Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Bring the Restaurant Home

A comforting homemade version of Cracker Barrel's famous chicken and dumplings with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich creamy broth—your ultimate cozy food fix.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Servings 6 people

Calories 534 kcal

Equipment

1 Mixing bowl Large
1 Large pot

Ingredients

Main ingredients

8 cups chicken stock low-sodium for clean broth
1 cube chicken bouillon to boost savory depth
2 stalks celery diced small for crunch and flavor
3 carrots diced
1 onion peeled but whole
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts your main star
2 cups milk
3 cups flour plus extra for dusting
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 ⅓ cup buttermilk

Instructions

Add chicken stock, chicken bouillon, celery, carrots, and whole onion to a large pot. Bring to a boil.
Add chicken breasts, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken and onion. Discard onion. Shred chicken and set aside.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in milk and buttermilk. Stir to form dough.
On floured surface, knead dough until smooth. Roll to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 1x2 inch strips for dumplings.
Bring broth to gentle boil. Drop dumplings in one by one, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook dumplings for 15 minutes or until tender and cooked through.
Return shredded chicken to pot, simmer a few minutes more.
Stir in milk, turn off heat. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm with your favorite sides or by itself for a cozy dinner.

Notes

While buttermilk provides the best texture and flavor, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and allowing it to sit. Don’t overmix dumpling dough—use flour generously when rolling. For quick dumplings, use cut refrigerator biscuits. If leftovers thicken, stir in warm milk while reheating.