A warm, substantial plate of chicken and dumplings is inherently comforting, and Cracker Barrel’s take is a favorite for good reason. Many people who yearn for traditional Southern comfort food have fallen in love with those soft, fluffy dumplings swimming in a flavorful, rich broth. This Cracker Barrel Dumplings copycat recipe is the solution if you’ve ever wished you could make that famous dish in your own kitchen. It effortlessly and authentically transports the cherished restaurant dish’s nostalgic flavors and textures to your table.

I adore this recipe because it strikes the ideal balance between savory, well-seasoned broth and tender, feather-light dumplings. This is the type of food that instantly makes you feel at home and envelops you in warmth. It’s also adaptable enough to be a special weekend treat for family and friends or a quick weeknight supper.

Why Do I Love This Recipe?

I love this Cracker Barrel dumplings recipe because it’s straightforward yet delivers that deep, comforting flavor I associate with Southern hospitality. The dumplings themselves are delightfully tender, not dense or doughy, and the broth is flavorful without being overly complicated. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and brings back wonderful memories of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to lighten things up. Cornbread or crusty bread also make perfect accompaniments, allowing you to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or green beans.

Storage & Freezing

Chicken and dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the dumplings and prevent them from drying out. This dish doesn’t freeze well, as dumplings tend to become tough and lose their texture after freezing and thawing.

Variations of the Recipe

Feel free to customize the recipe by using turkey instead of chicken for a twist, or add extra vegetables like carrots, peas, or celery to boost the nutrition and flavor. For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free flour or dumpling mixes. You can also spice up the broth with a pinch of cayenne or herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance the depth of flavor.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Dumplings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading and rolling
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 quarts water for boiling
2 teaspoons chicken soup base

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons chicken soup base
1/2 to 3/4 cup dumpling cooking liquid reserved from boiling dumplings

Method

Make the Dumpling Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk and vegetable oil. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms. If needed, add a bit more flour for easier handling.

Prepare the Cooking Liquid:

In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the 2 teaspoons of chicken soup base to flavor the water.

Form and Cook Dumplings:

Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into strips or squares, then carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through and tender. Remove dumplings with a slotted spoon, reserving 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid for the sauce.

Make the Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk, sugar, chicken soup base, and reserved dumpling cooking liquid. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.