Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

This Cracker Barrel recipe is one of our favorite stovetop recipes. It is loaded with chicken and made from scratch dumplings that makes this the perfect comfort food. We eat at Cracker Barrel often and now I can easily make our favorite menu item at home

Other easy Cracker Barrel Recipes – Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe and Cracker Barrel Potato Casserole Recipe.

What is Chicken and Dumplings?

Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. Chicken and dumplings is a soup that is made of shredded cook chicken and biscuit style dough. This dough is cooked in the broth to create a delicious dumpling.

Shredded chicken and the dumplings are combined and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a family favorite meal. If you prefer, you can also make Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings.

Ingredients

 Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Chicken – Feel free to use leftover chicken for this recipe. We have any used rotisserie chicken and it came out delicious. You can also cook boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders instead of breast.
• Add Vegetables – This recipe would be delicious with added vegetables. We recommend the frozen carrots and peas blend. We have even added in celery, green beans, onion and corn. Mix in when adding in the dumplings to cook.
• Turkey – Instead of chicken use leftover turkey for a delicious variations.
• Potatoes – For a creamier texture you can add in some cook potatoes.
• Chicken Broth – Feel free to substitute chicken broth with chicken stock or chicken bouillon cube..

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Step 1 – Combine water and broth – Add the chicken broth and water to a large stock pot.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  

Step 2 – Cook Chicken – Then add the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to medium.  Boil uncovered until the chicken is cooked through. 

Step 3 – Combine dumpling ingredients. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder and salt together in a mixing bowl.  Then add in the butter with a fork or a pastry blender until combined.  Stir in the milk until a dough is formed. 

Step 4 – Prepare Dumplings – Flour out a work surface.  Roll the dough out flat with a rolling pin on floured surface.  Slice with a pizza cutter or a knife into similar size squares.  

Step 5 – Cook the Dumplings – Drop the dumplings into the pot, one at a time. This helps to keep the dumplings from sticking to each other.  Cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings float and a toothpick inserted into the dumplings comes out clean.  

• Step 7 – Shred Chicken – While the dumplings are cooking, shred the chicken and return it back to the pot or Dutch oven.  
• Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy – Season the chicken and dumplings with more salt and pepper if needed.  Then serve warm and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Shred Chicken – You can shred the chicken with forks. You can easily shred with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Learn the tips here on How to Shred Chicken. If you are needing a new stand mixer, check out The 4 Best Affordable Stand Mixers of 2024 .
• Dumplings – Combine the dumplings ingredients and roll the dough out on floured surface. To cut the dumplings use a knife or a pizza cutter. The dough does not need to be cut perfectly.
• Cooking Dumplings – Cook the dumplings for about 15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked thorough. We recommend using a toothpick to check for doneness.

What Can I Add to my Chicken and Dumplings to make it Thicker?

If you prefer your chicken and dumplings to have a thicker broth, follow these steps prior to adding in the dumplings.

• Take about ⅓ cups of the chicken broth liquid and pour into a bowl.
• Mix this liquid with about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until there is no lumps and is smooth.
• This allows you to create a cornstarch slurry to pour back into the broth.
• While the broth is simmering this will thicken the broth.

Serving Ideas

• Roasted Vegetables – Roast some broccoli or asparagus for an easy side idea. Another easy side dish is Green Beans with Bacon Recipe.
• Steam Vegetables – Feel free to steam some frozen vegetables to add as a side dish.
• Side Salad – To keep the side dish light, you can add a side salad. Chicken and dumplings is a hearty meal that a side salad is easy to and light.
• Cornbread – Make Southern Cornbread Recipe for an easy side.