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Homemade Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel Copycat) – A Cozy OMAD Meal

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Homemade Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel Copycat) – A Cozy OMAD Meal

There’s something about a warm, homemade meal that just feels like a hug from the inside out. And when you’re practicing intermittent fasting—especially OMAD (One Meal a Day)—you want that meal to be both satisfying and delicious. That’s exactly why I love making this Cracker Barrel-style Chicken & Dumplings on a chilly day.

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I’ve adapted this recipe over time to fit my life, making a rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and plenty of dumplings. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for breaking your fast with a meal that feels special. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that makes the whole house smell amazing while it simmers.

If you love the idea of a homemade meal that truly satisfies after a day of fasting, you’ll want to try this! You can also watch me make it step-by-step in this video: Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for OMAD

One of the best parts of OMAD is getting to enjoy real, homemade food without restriction. No counting calories, no stressing over ingredients—just eating delicious food that makes you feel good.

This meal is:
✔ Filling – The homemade dumplings and rich broth make it super satisfying.
✔ Comforting – Perfect for those cold days when you want something cozy.
✔ Balanced – Protein-packed chicken, hearty dumplings, and a flavorful broth.
✔ Easy to Customize – Pair it with green beans, biscuits, or even my favorite mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.

After a day of fasting, this meal truly feels like a reward.

Homemade Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Broth:

  • 12 cups water
  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 5 celery stalks, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 3 bay leaves

For the Gravy:

  • 12 cups strained chicken broth (from above)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Dumplings:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp baking powder
  • 2 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)

Instructions

1. Make the Chicken Broth

  1. In a large Dutch oven, bring 12 cups of water to a boil.
  2. Add chopped celery, garlic, onion, dried parsley, bay leaves, and chicken breasts.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 4 hours.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside to cool. Strain the broth, discarding the vegetables.

2. Prepare the Gravy Base

  1. Return 12 cups of strained chicken broth to the pot and set to low simmer.
  2. Stir in lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add milk, stirring to form a soft dough.
  3. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

4. Roll and Cut the Dumplings

  1. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
  2. Use a knife or pastry wheel to cut into small rectangles.

5. Cook the Dumplings

  1. Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth one at a time.
  2. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the Chicken

  1. While the dumplings cook, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Stir the chicken into the pot and simmer for another 20 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Serve hot, optionally with green beans, rolls, biscuits, cornbread, or even mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal!

The Joy of OMAD and a Comforting Meal

There’s something so satisfying about a warm, homemade meal after a day of fasting. OMAD isn’t about restriction—it’s about enjoying food without stress. Meals like this remind me that I don’t have to miss out on comfort foods just because I eat once a day.

The best part? This recipe makes plenty of leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day (or share it with your family!). And if you want to see exactly how I make it, don’t forget to check out the full Chicken & Dumplings recipe video here.

I hope you love this meal as much as I do. Let me know if you try it! And remember—fasting should be joyful, and so should the food you break your fast with.  Feel free to follow and search my pinterest page to find side I love to make with this, such as biscuits!

Cheers to a joyful fast, joyful life! 🥂