Lu-Ann Simon November 22, 2025

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth; 2 ribs of celery, broken in half; 1/2 medium onion; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in half; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk; Salt and pepper to taste

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The aroma of simmering chicken and savory broth fills the kitchen, transporting you to a cozy evening reminiscent of family gatherings at Cracker Barrel. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings that heartwarming experience right to your home, offering a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or a relaxing Sunday dinner. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, evoking the sensation of being gathered around the table with loved ones.

Reasons to Adore This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings immersed in a rich broth. With its homey flavors and satisfying texture, it promises to become a family favorite.

Hearty and filling, perfect for any meal.
A comforting recipe that warms the soul.
Simple ingredients make for an easy preparation.
A nostalgic taste reminiscent of restaurant dining.
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Gather These Ingredients

To create your own warm bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, a few simple ingredients come together to make this dish special. Feel free to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch if you prefer. Here’s what you’ll need:

6 cups chicken broth
2 ribs of celery, broken in half
1/2 medium onion (keep it as a chunk of onion)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in half
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Bringing It All Together

Creating Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is an enjoyable process. Follow these clear steps to bring this heartwarming dish to life:

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, add the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a profound boil, filling your kitchen with the enticing scent of chicken and herbs.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes. This will ensure your chicken is cooked through and tender.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. The flour will create a tender base for your dumplings.
Stir in the milk just until the dough combines into a shaggy texture. It should feel slightly sticky yet manageable.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness. The dough should feel pliable under your hands.
Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips or squares about 1 to 2 inches in size. The sight of the fresh-cut dumplings is a sure delight.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it to a cutting board. Discard the chunk of onion and celery pieces for a smooth broth.
Add the dumpling strips to the simmering broth and let them cook for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, watching as the broth thickens to a gravy-like consistency and the dumplings puff up.
While the dumplings are simmering, shred or chop the chicken and return it to the pot. The rich aroma will remind you of home and hearth.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve this warm, comforting dish straight from the pot.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 50 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour 5 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 400 (estimate).

Meal Prep and Planning Tips

If you’re short on time or looking to simplify your weekday cooking, there are plenty of make-ahead options for this dish. You can prepare the chicken and broth a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store the cooked chicken and broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish your dumplings. When it’s time to enjoy, simply heat the broth and add in your dumplings, and follow the cooking instructions for a lovely, home-cooked meal.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers from your Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings can be stored easily for future enjoyment. Place any unused chicken and dumplings in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to avoid sticking. A good sign of freshness is the dumplings maintaining their shape and the broth remaining rich and savory.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your hearty bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, consider these delightful additions:

A crisp side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Freshly baked cornbread for that perfect Southern touch.
Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a pop of color.
A light fruit compote for a refreshing, sweet finish.
Savory biscuits to scoop up the delicious broth.

Flavor Twists and Alternatives

One of the beautiful aspects of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is how easily it can be customized. Here are some delicious variations:

Herbaceous Addition: Add a teaspoon of thyme or rosemary to enhance the herbal notes in the broth.
Vegetable Medley: Introduce diced carrots or peas for a pop of color and additional nutrition.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a gentle spice.
Dumpling Variations: Swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier dumpling or experiment with various herbs in the dough for added flavor.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream at the end to enrich the broth and add a velvety texture.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings turn out perfectly, follow these simple tips:

Use high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Ensure your dumpling dough is not overworked; it should remain tender.
Maintain a gentle simmer to allow the dumplings to cook evenly while keeping their structure.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more chicken broth or flour to get your desired consistency.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm through.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create dumplings suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
What can I do with leftover chicken?
Leftover chicken is great for salads, sandwiches, or even added to soups for another comforting meal.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Chicken and Dumplings. Just ensure they are in airtight containers to retain freshness, and eat within three months.
How can I make it more nutritious?
Add additional vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the nutrient content.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth, comfort, and a hint of nostalgia. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe will soon find its place in your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients, and embrace the cozy aura this dish brings to your table. Whether for a family dinner or a quiet evening at home, it’s the perfect way to celebrate good food and great company. Make it soon, and enjoy every heartwarming bite!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: N/A

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Description

A comforting dish of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, reminiscent of family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups chicken broth
2 ribs of celery, broken in half
1/2 medium onion
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in half
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, add the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
Stir in the milk just until the dough combines into a shaggy texture.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips or squares about 1 to 2 inches in size.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it to a cutting board and discard the onion and celery.
Add the dumpling strips to the simmering broth and let them cook for about 20-30 minutes.
While the dumplings are simmering, shred or chop the chicken and return it to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.