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Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Soup

If you've ever stopped at Cracker Barrel on a road trip and fallen in love with their chicken and dumplings, this recipe is for you! It's pure comfort in a bowl with tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a creamy broth that'll warm you right up. I love making a big pot of this on Sunday afternoons—it fills the house with the most amazing smell and gives us leftovers for busy weeknights!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Soup:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, cooking for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  2. Sprinkle ⅓ cup flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, make the dumplings by whisking together 2 cups flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter just until combined (don't overmix).
  6. Drop dumpling batter by rounded tablespoons into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Gently stir in the cooked chicken and heavy cream. Heat through for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with extra black pepper if desired.