Chicken n' Dumplins from Cracker Barrel feature tender slow-cooked chicken simmered in a savory broth, paired with soft, fluffy dumplings, creating a comforting and hearty classic Southern dish.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb whole chicken
- 10 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Ensure you use a whole chicken weighing between 3 to 4 pounds for optimal flavor and tenderness in your Chicken n' Dumplins. The dumplings require all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and cold unsalted butter to achieve a soft, fluffy texture. Fresh whole milk adds richness to the dough, so avoid substituting it with low-fat alternatives to maintain authenticity. Season the broth with precise measurements of salt and black pepper to replicate the savory taste typical of Cracker Barrel's dish. Your homemade Chicken n' Dumplins will capture the comforting, hearty essence of the Cracker Barrel copycat menu when these ingredient details are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add 10 cups of water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through and tender (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool.
- Strain the broth and return to pot. Discard solids.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cut in 5 tablespoons cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 3/4 cup milk; stir until a dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut dough into strips or squares.
- Bring strained broth back to a gentle boil.
- Drop dumpling pieces into simmering broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer dumplings for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, shred cooled chicken, discarding skin and bones.
- Add shredded chicken back to pot with dumplings.
- Stir gently and simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Substitution
Chicken n' Dumplins from Cracker Barrel copycat recipes often call for a whole chicken simmered slowly to develop rich flavor, but you can substitute with bone-in chicken thighs for a quicker cook time and equally tender results. If all-purpose flour is unavailable, a gluten-free blend will work but may alter the texture of the dumplings slightly. Using homemade chicken broth instead of water and bouillon cubes enhances the savory depth of the broth, creating a more authentic taste. When shaping dumplings, avoid overmixing the dough to keep them light and fluffy. Your choice of fresh parsley as a garnish adds a burst of color and freshness to this comforting Southern dish.
Tips
Ensure the whole chicken is fully submerged in water to extract maximum flavor for your chicken broth. Use cold unsalted butter when cutting into the flour mixture so the dumplings stay tender and flaky. Roll the dough uniformly to about 1/4-inch thickness to allow even cooking and avoid dense spots. When adding dumplings to the boiling broth, gently stir in circles to prevent them from sticking but avoid breaking them apart.
Nutritions
Chicken n' Dumplins from Cracker Barrel provide a balanced source of protein from the whole chicken, essential for muscle repair and growth. The all-purpose flour and butter in the dumplings contribute carbohydrates and fats, supplying energy and aiding nutrient absorption. Whole milk adds calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health. Your meal offers a nutritious combination ideal for a comforting, hearty dish with moderate calories and essential macronutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken n' Dumplins in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety. You can also freeze the dish in portioned containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Variation or Alternatives
To give your Chicken n' Dumplins a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with buttermilk in the dumpling dough, enhancing tenderness and tanginess. You can also replace the whole chicken with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for quicker cooking and more flavorful broth. Instead of rolling the dough, try dropping spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth for rustic, irregular dumplings. Your slow-simmered chicken broth can be boosted with sauteed onions and garlic added at the start to deepen the savory profile.
Allergies
Chicken n' Dumplins contain common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour used in the dumplings and dairy from both the butter and whole milk. Your meal could trigger reactions if you have sensitivities to gluten or dairy products. Always check ingredient labels or consult with the restaurant regarding specific allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Chicken n' Dumplins from Cracker Barrel is beloved for its tender, seasoned chicken paired with soft, flavorful dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth. The dish offers a comforting, homestyle taste that combines traditional Southern flavors with a satisfying texture. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this classic meal fresh and customized to your taste preferences, ensuring the authentic experience anytime. Your homemade batch captures the warmth and hearty goodness that makes this menu item a standout favorite.