Craving the warm, comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s classic chicken and dumplings? With this simple, homemade recipe, you can recreate the restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

Featuring tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft dumplings, this recipe makes the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week.

Ingredients

For the chicken and broth:

4 cups chicken broth
2 large chicken breasts (bone-in for more flavor, skin removed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside. Keep the broth for later.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter to form a soft, sticky dough. Avoid overmixing to keep the dumplings tender.

Step 3: Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness, then cut into 1-inch squares. Set aside the dumpling pieces for cooking.

Step 4: Bring the chicken broth back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the pot one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cover and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked and fluffy.

Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the dumplings, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve the chicken and dumplings warm. Enjoy the comfort of this Cracker Barrel favorite from the comfort of home!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can! Simply shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it at the end, skipping the initial cooking step.

2. Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour with a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that texture may vary slightly.

3. What’s the best way to reheat chicken and dumplings?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more broth if needed. Avoid using high heat, which can make the dumplings tough.

4. How can I add more flavor to the broth?

Add diced onions, carrots, or celery to the broth while cooking the chicken for added flavor.

5. Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding broth to restore the original consistency if needed.

This Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings recipe is an easy, cozy meal that brings a taste of home-cooked comfort right to your table!