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Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

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Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy, classic comfort food. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family meals.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces

  • ½ medium onion, left intact in a large piece

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • 1¼ tsp salt

  • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, add chicken broth, celery ribs, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil.

  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

  • While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir in milk until the dough forms a soft ball.

  • Place the dough on a floured surface and roll out to ¼-inch thick. Cut into strips or squares, about 1–2 inches wide.

  • Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a cutting board. Discard celery and onion from the broth.

  • Drop dumpling pieces carefully into the simmering broth, stirring gently so they don’t stick. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dumplings are tender and the broth thickens.

  • Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.

  • Add carrots, peas, or corn for extra heartiness.

  • To make it dairy-free, use almond or oat milk for the dumplings.

  • Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of broth or water if needed.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes