Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles Recipe is a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort—the exact dish I crave when I want something simple, savory, and undeniably satisfying. A perfect combo of thick, chewy homestyle noodles, tender chunks of chicken, and a rich, buttery broth that clings to every forkful, it is a timeless classic that feels like a warm hug. Ideally the noodles should be the frozen “homestyle” variety found in the freezer aisle to ensure they have that signature hearty, dumpling-like texture that dried pasta simply cannot replicate.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups (2L) rich chicken broth
• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen homestyle egg noodles (such as Reames brand)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles Recipe

1. Simmer the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Shred the Meat: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth back up to a rolling boil. Add the frozen egg noodles. Boil uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes (or according to package directions), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The starch from the noodles will help thicken the broth naturally.
4. Thicken the Base: Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and the cubed butter. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the broth transforms into a silky, opaque sauce.
5. Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Let the noodles and chicken simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Taste and add more pepper if needed (Cracker Barrel’s version is notably peppery). Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Frozen over Dried: While you can use dried wide egg noodles, the texture will be completely different. Frozen noodles cook up thick and chewy, mimicking the hand-rolled texture of the restaurant version perfectly.
• Don’t Drain: Never drain the water after boiling the noodles. The pasta water becomes the base of your sauce, enriched with starch that gives the dish its body.
• Butter is Flavor: The half-cup of butter might seem like a lot, but it is essential for that rich, velvety mouthfeel that distinguishes restaurant noodles from home soup.
• Broth Level: If you prefer a “soupier” dish, add an extra 2 cups of broth at the beginning. If you prefer it more like a pasta side dish (as served at Cracker Barrel), stick to the 8 cups, which will reduce down to a thick gravy.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles

Chicken noodle accompaniments are hearty, rustic additions frequently served to turn this heavy side into a complete Southern meal. Ideally the biscuits should be split open and toasted on the griddle to provide a crisp, buttery vehicle for soaking up the savory noodle gravy.

• Griddled buttermilk biscuits with apple butter
• A side of Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (oven or fried)
• Creamy coleslaw or stewed apples
• Roast beef or country-fried steak

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The noodles will soak up almost all the remaining broth overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the noodles, which will have solidified into a block in the fridge.
• Freeze: This recipe freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months. The texture of frozen noodles holds up better than dried pasta, though they may be slightly softer upon reheating.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodles Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

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