Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: The Ultimate Guide to Recreating This Classic Dish

There’s something magical about a warm, comforting bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big ol’ hug from Grandma—hearty, rich, and full of Southern charm. If you’ve ever sat down at a Cracker Barrel and ordered this dish, you know it’s the epitome of home-style cooking.

But what if you could make it at home? Yep, you heard me! No more waiting for a road trip pit stop to get your fix. In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know—what makes Cracker Barrel’s version special, how to cook the best copycat recipe, tips for avoiding common mistakes, and even some healthier alternatives.

So, grab your rolling pin, because we’re about to whip up some good old-fashioned comfort food—right in your own kitchen!

Part 1: Why Everyone Loves Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A Staple of Southern Comfort Food

If you’ve ever set foot in a Southern kitchen, you know that chicken and dumplings is a sacred dish. It’s been around for generations, passed down from grandmothers who swore by using homemade chicken broth and hand-rolled dumplings. The dish combines tender shredded chicken with soft, doughy dumplings in a creamy, savory broth. No fancy ingredients—just simple, wholesome flavors that hit the spot every time.

Now, Cracker Barrel took this classic and turned it into one of their most famous menu items. Why? Because it’s exactly what Southern comfort food should be—warm, filling, and ridiculously satisfying.

Why Cracker Barrel’s Version Stands Out

Here’s the deal—Cracker Barrel doesn’t mess around when it comes to old-fashioned cooking. Their chicken and dumplings are different from other versions because:
✅ The dumplings are flat and chewy, not fluffy like biscuit-style dumplings.
✅ The broth is thick and creamy, packed with homemade flavor.
✅ It’s simple—just chicken, broth, and dumplings (no extra veggies or fillers).

This dish is all about texture. The dumplings are soft but sturdy, soaking up all that rich, chicken-y goodness. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit back, unbutton your jeans, and just savor every bite.

The Nostalgia and Tradition Behind This Dish

Let’s be real—Cracker Barrel is all about nostalgia. The rocking chairs on the porch, the checkered tablecloths, the warm biscuits—eating there feels like stepping into a time machine. And nothing on their menu screams Southern home cooking like their chicken and dumplings.

For a lot of folks, this dish brings back memories of Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or even those cozy nights when Mom or Grandma would whip up something hearty to chase away the cold. It’s a dish that carries stories, history, and tradition—all wrapped up in a bowl of creamy, doughy goodness.

Why You NEED to Try Making It at Home

Okay, listen up—if you love Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, you have to try making it yourself. It’s way easier than you think, and the homemade version? Even better. You control the seasoning, the texture, and the ingredients. Plus, you can make a big ol’ batch and eat it for days.

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make some magic happen? Because in the next part, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty—how to make the best homemade version of this legendary dish. Stay tuned!

Part 2: A Deep Dive into Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

The Ingredients That Make It Authentic

The magic behind Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no unnecessary add-ins—just pure, hearty, Southern comfort. To get that signature taste, you’ll need:

For the Chicken & Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs, with skin and bones for the best flavor)
• 8 cups water (or enough to fully submerge the chicken)
• 1 onion (peeled and halved)
• 2 carrots (chopped into large pieces)
• 2 celery stalks (cut into chunks)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter (cold and cubed)
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk in a pinch)

That’s it! No need for fancy seasonings—just classic, old-fashioned flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken & Make the Broth

1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the water, onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and falls apart.
4. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Strain out the vegetables (they’ve done their job!). Keep the broth in the pot.
5. Shred the chicken, discarding the bones and skin. Set the meat aside.

Step 2: Make the Dumplings

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a dough forms.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick.
5. Cut into 1-inch wide strips, about 2 inches long.

(Tip: The thinner the dumplings, the more tender they’ll be! 🌟)

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Bring the broth back to a low simmer.
2. Drop in the dumpling strips one by one, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
3. Let them cook for 15 minutes, uncovered, until they’re soft and slightly puffed.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

That’s it—simple, satisfying, and straight from Cracker Barrel’s playbook! 🥣

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on it! Overcooked chicken gets dry. Simmer just until it falls apart easily.

❌ Thick dumplings: Roll the dough thin! Thick dumplings can turn out gummy instead of tender.

❌ Not stirring while adding dumplings: This helps prevent them from clumping together.

❌ Skipping the butter in the dumplings: It adds that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skimp!

By following these steps, you’ll get the perfect Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings—just like the real thing (or even better 😉).

Part 3: The Best Copycat Recipes – How to Recreate the Dish Like a Pro

Top 3 Expert-Approved Copycat Recipes

Everyone’s got their own take on Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, but these three stand out as the best of the best:

1. Margin Making Mom’s Version

⭐ Why it’s great: Uses a shortcut dumpling method (no rolling required!)
💡 What makes it unique: Instead of rolling and cutting, dumplings are dropped in spoonfuls, making it quicker and easier.

2. The Slow Roasted Italian’s Recipe

⭐ Why it’s great: Offers a vegetable-based broth, adding a bit more depth to the dish.
💡 What makes it unique: Uses a long-simmered broth for extra-rich flavor.

3. Food.com’s Classic Take

⭐ Why it’s great: Closest to the original Cracker Barrel recipe.
💡 What makes it unique: Sticks to minimal ingredients, keeping it super authentic.

(No matter which one you try, you won’t be disappointed!)

Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot

Not everyone has time to stand by the stove, so here’s how to tweak the recipe for different cooking methods:

🥄 Stovetop (Traditional Method) – The OG Way

• Best for: Authenticity and full control over texture.
• Time needed: 90 minutes (including broth simmering time).

🍲 Slow Cooker – Set It & Forget It

• Best for: Busy days when you want dinner waiting for you.
• How: Cook the chicken and broth on LOW for 6 hours. Remove the chicken, add the dumplings, then cook on HIGH for another hour.
• Texture: Slightly softer dumplings, but still delicious.

⚡ Instant Pot – Fast & Flavorful

• Best for: Quick meals without losing depth of flavor.
• How: Pressure cook the chicken and broth on HIGH for 25 minutes, do a quick release, then add the dumplings and cook on SAUTÉ mode for 10 minutes.
• Texture: The dumplings hold up surprisingly well!

(Pro Tip: If you love extra thick broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in at the end.)

Pro Tips to Achieve the Cracker Barrel Taste at Home

✅ Use a whole chicken – Bone-in meat gives a richer broth.
✅ Roll your dumplings thin – This is the Cracker Barrel way!
✅ Don’t rush the simmering process – The longer the broth cooks, the better.
✅ Add a splash of milk or cream at the end – It gives the broth that extra touch of richness.
✅ Let the dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving – They’ll soak up even more flavor.

Part 4: Nutritional Facts and Healthier Alternatives

Nutritional Breakdown of Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

Let’s be real—Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is comfort food, not exactly health food. But knowing what’s inside can help you enjoy it in moderation (or tweak it for a lighter version).

According to Food.com and Allrecipes, a single serving (about 1.5 cups) contains:

• Calories: ~700
• Fat: ~41g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~26g
• Sodium: ~1,200mg

👉 The Good: High in protein, filling, and packed with that homemade taste we love.
👉 The Not-So-Good: High in fat and sodium, mostly from the chicken broth and buttery dumplings.

So, what can we do if we want to enjoy this Southern favorite without the guilt? Keep reading! 👇

How to Make a Healthier Version Without Sacrificing Flavor

The good news? You don’t have to give up Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings—you just have to make a few smart swaps.

1. Cut Back on Saturated Fat

Instead of using dark meat chicken (which has more fat), go for:
✅ Skinless chicken breast – Leaner and just as tasty.
✅ Use less butter – Cut it in half or swap it for olive oil.

2. Reduce Sodium Without Losing Taste

Commercial broths can be loaded with sodium. To fix this:
✅ Use homemade chicken broth (it’s fresher and healthier).
✅ Buy low-sodium broth if using store-bought.
✅ Skip extra salt – Let natural flavors shine instead!

3. Make Lighter Dumplings

Traditional dumplings use white flour and butter, which makes them dense. Try these swaps:
✅ Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
✅ Try Greek yogurt instead of butter – It keeps them tender but cuts the fat.
✅ Swap buttermilk for almond milk – Fewer calories, still creamy.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Variations

🌾 Gluten-Free Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Good news—yes, you can make dumplings without wheat! According to India from Indiana, here’s how:
✅ Use gluten-free all-purpose flour (like Bob’s Red Mill or Cup4Cup).
✅ Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to help with texture.
✅ Let the dough rest before rolling—gluten-free flour absorbs liquid differently!

👉 The result? Same great texture, no gluten.

🥦 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version

If you’re avoiding carbs but still craving that Cracker Barrel comfort, here’s the fix:

✅ Ditch the dumplings – Swap them for cauliflower dumplings (yes, really).
✅ Use shredded cabbage or zucchini noodles instead of dumplings.
✅ Add heavy cream to the broth to make it rich and filling.

(It won’t taste exactly like Cracker Barrel’s, but it’s a solid low-carb alternative!)

Final Thoughts on a Healthier Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

At the end of the day, chicken and dumplings is meant to be a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether you stick with the classic version or try a healthier spin, it’s all about balance.

🍽 Want to enjoy it guilt-free? Make small tweaks, eat mindfully, and most importantly—enjoy every bite!

Bonus Recipe: Cracked Chicken Tenders – The Perfect Side Dish!

If you’re looking for the ultimate side dish to pair with your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, you’ve got to try Cracked Chicken Tenders! These crispy, flavor-packed tenders are coated with cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, making them an irresistible addition to your meal. Whether you’re serving them as a crunchy contrast to the creamy dumplings or just need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe has you covered.

👉 Check out the full recipe here: Cracked Chicken Tenders Recipe

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even meal prep, these tenders bring that bold, cheesy crunch that complements the soft, comforting texture of chicken and dumplings. Try them together for a Southern-inspired feast you won’t forget! 🍗🔥

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s a reason Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings has been a beloved classic for decades—it’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavor and nostalgic warmth. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal for a chilly evening or just want to relive those road trip memories, this dish delivers every single time.

The best part? You don’t have to wait for a visit to Cracker Barrel to enjoy it! With the right ingredients, simple techniques, and a little patience, you can whip up a batch of homemade chicken and dumplings that’s just as good—if not better—than the restaurant version. From rolling the perfect dumplings to simmering a flavorful broth, every step brings you closer to that authentic Southern taste.

And if you’re looking for a healthier spin, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe without sacrificing flavor—low-carb, gluten-free, or even a lighter version with less sodium.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking! Because sometimes, the best meals aren’t just eaten—they’re made with love, right in your own kitchen. 🍽️💛