Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins (Price & Review)
Quick answer: Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplins (~$10.19) is their all-time best seller — tender chicken with flat, slippery dumplings in savory broth. It’s the dish they’re famous for, it’s comfort food at its absolute best, and yes, it’s worth every penny.
Let me be straight with you: if you only ever order one thing at Cracker Barrel, make it this. Cracker barrel chicken and dumplins isn’t just a menu item — it’s the reason half the people walk through the door. I’m Capri, I’ve eaten it more times than I can count, and I’m going to tell you exactly what it is, what it tastes like, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What Is Chicken and Dumplins?
Forget everything you know about round, fluffy biscuit-style dumplings. Cracker Barrel does it the old Southern way: flat dumplings — thin strips of dough, rolled out and cut into wide noodles, then simmered directly in the chicken broth until they’re tender and slippery.
The dish is deceptively simple: slow-cooked chicken (shredded, generous portions), those flat dumplings, and a savory broth that’s been simmering long enough to develop real depth. No heavy cream sauce, no gimmicks. Just chicken, dough, broth, and time.
It comes as a full entrée with your choice of two country sides plus buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. At ~$10.19, it’s one of the best values on the entire lunch and dinner menu.
Honest Taste Review
Okay, here’s my real take. The first spoonful is always the same experience: the broth hits first — rich, peppery, deeply chicken-y. Then the dumpling, which is soft but not mushy, with just enough chew to remind you it’s handmade. The chicken is tender without being dry, and there’s plenty of it.
What makes it special isn’t any single ingredient — it’s the restraint. This isn’t a dish trying to impress you with truffle oil or fusion twists. It’s your grandmother’s cooking, if your grandmother was really good at making dough from scratch.
The one criticism I’ll offer: it can be a touch salty, especially if you get an end-of-batch serving where the broth has reduced down. If you’re sensitive to salt, the grilled chicken tenders might be a safer pick. But for most people, most of the time, this dish is exactly right.
My rating: 9/10. The missing point is only because nothing’s perfect. This is as close as chain-restaurant comfort food gets.
Price & Value: Is It Worth It?
| What You Get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$10.19 (varies by location) |
| Includes | Chicken n’ dumplins + 2 country sides + biscuits or corn muffins |
| Portion | Generous — most people don’t finish it |
| Per-person value | Excellent — a full meal under $11 |
At ~$10.19 for a full entrée with sides and bread, this is genuinely hard to beat. You’re getting a slow-cooked, from-scratch dish for fast-food-combo money. The value proposition is absurd, and I mean that as a compliment.
What Sides Go Best With It?
You get two country sides. Since the main dish is already rich and brothy, I like to balance it:
- Country green beans — the acidity cuts through the richness
- Fried apples — sweet contrast that works surprisingly well
- Mashed potatoes — if you want to go full comfort mode, no regrets
- Cole slaw — cold crunch against the hot, soft dumplings
Avoid doubling up on starch — the dumplings are already doing that job. Pick at least one vegetable. Your future self will thank you.
Can You Make It at Home? (Copycat Teaser)
People ask me for the copycat recipe constantly. The honest truth: you can get close at home, but the flat dumplings take practice. The dough needs to be rolled thin — thinner than you think — and the broth needs hours, not minutes.
I’m working on a full copycat chicken and dumplins recipe with step-by-step photos. The key secrets: use chicken thighs (not breast) for the broth, roll the dumpling dough to about 1/8 inch, and don’t stir once the dumplings go in — just nudge them gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Chicken and Dumplins at Cracker Barrel?
Approximately $10.19, though prices vary by location. It includes two country sides plus biscuits or corn muffins.
What are Cracker Barrel dumplings made of?
Flat dumplings made from a simple flour-and-broth dough, rolled thin, cut into strips, and simmered in the chicken broth. They’re different from fluffy biscuit dumplings — these are more like thick, tender noodles.
Is Chicken and Dumplins available all day?
It’s on the lunch and dinner menu, available from 11 AM to close daily. It’s not served during breakfast-only hours (before 11 AM).
How many calories are in Chicken and Dumplins?
Cracker Barrel doesn’t publish an exact calorie count for this dish. Given the portion size and ingredients, it’s a hearty meal — I’d estimate it generously. Check my nutrition guide for the full breakdown of lighter options.
Is it gluten-free?
No — the dumplings are wheat-based. For gluten-free options, see the grilled meats and naturally gluten-free sides in my gluten-free guide.
Can I get it to-go?
Yes, and it reheats well. Order online for pickup. It’s also available as part of the family meal bundles if you’re feeding a crowd.
Final Word
Cracker barrel chicken and dumplins is the dish that built this chain’s reputation, and it earns it. At ~$10.19, it’s the best value on the menu and the most satisfying thing you can order. If you’ve never had it, fix that this week. If you have had it, you already know — and you’re probably craving it right now.