chicken and dumplings cracker barrel style is the kind of dish that wraps around your heart like a warm Southern hug. It’s simple, hearty, and steeped in tradition—just like my mom’s cooking back in Asheville. I grew up in a house where the smell of simmering chicken meant dinner was about to get real good. Today, whenever I sit down to a plate of chicken and dumplings Cracker Barrel, I’m back at that counter, watching love turn into supper. In this article, I’ll walk you through why this dish resonates with so many, and how you can recreate that comfort in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why chicken and dumplings cracker barrel Dumplings Have a Unique Texture
When I first tasted chicken and dumplings cracker barrel, it was like stepping into a memory. The flat, chewy dumplings reminded me of the ones Mom used to roll out by hand, no recipe, just intuition and love. The chicken—shredded and tender—melted into a rich, creamy broth that tasted like something simmered all Sunday long. For me, it wasn’t just a meal, it was a memory in a bowl. This isn’t fast food. It’s slow food, the kind that makes you pause, breathe deep, and maybe even smile a little at the past.
At 30 Minute Food’s Southern collection, I try to keep that feeling alive. Whether it’s my quick green beans or a skillet of buttermilk biscuits, everything’s rooted in that same kitchen magic. And trust me, chicken and dumplings cracker barrel captures it beautifully.
Why This Dish Stands Out in Southern Comfort Cooking
Southern comfort food is about flavor, yes, but it’s also about soul. And Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings has both. You won’t find fancy herbs or showy spices here—just flour, chicken, broth, and time. That simplicity is what makes it so powerful. It’s a dish that says, “Sit down, you’re home now.”
The dumplings themselves are flat, not puffy. The broth is rich but never greasy. It all comes together in a way that feels grounded and familiar. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most beloved items on their menu. Next time you’re craving something real, skip the frills and serve this alongside quick skillet cornbread.
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chicken and dumplings cracker barrel
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This homemade chicken and dumplings Cracker Barrel copycat is the ultimate comfort dish with flat dumplings and tender chicken in a rich broth.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup cold water
Instructions
1. Boil chicken in broth until cooked through. Remove and shred.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add water to form dough.
3. Roll dough flat and cut into strips.
4. Drop dumplings into simmering broth. Stir gently.
5. Add shredded chicken back in and simmer until thickened.
6. Serve hot with cornbread or your favorite sides.
Notes
Keep dumplings thin for a more authentic Cracker Barrel texture.
Use a wide pot to prevent clumping.
Don’t overwork the dough—keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Common Questions About chicken and dumplings cracker barrel
Is There Meat in chicken and dumplings cracker barrel?
One FAQ that pops up often is: Is there meat in Cracker Barrel dumplings? The answer depends on how you’re asking. The dumplings themselves—those chewy, comforting strips—are typically meat-free and made from simple ingredients like flour, salt, water, and baking powder. However, when you order chicken and dumplings cracker barrel, they’re always served swimming in a hearty chicken broth with generous chunks of shredded chicken.
So while the dough doesn’t contain meat, the entire dish absolutely does. If you’re wondering whether you can eat just the dumplings, you technically could—but you’d miss out on the signature flavor that comes from the slow-cooked chicken soaking into every bite. If you’re looking for fully vegetarian comfort food options, we have a few alternatives in our meatless recipes section.
Does Cracker Barrel Still Serve Chicken and Dumplings?
Another popular question is: Does Cracker Barrel still serve dumplings? Absolutely—chicken and dumplings cracker barrel is one of their flagship dishes. It’s so beloved, in fact, that many people assume it’s only seasonal. But the good news is, it’s available all year long at nearly every location.
Still, it’s worth checking with your local Cracker Barrel, especially if you’re traveling through smaller towns where menu variations can happen. Most restaurants serve the dish as part of their “Down Home Daily Dinners” or on the all-day menu. You can even find packaged dumpling mix in their country store for a semi-homemade shortcut.
Want to keep that cozy vibe at home? Try pairing your version with something from our 30-minute dinner ideas—the flavor profiles are spot-on, and you can bring the whole experience to your kitchen without the wait
How to Enjoy Chicken and Dumplings Cracker Barrel at Home
What Goes with Chicken and Dumplings Cracker Barrel? (Complete Pairing Guide)
A big part of the comfort food experience is pairing it with the right sides. If you’re wondering what goes with chicken and dumplings Cracker Barrel, you’re not alone. This dish is rich, savory, and filling, so it balances best with sides that are either light or equally homey.
Here’s a quick table of ideal pairings:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Fried Okra | Crispy texture complements soft dumplings |
| Cornbread | Adds sweetness and soak-up power |
| Green Beans | Earthy and light; a Southern staple |
| Mashed Potatoes | Comfort on comfort—enough said |
| Sweet Iced Tea | The perfect Southern beverage pairing |
Explore more perfect comfort pairings like easy skillet vegetables or our signature Southern green beans.
How to Recreate the chicken and dumplings cracker barrel Feel at Home
If you can’t make it to the restaurant but still want that same cozy experience, you can absolutely recreate chicken and dumplings cracker barrel at home. You’ll just need basic ingredients: chicken breasts or thighs, flour, water, and a bit of time.
First, simmer your chicken until it’s fork-tender. Then, roll out a simple dumpling dough and cut it into strips. Drop those into the bubbling broth and let the magic happen. Don’t overthink it—the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity.
For faster weeknight versions, check out our 30-minute chicken meals or the comfort food collection for alternatives that hit the same emotional note.
The next time you’re craving something real, something that tastes like it was made by someone who loves you—this dish is it.
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FAQs About Chicken and Dumplings Cracker Barrel
What is in Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings?
The dish includes tender shredded chicken, a rich chicken broth, and hand-rolled flat dumplings made from flour, water, salt, and baking powder. It’s intentionally simple, and that’s what makes it so comforting.
Does Cracker Barrel still serve dumplings?
Yes, chicken and dumplings cracker barrel remains a staple on their menu year-round. It’s available at most locations and often included in their Down Home Daily Dinners.
Is there meat in Cracker Barrel dumplings?
The dumplings themselves don’t contain meat, but the overall dish is served in chicken broth and includes shredded chicken, making it a meat-based meal.
What goes with chicken and dumplings?
Great sides include cornbread, fried okra, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Sweet iced tea is the perfect drink pairing. You can find recipe ideas for these on our sides category page.
Conclusion
For me, chicken and dumplings cracker barrel isn’t just about food—it’s about memory. Every bite takes me back to my mom’s kitchen in Asheville, where simple ingredients and a lot of heart turned into something magical. This dish continues that tradition. Whether you enjoy it at the restaurant or recreate it at home, it offers the same warmth, the same comfort. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.