Anastasia Rice November 22, 2025

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Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Name: Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth; 2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces; ½ medium onion (kept intact as a large piece); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk; Salt and pepper, to taste

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings. Imagine stepping into your kitchen on a chilly evening, where the aroma of simmering chicken broth mingles with freshly baked dumplings, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or when you’re in need of a little comfort. It’s a delightful fusion of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth that warms the soul and satisfies the heart.

Reasons to Adore Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

What makes homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings so special? It’s simple—this dish embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food. The rich flavors combined with the soothing warmth make it a family favorite. When you sit down to enjoy a bowl, you’re not just tasting food; you’re savoring cherished memories and creating new ones. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

Wholesome ingredients create a nourishing meal.
The method is easy and straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite flavors.
Ideal for leftovers—reheating is a breeze, and the flavors only get better.

Gather These Ingredients

Before getting started, let’s ensure you have the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that delicious flavor profile. You can also make smart swaps, like choosing turkey bacon for a lighter touch. Here’s what you’ll need:

6 cups chicken broth
2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces
½ medium onion (keep intact as a large piece)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 ¼ tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients work harmoniously to create a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Prepare Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Creating this comforting dish is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The savory aroma will fill your kitchen, making your stomach rumble in anticipation.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, gently stir in the milk until the mixture comes together into a shaggy ball. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky, perfect for rolling out.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, slice the dough into strips or squares, approximately 1–2 inches wide. The sight of freshly cut dumpling dough is sure to bring a smile to your face.
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the broth and set it aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery pieces and onion from the broth.
Carefully drop the dough strips into the simmering broth, stirring gently. Allow the dumplings to simmer for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, the broth will thicken to a gravy-like consistency, enveloping the dumplings in rich flavor.
As the dumplings cook, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the dumplings are ready, return the chicken to the pot, mixing gently to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, and enjoy every hearty spoonful.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 45 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour 5 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 550 (estimated).

Prepare Ahead of Time

If you’re looking to save some time on a busy weeknight, there are several make-ahead options for this comforting dish. You can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Simply store the cooked chicken and the broth separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the broth, add the dumplings, and then return the shredded chicken to the pot. This way, you can enjoy a freshly made meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings, you’re in luck! This dish stores beautifully. Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain the desired consistency. You’ll know they’re still fresh when the smell alone brings the warmth of your kitchen back to life.

Perfect Pairings

Homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings can be enjoyed on their own, but here are a few delightful pairings that elevate the meal:

A crisp, refreshing garden salad for a balance of flavors.
Buttermilk biscuits for an extra touch of comfort.
Green beans sautéed with garlic for a delicious side.
A glass of iced tea for a classic Southern touch.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

There’s always room to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations to consider for your homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to introduce a subtle heat.
Veggie Lovers: Incorporate mixed vegetables such as peas or carrots into the broth for added nutrition.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or another non-dairy milk substitute in the dumpling dough for a lighter version.
Extra Chicken Flavor: Swap in rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results with your homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings, keep these expert tips in mind:

Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings to prevent them from breaking apart.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
Allow the broth to cook until it thickens to your desired consistency—if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit.
Don’t rush the dumpling cooking time; they need to cook through thoroughly for that perfect fluffy texture.

Your Questions, Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings:

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as you allow for a longer cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? You can substitute vegetable broth or make a quick broth by simmering water with seasonings.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the chicken and prepare the broth before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Are leftovers good for meal prep? Yes, leftovers can be portioned out for meal prep. Just be cautious with dumplings, as they may absorb broth and change texture when reheated.
Can I skip the dumplings? Sure! You can serve the chicken and broth over rice or noodles for a different take on this classic dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings to warm your heart and nourish your soul. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings, and it’s easy to make with a few simple ingredients. So gather your loved ones, and whip up this delightful recipe soon—you might just find it becomes a cherished favorite around your table, bringing joy to every bite!

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and savory broth, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups chicken broth
2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces
½ medium onion (kept intact as a large piece)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 ¼ tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
While chicken cooks, prepare dumpling dough by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in milk until mixture forms a shaggy ball.
Roll dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick and cut into strips or squares, approximately 1–2 inches wide.
Once chicken is cooked, remove from broth and set aside. Discard celery and onion.
Drop dough strips into simmering broth, stirring gently. Allow dumplings to simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until broth thickens.
Shred or chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return chicken to pot, mix gently, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm and enjoy.