Dolly’s Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings – Easy Southern Recipe

Introduction

There are few meals more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade Dolly’s Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This Southern-inspired classic combines tender chicken with soft, old-fashioned dumplings in a rich, savory broth that tastes like the kind of meal that has been passed down through generations.

The appeal is in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients or expensive cooking tools. Chicken, broth, flour, milk, butter, and a handful of seasonings come together to create a hearty meal that feels homemade from the very first bite.

The dumplings are the star of the dish. Instead of fluffy biscuit-style dumplings, this version uses rolled, tender dumplings that cook directly in the flavorful chicken broth. They become soft and comforting while absorbing just enough broth to make every bite incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re craving classic Southern comfort food, planning an easy dinner for the family, or simply looking for a cozy recipe to add to your recipe books, this chicken and dumplings recipe is a wonderful choice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 bay leaf

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons cold butter
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth, if needed

For Finishing

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.

Add the chicken broth, water, onion, celery, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaf.

Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth begins bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover the pot partially and allow the chicken to simmer for approximately 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Avoid letting the broth boil too aggressively. A gentle simmer helps the chicken stay juicy while allowing the broth to develop a deeper flavor.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board.

Allow it to cool for several minutes, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Remove the onion, celery, and bay leaf from the broth. If you prefer a rustic dish, you can leave some of the cooked celery in the pot.

Return the shredded chicken to the broth and keep the pot over low heat while you prepare the dumplings.

Taste the broth and add additional salt or black pepper if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

Cut the cold butter into small pieces and work it into the flour using a pastry cutter, your fingertips, or another sturdy cooking tool.

Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pour in the milk and gently mix until a soft dough forms.

If the dough feels too dry, add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time. Don’t overwork the dough because excessive mixing can make the dumplings tough.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly flour a clean work surface.

Transfer the dough onto the surface and gently knead it just enough to bring it together.

Roll the dough into a thin rectangle, approximately ⅛ inch thick.

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long.

Dust the cut dumplings lightly with flour and set them aside.

For more traditional, rustic dumplings, don’t worry about making every piece perfectly uniform. Slight variations give the dish that homemade appearance.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Bring the chicken broth back to a gentle simmer.

Carefully add the dumplings one at a time, stirring gently between additions so they don’t stick together.

Once all the dumplings are in the pot, reduce the heat to low.

Simmer uncovered for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and very gently.

The dumplings should become tender and cooked through while releasing enough starch to slightly thicken the broth.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot if you removed it during the dumpling cooking process.

Add the butter and additional black pepper. Taste again and adjust the seasoning.

Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Turn off the heat and allow the chicken and dumplings to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

For a richer version, add ½ cup of heavy cream during the final few minutes of cooking. This creates a creamy broth while keeping the traditional chicken-and-dumpling flavor.

Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings

Add diced carrots, celery, peas, or corn to the broth. This creates a heartier one-pot meal and is a great way to use vegetables already in your refrigerator.

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut

Use approximately 3 to 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. Prepare the broth with the seasonings and vegetables, then add the cooked chicken before adding the dumplings.

Herb Chicken and Dumplings

Add fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the broth. Fresh herbs add a subtle brightness to the rich chicken stock.

Chicken Thigh Version

Boneless chicken thighs are especially flavorful and remain moist during simmering. They’re an excellent choice if you prefer darker meat.

Low-Carb Alternative

Traditional dumplings are flour-based, so they’re not low carb. For a lower-carb variation, serve the chicken and broth with cauliflower dumplings or another low-carb dumpling alternative.

Cooking Notes

The thickness of the dumplings is one of the most important details. Very thick dumplings can take too long to cook and become heavy, while extremely thin dumplings can break apart in the broth.

Aim for approximately ⅛ inch thickness for tender, satisfying dumplings.

Don’t overcrowd the pot with dumplings. Add them gradually and make sure there is enough liquid around them for even cooking.

If the broth becomes too thick, add a little additional chicken broth or water. Dumplings release starch as they cook, naturally thickening the liquid.

A heavy Dutch oven or quality casserole dish is ideal for this type of recipe because it distributes heat evenly and maintains a steady simmer.

