Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken 'n Dumplings

4.2
(57)
51 Reviews
14 Photos

My Grandma grew up on a farm and this was her recipe - no shortcuts but still pretty easy. For best results you must use a whole chicken and flour. You can also use some chicken stock for added flavor. The trick is the lemon, which makes the chicken tender and adds flavor to the soup. Leftovers won't last very long with this.

Submitted by jadedgurl
Updated on July 13, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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a close up, overhead view on a bowl of chicken and dumplings
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
6
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken

  • 1 pinch salt

  • water to cover

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 2 stalks celery, sliced

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, sliced, or more to taste

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Place chicken and 1 pinch salt in a large pot; cover with water. Bring to a boil, skimming any scum off the surface with a slotted spoon. Add lemon, celery, onion, and carrots. Simmer broth over medium heat until chicken starts to fall off the bone, about 1 hour.

    a whole chicken with carrots, onions, celery, and a squeezed lemon are in a stock pot and covered with water.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Discard lemon. Remove chicken from the pot; let cool.

  3. Place flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Ladle in 2 to 3 scoops of hot broth. Mix in flour with a spoon until dough comes together into a ball.

    a close up overhead view of dumpling dough coming together in a metal mixing bowl.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead carefully until smooth. Roll out into a large rectangle; cut into small rectangular dumplings.

    a top down view of dumpling dough rolled out on a wooden cutting board being cut into small rectangles.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Drop dumplings one at a time into the simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 30 minutes.

    a top down view of a few dumplings being added to simmering chicken broth.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Bone chicken and chop into pieces. Add to the pot; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

    a close up, overhead view on a bowl of chicken and dumplings

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

Substitute a handful of baby carrots for the carrots if desired.

This is a great base for chicken soup too — just use noodles instead of making dumplings. Cook the noodles right in the soup for added flavor and add some peas!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

384 Calories
15g Fat
35g Carbs
26g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 384
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 62mg 21%
Sodium 128mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 26g 51%
Vitamin C 16mg 17%
Calcium 43mg 3%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 267mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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