Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken and Dumplings, and this copycat version brings that classic Cracker Barrel-style comfort straight to your kitchen.

Tender chicken is simmered in a rich, savory broth and finished with soft homemade dumplings that thicken the broth as they cook. The result is a hearty, nostalgic meal that feels perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving simple homemade comfort food.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 celery ribs, halved
• 1/2 medium onion, cut into chunks
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the chicken

Add the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts to a large stockpot or Dutch oven.

Bring everything to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumplings.

2. Make the dumpling dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into small rectangles about 1 to 2 inches wide.

3. Remove the chicken and vegetables

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board.

Remove and discard the celery and onion from the broth.

Keep the broth gently simmering.

4. Cook the dumplings

Carefully add the cut dumpling pieces to the simmering broth.

Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

As the dumplings cook, they will become tender and help thicken the broth into a rich, gravy-like consistency.

5. Shred the chicken

While the dumplings are cooking, shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return the chicken to the pot and stir gently to combine.

6. Season and serve

Taste the broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serve hot, with plenty of chicken, dumplings, and thick savory broth in every bowl.

This classic dish is simple, filling, and wonderfully comforting — the kind of meal that tastes like home.