Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings: A Comforting, Southern-Style Classic You Can Make at Home

There’s a reason Chicken & Dumplings is a beloved Southern staple—it’s warm, hearty, and tastes like home. And when people think of the best version, many picture the steaming bowl served at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. That rich, creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, and fluffy, pillowy dumplings have made it a menu favorite for decades.

Now, you can recreate that iconic comfort food experience in your own kitchen with this homemade Cracker Barrel-style Chicken & Dumplings recipe. This version captures all the soul-soothing goodness of the original: a savory, herb-infused chicken stew gently simmered with hand-formed dumplings that steam to perfection right on top.

In this detailed, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll get a foolproof recipe, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, and everything you need to make the ultimate pot of Southern-style chicken and dumplings—no trip to the restaurant required.

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Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken & Dumplings

✅ Creamy & Comforting – Just like the restaurant version
✅ Packed with Tender Chicken – Shredded from scratch or leftover
✅ Fluffy, Soft Dumplings – Light, airy, and cooked right in the broth
✅ One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
✅ Perfect for Cold Days – Hearty, warming, and satisfying
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day

This isn’t just soup—it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

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What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Version So Special?

Cracker Barrel’s Homemade Chicken & Dumplings stands out because of its:

• Rich, velvety broth – Thickened slightly with a roux and cream
• Generous shredded chicken – Never cubed
• Hand-dropped dumplings – Slightly irregular for that homemade feel
• Subtle herb flavor – Thyme and black pepper shine through
• Comfort-first philosophy – No fancy ingredients, just real, home-style cooking

Our recipe honors that tradition with simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques.

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Ingredients for Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken & Dumplings

This recipe serves 6–8.

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups (2L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (for roux)
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or buttermilk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for richness)

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Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken & Dumplings

Follow these detailed steps for a rich, creamy stew with perfect dumplings.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken breasts and 8 cups chicken broth.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).
3. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
4. Strain and reserve the broth—this becomes your soup base.

Tip: Save time by using 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and 5 cups store-bought broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Make the Roux

1. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
2. This creates a roux that thickens the stew naturally.

Step 4: Build the Stew

1. Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth.
2. Add milk (or half-and-half), thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Make the Dumpling Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour
   • Baking powder
   • Salt
2. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).
3. The dough should be thick, like drop-cookie batter.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

1. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough (about 1–2 tbsp each) onto the surface of the simmering stew.
2. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Simmer gently for 15–18 minutes—DO NOT PEEK for the first 12 minutes (steam cooks the dumplings).
4. Dumplings are done when puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

1. Remove bay leaf.
2. Stir gently to combine (avoid breaking dumplings).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Serve hot in deep bowls.

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Tips for the Best Chicken & Dumplings

• Don’t Overmix Dumpling Dough – Lumps are okay; overmixing makes them tough.
• Keep the Lid On – Trapped steam is essential for fluffy dumplings.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil – A rolling boil can break up the dumplings.
• Use Whole Milk or Cream – For richness and tenderness.
• Shred, Don’t Cube – Authentic texture and mouthfeel.
• Make It Ahead – Flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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Creative Variations to Try

Make this recipe your own:

1. Creamier Version

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

2. Biscuit-Style Dumplings

Use a drop biscuit dough (with butter) for a flakier texture.

3. Herb-Infused

Add rosemary or sage with the thyme.

4. Vegetarian Chicken & Dumplings

Use mushrooms or plant-based chicken, vegetable broth, and vegan butter.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 GF flour blend for both stew and dumplings.

6. Slow Cooker Version

• Cook chicken and veggies in slow cooker on low 6–8 hours.
• Shred chicken, make roux separately, then combine and add dumplings for last 20 minutes.

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How to Store and Preserve Your Dish

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without dumplings for up to 3 months. Dumplings turn mushy when thawed. Freeze stew base and make fresh dumplings when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently. Add broth or milk if too thick.

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Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Chicken & Dumplings

This comforting dish pairs perfectly with:

• Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
• Green beans or collard greens
• Coleslaw or cucumber salad
• Sweet iced tea or apple cider

Serve in:

• Hearty soup bowls
• Cast-iron pots for rustic charm
• With a side of hot sauce for extra kick

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving, 1/8 of Recipe)

Calories	380
Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Protein	30g

Note: Values vary based on chicken cut and dairy used.

A balanced, protein-rich meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken tastes better. Drain well if using canned.

Q: Why are my dumplings gummy?
A: Likely causes: undercooked, overmixed dough, or lid removed too soon. Follow the no-peek rule!

Q: Can I make the dumplings ahead?
A: Not recommended. They must be cooked fresh in the stew.

Q: Can I use biscuit mix for dumplings?
A: Yes! Use 2 cups of Bisquick or similar mix. Add ¾ cup milk and stir until combined.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Only if you use GF flour and broth. Traditional version contains wheat.

Q: Can I add peas or corn?
A: Absolutely! Stir in 1 cup frozen peas or corn with the chicken.

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Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Southern Comfort

Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft, steamed dumplings, it’s the kind of dish that brings families together and warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re cooking for comfort, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a taste of the South, this recipe delivers on every level. It’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.

So grab your Dutch oven, shred that chicken, and simmer your way to a bowl of pure comfort.

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