Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings

This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumpling Soup delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with tender chicken, soft homemade dumplings, and a rich broth that fills you with warmth. It’s inspired by the classic flavors of Cracker Barrel’s beloved dish but made even better with a homemade touch that brings the whole kitchen to life.

I first made this soup on a crisp fall Sunday and it instantly became a family favorite. Now it’s the go to when someone’s feeling under the weather or when we need a big bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour and baking powder: essential for light and fluffy dumplings make sure your baking powder is fresh
• Cold salted butter: adds richness to the dumplings and the soup base if controlling sodium use unsalted butter for both
• Milk: brings moisture to the dumplings whole milk works best for creaminess
• Yellow onion, celery, carrots: these build the classic soup aroma and flavor pre diced versions can save time
• Minced garlic cloves: fresh garlic adds brightness jarred works in a pinch
• Low sodium chicken stock and vegetable stock: these form the flavorful broth low sodium lets you control saltiness perfectly
• Chicken tenderloins: tender and quick to cook breasts or thighs work just as well
• Chicken Better Than Bouillon: adds depth without overpowering can be left out if unavailable
• Dried parsley, onion powder, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf: seasonings that layer flavor without overwhelming
• Heavy whipping cream: enriches the final soup and adds a velvety finish evaporated milk can substitute if needed

Instructions

Sift Together Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl combine 2 cups allpurpose flour with ½ teaspoon baking powder These two give your dumplings a fluffy texture that’s light on the palate.

Cut in the Butter:

Add 2 tablespoons cold salted butter cut into cubes Use your fingers a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the butter resembles tiny pebbles This step is crucial so your dumplings have a tender crumb with buttery pockets.

Add Milk and Form Dough:

Pour in 1 cup of milk and mix everything until it forms a dough ball It should be soft but not sticky to touch.

Knead and Roll Out Dough:

Dust a clean surface generously with flour Place the dough on the surface and sprinkle flour on top as well Knead until the dough is no longer sticky Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick adding more flour as needed so it doesn’t stick to your rolling pin or counter.

Cut Dumplings:

Trim the edges to form a neat rectangle then cut the dough into square dumplings using a pizza cutter or sharp knife Dust the dumplings lightly with flour to prevent sticking and to help thicken the soup broth once cooked Refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook the Soup Base:

In a large pot over medium heat melt butter and add chopped onion celery and carrots Cook until onions turn translucent which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes This step helps build a flavorful base.

Add Garlic and Flour:

Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the vegetables and garlic stirring constantly for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken the broth.

Add Stocks Chicken and Seasonings:

Pour in your chicken and vegetable stocks Add the chicken tenderloins dried parsley onion powder poultry seasoning thyme and the bay leaf Avoid adding salt at this stage Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beginning to fall apart.

Shred Chicken and Adjust Seasoning:

Remove the chicken from the pot let it cool slightly then shred it into bite sized pieces Take out the bay leaf Taste the broth and add salt in small increments if needed.

Simmer and Thicken Soup:

Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly This is when you will begin adding dumplings slowly one at a time stirring constantly so they don’t clump together.

Cook Dumplings:

Allow dumplings to cook for 15 to 20 minutes while stirring occasionally They will absorb liquid and the broth will thicken further Test a dumpling to make sure it has no doughy taste.

Finish with Chicken and Cream:

Return the shredded chicken to the pot Add the heavy whipping cream warmed to room temperature or briefly heated in the microwave to prevent curdling Stir gently and let the soup heat through.

Garnish and Serve:

Top with more dried parsley or fresh if you like and serve hot with your favorite bread or salad.

This soup holds a special place in my heart because the dumplings remind me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house where everything was slow cooked and filled with love. The creamy broth and tender chicken come together for that warm hug in a bowl.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days To reheat warm gently on the stove stirring occasionally If the soup thickens too much in the fridge add extra broth or water when reheating to loosen the consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer use chicken thighs or even cooked rotisserie chicken to save time Evaporated milk is a great stand in for heavy cream for a lighter version Sweet corn peas or diced potatoes can be added for variation but keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad like a caesar or a copycat Olive Garden salad Warm biscuits garlic cheese bread or cornbread soak up the broth nicely and add a complementary texture.

Enjoy this cozy soup with crusty bread and share it with loved ones. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you need a comforting meal.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use store-bought dumplings?

Homemade dumplings provide the best texture and flavor, but flat dumpling strips from some stores may work if needed.

→ Is this dish suitable for crock pot cooking?

Most ingredients cook well in a crock pot, but flat dumplings need gentle simmering on the stove to avoid becoming heavy and dense.

→ What vegetables can be added?

Peas, potatoes, or corn can be added for variety, though the classic version keeps it simple with onion, celery, and carrots.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Salads or breads like garlic cheese bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls complement this dish and help soak up the flavorful broth.

→ How do I adjust thickness if needed?

Add more broth during simmering to thin the consistency if the dish becomes too thick.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.