How Many Carbs in Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings? Complete Nutrition Breakdown

Are you craving that comforting bowl of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken and Dumplings but worried about your carb intake? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves this classic comfort food but tries to watch my macros, I decided to do a deep dive into exactly how many carbs are in Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings Let’s break down everything you need to know about this popular menu item.

The Quick Answer: Carbs in Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

For those of you who just want the straight facts without the extra details here’s what you need to know

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings contains between 52-55 grams of total carbohydrates per order

But there’s more to the story than just that number. The nutrition information varies slightly depending on the source, and understanding the complete nutritional profile can help you make better dietary decisions.

Complete Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s look at the full nutritional profile of Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings according to multiple reliable sources:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
**Note: There’s a significant discrepancy in sodium content between sources

Net Carbs in Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you might be more concerned with net carbs rather than total carbs. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbs.

Net Carbs = Total Carbs – Dietary Fiber

For Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings:

• Total Carbs: 52-55g
• Dietary Fiber: 6-7g
• Net Carbs: 46-48g per order

Are Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings High in Carbs?

With 52-55 grams of carbs per order, Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings would be considered moderately high in carbohydrates. This represents about 17-18% of the recommended daily carbohydrate intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

For context:

• Low-carb diets typically aim for 50-100g of carbs per day
• Keto diets usually restrict carbs to 20-50g per day
• Standard dietary guidelines suggest 225-325g of carbs daily for a 2,000-calorie diet

So yeah, one order of Chicken and Dumplings could potentially use up your entire day’s carb allowance on a keto diet or about half your daily carbs on a low-carb diet.

Carbohydrate Breakdown and Quality

The carbohydrates in Chicken and Dumplings come primarily from the flour in the dumplings. These are mostly refined carbohydrates, which means they:

• Are digested quickly
• Can cause blood sugar spikes
• Don’t provide as much nutritional value as whole grains

However, it’s worth noting that the dish does contain 6-7g of dietary fiber, which is about 24-25% of your recommended daily intake. Fiber helps slow digestion and can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Calorie Distribution in Chicken and Dumplings

Understanding where the calories in this dish come from can be helpful:

• Protein: 36-40% (148-160 calories)
• Carbohydrates: 46-49% (208-220 calories)
• Fat: 14-18% (81 calories)

This makes Chicken and Dumplings a protein-rich dish with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and relatively low fat content.

How Much Exercise to Burn Off Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings?

If you’re concerned about the calories in this dish, here’s how long it would take to burn off the 450 calories in an order of Chicken and Dumplings:

• Walking (at 17 min/mile): 82-125 minutes
• Running (at 10 min/mile): 37-39 minutes
• Swimming: 38 minutes
• Jogging: 52 minutes
• Cycling (at 18 mph): 30-69 minutes
• Running stairs: 24 minutes
• Weight training: 67 minutes

Is Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Healthy?

According to customer ratings on FastFoodNutrition.org, 88% of voters consider Chicken and Dumplings to be a healthy option from Cracker Barrel. And 100% of voters think it tastes good!

From a nutritional standpoint, there are pros and cons:

Pros:

• High in protein (37-40g)
• Low in sugar (only 1-2g)
• Good source of dietary fiber (6-7g)
• Relatively low in fat (9g)

Cons:

• Moderately high in carbs (52-55g)
• Potentially high in sodium (varies by source)
• Contains refined carbohydrates

Weight Watchers Points

For those following Weight Watchers:

• 11 SmartPoints
• 11 PointsPlus
• 11 Freestyle points

How to Fit Chicken and Dumplings into a Low-Carb Diet

If you’re watching your carbs but still want to enjoy this comfort food classic, here are some tips:

1. Share an order – Split it with a friend to halve your carb intake
2. Make it a rare treat – Save it for special occasions
3. Plan your day – Reduce carbs in your other meals that day
4. Order a side of veggies – Add some low-carb vegetables instead of another carb-heavy side
5. Try a homemade version – Make a lower-carb version at home using almond flour or cauliflower

Comparing to Other Cracker Barrel Menu Items

How does Chicken and Dumplings compare to other popular Cracker Barrel items?

My Personal Experience with Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

I’ve always loved Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings – it reminds me of my grandma’s cooking! When I started watching my carbs more carefully, I was a bit disappointed to learn that one order contains around 52-55g of carbs. That’s a lot for someone trying to stay under 100g per day!

Now when I go to Cracker Barrel, I either share an order with my husband or I plan my day around it. Sometimes I’ll have a very low-carb breakfast and lunch so I can enjoy my Chicken and Dumplings for dinner without guilt. It’s all about balance, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat Chicken and Dumplings on a keto diet?

It would be challenging to fit a full order into a strict keto diet that limits carbs to 20-30g per day, as one order contains 46-48g of net carbs. You might be able to have a very small portion if you have no other carbs that day.

How many calories are in Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings?

An order of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings contains 450 calories.

Is Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings good for weight loss?

It could be incorporated into a weight loss plan due to its high protein content and moderate calorie count, but the carb content might make it challenging for some diets. Portion control is key.

What are the main ingredients in Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings?

While Cracker Barrel doesn’t publish their exact recipe, traditional chicken and dumplings typically contains:

• Chicken
• Flour (for the dumplings)
• Broth
• Vegetables (usually celery, onions, carrots)
• Seasonings

Does Cracker Barrel offer any low-carb alternatives to Chicken and Dumplings?

Yes, Cracker Barrel offers several lower-carb options such as:

• Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
• Country Green Beans
• Various salads (ask for dressing on the side)

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings contains approximately 52-55 grams of total carbohydrates and 46-48 grams of net carbs per order. While it’s relatively high in carbs, it’s also high in protein and offers a good amount of dietary fiber.

If you’re on a low-carb diet, this dish might be challenging to fit into your daily macros. However, if you’re following a moderate or balanced diet, Chicken and Dumplings can certainly be enjoyed as part of your meal plan, especially considering its high protein content and relatively low fat.

At the end of the day, no single food is “good” or “bad” – it’s all about how it fits into your overall dietary pattern. So if Chicken and Dumplings is one of your favorites, there are ways to enjoy it while still maintaining your nutritional goals.

What’s your experience with Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings? Have you found ways to fit it into your diet? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!