When choosing kitchenware for comfort-food recipes, a large heavy-bottomed pot, sturdy mixing bowl, rolling pin, and sharp kitchen knife are among the most useful cooking tools to have.

For the best flavor, use a good-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth is excellent, but a high-quality store-bought broth can make this recipe much easier on busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken and dumplings piping hot in large bowls with plenty of tender chicken, dumplings, and savory broth.

Because the dish is hearty on its own, simple sides work best.

Try serving it with:

• Southern-style green beans
• Steamed broccoli
• Buttered corn
• Roasted carrots
• A simple green salad
• Warm cornbread
• Buttermilk biscuits

A little freshly chopped parsley on top adds color and freshness.

For an especially cozy meal, serve the chicken and dumplings with warm cornbread so you can soak up every bit of the savory broth.

If you’re planning weekly meals, this recipe can also become part of a practical meal-prep routine. Store individual servings in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Buying chicken, broth, flour, butter, and other pantry staples when grocery deals are available can make homemade comfort food considerably more affordable.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings

• Use a gentle simmer: A rolling boil can make the chicken tough and cause dumplings to break apart.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Gentle handling keeps the dumplings tender.
• Roll the dough thin: About ⅛ inch gives the best balance of tenderness and structure.
• Add dumplings gradually: This helps keep them from sticking together.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Give the dumplings enough room to cook evenly.
• Taste the broth: Season gradually because different chicken broths contain different amounts of sodium.
• Use cold butter: Cold butter creates a more tender dumpling texture.
• Let the finished dish rest: A few minutes allows the broth to thicken naturally.
• Use quality kitchenware: A heavy-bottomed pot maintains more consistent heat.
• Make extra broth: Dumplings absorb liquid as they sit, so leftovers may need a splash of broth when reheating.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving:

Calories: 465
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 1,120mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the chicken, broth, butter, milk, and serving size used.

FAQs

What makes chicken and dumplings Southern comfort food?

The combination of slow-simmered chicken, savory broth, and homemade dumplings is a traditional style of comfort food throughout the American South. It’s simple, hearty, inexpensive, and designed to feed the whole family.

Should I use chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work well. Chicken breasts are leaner and have a lighter flavor, while chicken thighs are more flavorful and naturally juicy.

How do I keep my dumplings from becoming tough?

Avoid overmixing the dough and don’t add more flour than necessary. Roll the dough gently and cook the dumplings at a gentle simmer.

Why are my dumplings falling apart?

They may be too thin, overworked, or added to a broth that is boiling too aggressively. Make sure the broth is simmering gently and handle the dumplings carefully.

Can I use canned biscuits?

Yes, refrigerated biscuit dough can be used as a shortcut. Cut the biscuits into smaller pieces before adding them to the broth. However, traditional rolled dumplings provide a more classic texture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

The chicken and broth can be prepared in a slow cooker, but traditional dumplings are generally best cooked separately in the finished broth near the end. This gives you better control over their texture.

Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken and broth can be prepared ahead of time. For the best dumpling texture, prepare and cook the dumplings closer to serving time.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate and use within approximately 3 to 4 days.

Why does my leftover broth become so thick?

The dumplings continue absorbing broth as they sit, and their starch also thickens the liquid. Add a little chicken broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.

Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?

You can freeze the chicken and broth, but the dumplings may become softer after thawing. For the best texture, freeze the chicken and broth separately and prepare fresh dumplings when reheating.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate kind of old-fashioned comfort food: simple ingredients, tender chicken, homemade dumplings, and a rich broth that brings everything together.

The recipe is hearty enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for an easy weeknight meal. Rolling your own dumplings takes a little extra time, but it gives the finished dish that unmistakable homemade quality that makes traditional Southern recipes so special.

Serve it with cornbread, green beans, or your favorite simple vegetable, and you’ve got a complete family dinner that feels warm, nostalgic, and satisfying.

With dependable cookware sets, a sturdy Dutch oven, basic kitchenware, and a few essential cooking tools, this classic chicken dinner can become a regular favorite in your home kitchen

Print