Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Easy Crack Chicken Recipe A Perfect Comfort Food

Ever wondered how to recreate that irresistible, homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken and dumplings in your own kitchen? This crack chicken recipe brings all the comfort and flavor right to your family table, with a few special tweaks that make it even better than the restaurant version.

Our cream cheese chicken crock pot variation adds a rich, creamy dimension that elevates this classic dish to new heights. Let’s dive into this soul-warming recipe that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients List

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low (slow cooker) or 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours and 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Mix cream cheese, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl. Pour over chicken. Add ranch seasoning and stir gently to combine.

Step 2: Start the Cooking Process

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl
2. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
3. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms
4. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness
5. Cut into 1-inch strips

Step 4: Add Dumplings

Drop dumpling strips into the simmering chicken mixture. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until dumplings are tender and cooked through.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 cup):
Calories: 425
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 890mg
Serving Size: 8 portions

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this crack chicken recipe into a lighter version with these modifications:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese
• Substitute whole wheat flour for regular flour in dumplings
• Use low-sodium chicken broth
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your crack chicken recipe with these perfect pairings:

• Fresh green salad with light vinaigrette
• Steamed seasonal vegetables
• Crusty artisan bread
• Roasted root vegetables

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker
• Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking
• Don’t make dumplings too thick
• Don’t skip shredding the chicken
• Avoid overworking the dumpling dough

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep dumplings separate from the chicken mixture when storing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

This homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your kitchen. With our crack chicken recipe, you’ll master this classic dish in no time.

Ready to start cooking? Share your results with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy family dinner!

Crack Chicken

This easy crack chicken recipe combines cream cheese, chicken broth, and dumplings for a comforting, homestyle meal inspired by restaurant favorites.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 425

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 blocks cream cheese, softened 16 oz total
• 2 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium for a lighter version
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup Can replace with homemade white sauce for a healthier option
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

For the Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Mix cream cheese, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken and add ranch seasoning. Stir gently to combine.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Prepare the Dumplings

1. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in milk until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into 1-inch strips.

Add Dumplings

1. Drop dumpling strips into the simmering chicken mixture.
2. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until dumplings are tender.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep dumplings separate from the chicken mixture when storing.