Advertisement
Header Banner Sponsor Placement (728x90)
Cookeek
Main Courses medium $$

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Bring the taste of classic Southern comfort food to your kitchen with this Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe! Made with tender shredded chicken, homemade flat dumplings, and a rich, savory chicken broth, this easy homemade version is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. You only need simple pantry ingredients to recreate this nostalgic restaurant favorite at home.

C
Jump to Recipe
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe Pin
Advertisement
Featured Kitchenware Partner Sponsor
✨

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade chicken and dumplings recipe delivers everything you love about the classic Cracker Barrel dish. Tender chicken breasts simmer in flavorful chicken broth, while homemade flat dumplings cook directly in the broth until soft, tender, and satisfying. The simple flour, butter, and milk dough creates traditional Southern-style dumplings without complicated ingredients. It's an affordable, comforting one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Tips to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

 

  • Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and add extra flavor.
  • Don't overwork the dough: Mix the dumpling ingredients just until combined to keep the dumplings tender.
  • Roll evenly: Keep the dough approximately ¼-inch thick so the dumplings cook evenly.
  • Add dumplings gradually: Drop the dumplings into the broth one at a time to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Keep the broth at a gentle simmer: Avoid a vigorous boil, which can cause delicate dumplings to break apart.
  • Adjust the consistency: Add a little extra chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
  • Season gradually: Taste the broth before adding extra salt, especially when using store-bought chicken broth.
💡

Chef's Tip

For authentic Southern-style chicken and dumplings, keep your dumplings flat rather than making them into round balls. Roll the dough evenly and cut it into strips or small squares. Before adding the dumplings, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Avoid stirring too aggressively while they cook. This helps the dumplings hold their shape while absorbing the rich chicken flavor. For an especially flavorful broth, add a little poultry seasoning or dried thyme.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Cookeek Tested Recipe

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Print
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Yield 6 servings
🌱 High Protein (not independently verified) 🌱 Comfort Food 🍽️ American 🍽️ Southern Dinner Main Course

Ingredients

Click any ingredient to strike it off while cooking.

Servings:
6

Main IngredientsFor the Chicken

For the Dumplings

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Tested tools that yield the best results for this recipe.

Dutch Oven or Large Stockpot Pin

Dutch Oven or Large Stockpot

View on Amazon
Large Mixing Bowl Pin

Large Mixing Bowl

View on Amazon
Rolling Pin Pin

Rolling Pin

View on Amazon
Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife Pin

Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife

View on Amazon
Whisk Pin

Whisk

View on Amazon
Measuring Cups and Spoons Pin

Measuring Cups and Spoons

View on Amazon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the chicken breasts in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and set it aside. Keep the broth in the pot.

    25:NaN
  2. 2

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and whole milk. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the dumplings tough.

    5:NaN
  3. 3

    Lightly flour a clean countertop or pastry board. Transfer the dough to the surface and roll it out evenly to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch-wide strips or small squares. Let the dumplings rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking.

    10:NaN
  4. 4

    Bring the reserved chicken broth back to a low boil. Add the dumplings one at a time, gently stirring as needed to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally and carefully. The dumplings should become tender and cooked through.

    15:NaN
  5. 5

    Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently to combine. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper. If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the pot and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

    5:NaN
  6. 6

    Remove the pot from the heat and let the chicken and dumplings rest briefly. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Southern comfort food with your favorite side dishes.

    2:NaN

📝 Special Notes

Dumpling thickness: Roll the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness for traditional flat Southern-style dumplings.
Chicken doneness: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
Broth consistency: The dumplings naturally release some starch as they cook, which helps give the broth a slightly thicker consistency.
Restaurant-style flavor: Poultry seasoning or dried thyme adds a delicious savory flavor without overpowering the chicken.
Serving suggestion: Serve with green beans, steamed vegetables, cornbread, or a simple side salad.
Serving yield: The recipe information provided mentions both 6 and 8 servings. This article uses 8 servings for the nutrition estimate; confirm the final yield when testing the recipe.

📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The dumplings will absorb some of the broth as they sit, so add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore the consistency. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. For make-ahead preparation, cook and shred the chicken and prepare the dumpling dough separately. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook the dumplings in the broth shortly before serving for the best texture. Freezing is possible, but the dumplings may become softer after thawing.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 380
Protein 32g
Carbs 32g
Fat 12g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 2g
Sodium 700mg
❓ Recipe FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings made with flat or round dumplings? ▼
Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings are known for their flat, tender dumplings rather than fluffy biscuit-style dumplings. This homemade recipe uses rolled and cut dough to recreate that traditional texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? ▼
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They are slightly richer in flavor and stay tender when simmered in chicken broth.
How do I keep homemade dumplings from getting mushy? ▼
Avoid overmixing the dough, roll it evenly, and cook the dumplings at a gentle simmer rather than a vigorous boil. Also, avoid excessive stirring while they cook.
Why is my chicken and dumplings broth too thin? ▼
The broth may need additional time to simmer or a little extra thickening. You can add a cornstarch slurry made with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, then simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time? ▼
Yes. You can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. For the best dumpling texture, prepare and cook the dumplings shortly before serving.
Can I use store-bought dumplings? ▼
Yes. Refrigerated or frozen dumpling dough can save preparation time. Follow the package instructions and adjust the cooking time according to the product.
What should I serve with chicken and dumplings? ▼
Popular side dishes include Southern green beans, roasted carrots, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and fresh green salads.
How long do chicken and dumplings last in the refrigerator? ▼
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Add a little chicken broth when reheating if the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid.

✨ Final Thoughts & Serving Notes

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is the perfect way to bring classic Southern comfort food into your home kitchen. With tender shredded chicken, soft homemade flat dumplings, and a savory chicken broth, every bowl delivers a warm and satisfying meal. Whether you're preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding the family on a chilly weekend, this simple homemade recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it warm with your favorite Southern sides and enjoy a comforting restaurant-inspired meal anytime!

Reader Reviews & Ratings

★★★★★
5.0 (0 reviews)
Write a Review

Tried this recipe? Leave a rating & review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

No reviews yet for this recipe.

Be the first to try it and share your results above!

Jump to Recipe