Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings

<p>Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumpling Soup captures the comforting flavors of a classic Southern dish in a warm, hearty bowl. Tender chicken mingles with soft, flat dumplings in a rich, savory broth that feels like a hug from home. This recipe brings those beloved flavors together with ingredients that create the perfect balance of creaminess and texture without being overly thick.</p> <p>I made this for the first time on a chilly fall evening, and it instantly became a new family favorite. Everyone loved how the dumplings soaked up the broth without getting mushy, something I struggled with in other versions.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>All-purpose flour:</strong> the foundation for tender dumplings, choose fresh flour for best results</li><li><strong>Baking powder:</strong> leavening agent that helps dumplings stay light, make sure it’s fresh to avoid flat dumplings</li><li><strong>Cold salted butter:</strong> contributes richness and helps create flaky dumplings, you can swap salted for unsalted if you control salt in the soup</li><li><strong>Milk:</strong> brings moisture to the dumpling dough for the perfect consistency</li><li><strong>Yellow onion, celery, and carrots:</strong> classic mirepoix for a flavorful soup base, pre-diced options save prep time</li><li><strong>Minced garlic:</strong> fresh for robust flavor, but jarred works in a pinch</li><li><strong>Low-sodium chicken and vegetable stock:</strong> balance umami and keep salt levels low</li><li><strong>Chicken tenderloins:</strong> tender, cooks quickly, and shreds easily, breasts or thighs work well too</li><li><strong>Chicken Better Than Bouillon:</strong> adds depth without excess salt, omit if unavailable</li><li><strong>Dried parsley, onion powder, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf:</strong> simple seasoning blend to enhance flavor</li><li><strong>Heavy whipping cream:</strong> adds silky texture and richness, canned evaporated milk works if needed</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:</strong></dt><dd>In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold salted butter with fingers, fork, or pastry cutter until the butter resembles tiny pebbles. This step ensures your dumplings have a flaky texture.</dd><dt><strong>Add Milk and Form Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Pour in 1 cup of milk and mix until a dough ball forms. This moisture binds the flour and butter creating the base for your dumplings.</dd><dt><strong>Knead and Roll Dough:</strong></dt><dd>Dust a clean counter generously with flour. Place dough on the surface and sprinkle more flour on top. Knead the dough until it stops sticking, about 2 to 3 minutes. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, adding flour underneath and on the rolling pin to prevent sticking.</dd><dt><strong>Cut Dumplings:</strong></dt><dd>Trim edges to form a rectangle, then slice dough into square shapes with a knife or pizza cutter. Dust dumplings with extra flour to keep them from sticking and help thicken the soup later. Store cut dumplings in the fridge while preparing the broth.</dd><dt><strong>Cook Vegetables:</strong></dt><dd>In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook stirring frequently until onions turn translucent, about 8 minutes, building the soup’s flavor foundation.</dd><dt><strong>Add Garlic and Flour:</strong></dt><dd>Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour. Cook for about one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.</dd><dt><strong>Add Stocks, Chicken, and Seasonings:</strong></dt><dd>Pour in chicken and vegetable stocks. Add chicken tenderloins and seasonings including parsley, onion powder, poultry seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Skip adding salt at this stage to control seasoning better later.</dd><dt><strong>Simmer and Shred Chicken:</strong></dt><dd>Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until chicken starts to fall apart. Remove chicken and cool slightly before shredding. Remove bay leaf. Taste soup and add salt a little at a time if needed.</dd><dt><strong>Thicken Broth and Add Dumplings:</strong></dt><dd>Simmer soup for 10 minutes to thicken. Add dumplings carefully one by one, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Let cook for 15 to 20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through and broth thickens.</dd><dt><strong>Finish with Cream and Chicken:</strong></dt><dd>Return shredded chicken to soup. Warm cream to room temperature or microwave briefly to prevent curdling. Stir gently to combine and heat through.</dd><dt><strong>Garnish and Serve:</strong></dt><dd>Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh touch.</dd></dl>

<p>I love the homemade dumplings in this recipe the most. They make the soup feel truly special and take it beyond any canned or store bought versions. One afternoon, I made a big pot for visiting family and watching the slow simmer brought me straight back to the kind of cooking my grandmother would lovingly make. This soup is comfort that fills more than just your belly.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Keeps well up to four days in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Dumplings absorb liquid over time, so adding a little extra broth refreshes the texture.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>If you want to lighten the soup, swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or half and half. Chicken thighs can replace tenderloins for richer flavor but may require a few more minutes cooking. If you do not have Better Than Bouillon, increase chicken stock slightly to maintain flavor depth.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Serve with a crisp green salad for balance or alongside warm biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the broth. A side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients to the plate.</p>

<p>This soup is comfort that fills more than just your belly. It makes a cozy family meal and showcases the reward of homemade dumplings.</p>

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can store-bought dumplings be used instead?

Homemade flat dumplings truly define the dish’s texture and flavor; store-bought options are not quite the same but can work as a quick substitute if needed.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in a crock pot?

Cooking on the stove is recommended to ensure dumplings cook evenly, as slow cooking may make them dense due to over-absorption of broth.

→ What additional ingredients can enhance the dish?

Peas, corn, or diced potatoes complement the existing flavors well and add texture variety without overpowering the core profile.

→ What dishes pair well alongside this chicken and dumpling preparation?

Fresh salads like a Caesar or olive garden style, warm breadsticks, biscuits, or garlic cheese bread provide excellent accompaniments by soaking up the savory broth.

→ How do I adjust the thickness of the broth?

If the broth feels too thick, simply add more stock or water during simmering to reach your preferred consistency.

→ How long do leftovers remain fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.