If there’s one dish that embodies true Southern comfort food, it’s Chicken & Dumplings. This dish has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations, and few places do it better than Cracker Barrel. Their thick, creamy broth, tender shredded chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings make for a dish that is simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Broth:
4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken)
1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional, but adds depth)
½ tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the broth)
¼ cup water (for slurry)
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening or butter
¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat chicken broth over medium heat.
Stir in butter, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning.
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup flour with ¼ cup water to form a slurry.
Slowly whisk the slurry into the broth to thicken it slightly.
Add in the shredded chicken, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.
2. Make the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the shortening or butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the buttermilk, mixing just until a dough forms.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick.
Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into ½-inch wide strips, about 2 inches long.
3. Cook the Dumplings
Bring the broth back to a gentle boil.
Drop the dumpling strips one by one into the simmering broth, stirring gently so they don’t stick together.
Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are soft and tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle generous portions of chicken and dumplings into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
Serve hot with cornbread, biscuits, or a simple side salad.
Notes
Why This Recipe is Just Like Cracker Barrel’s
Traditional Rolled Dumplings – These are not fluffy drop dumplings, but thin, chewy dumplings that soak up the creamy broth just like Cracker Barrel’s version.
Rich, Thickened Broth – The flour slurry adds body to the broth, making it thicker and more comforting than regular chicken soup.
Classic, Down-Home Flavor – Simple seasonings, butter, and milk create that rich and savory taste.
