Cracker Barrel version is plain but veggies add depth)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, halved
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (swap: gluten-free blend if needed)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- ¾ cup buttermilk (swap: almond milk + vinegar for dairy-free option)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Place chicken, onion, celery, carrots, and bay leaves in a large pot.
- Add stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken, discard skin and bones, and shred the meat. Strain broth for clarity.
Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, simmer broth 2+ hours.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in buttermilk until dough forms.
- Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into 2-inch strips for that Cracker Barrel look.
Pro Tip: Keep dumplings thin—rolled dumplings are what make this dish authentic.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Bring the strained broth back to a simmer.
- Drop in dumpling strips one at a time to prevent sticking.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
- Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer another 5 minutes until thickened.
Serve hot, with cornbread or green beans on the side.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms, jackfruit, or chickpeas.
- Healthy Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast + whole wheat flour dumplings.
- Quick Hack: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth.
- Instant Pot Version: Cook chicken + broth on high for 25 minutes, then add dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade Chicken & Dumplings with:
- Buttery Cornbread
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Mashed Potatoes
- Iced Sweet Tea
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for 2–3 months (dumplings hold surprisingly well).
- Reheat: Simmer gently on stove, adding a splash of broth if too thick.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Health Tip: For a lighter version, reduce butter and use skinless chicken breast.
Expert FAQs
Q: How do I keep dumplings from falling apart?
A: Don’t overwork the dough, and let them cook undisturbed for the first 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade dumplings?
A: Yes, but rolled dumplings give the authentic Cracker Barrel taste.
Q: What’s the difference between drop dumplings and rolled dumplings?
A: Drop dumplings are fluffy balls of dough, while rolled dumplings are flat strips—the signature Cracker Barrel style.
Q: Can I thicken the broth more?
A: Add a slurry of flour + cold water, or simmer uncovered longer.
Comparison: Homemade vs. Cracker Barrel
| Feature | Homemade | Cracker Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Customizable to your taste | Consistent, classic |
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Higher per serving |
| Health | Control ingredients | Higher sodium & calories |
| Portion | Flexible | Fixed restaurant serving |
Conclusion: Your Comfort Food, Elevated
Making Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings at home isn’t just about recreating a restaurant meal—it’s about bringing Southern comfort straight to your table. With rolled dumplings, tender chicken, and a broth full of flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family tradition.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try the creative variations, one thing is certain: a steaming bowl of homemade Chicken & Dumplings will always feel like home.
