Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that perfectly captures the flavors of homemade Southern cooking. This hearty meal features tender shredded chicken and fluffy dumplings in a creamy, flavorful broth, making it the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or nostalgic meals.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Brings the taste of Cracker Barrelโs famous dish right into your kitchen.
- Simple ingredients that deliver rich, homemade flavor.
- Perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
- Easy to customize with additional seasonings or vegetables.
- Satisfying, filling, and a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Milk
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover them with chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken and shred it.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to create a soft dough. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into strips or small squares.
- Cook the Dumplings: Return the chicken broth to a gentle boil and add the dumplings, a few at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer and Combine: Let the dumplings cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and fluffy. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add diced carrots, celery, or peas to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
- Herbs: Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Richer Flavor: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the broth for a creamier texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make the dumplings.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the dumplings from breaking apart.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well. Simply shred it and add it to the broth when combining with dumplings.
2. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, but the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
3. Whatโs the secret to fluffy dumplings?
Be careful not to overmix the dough, and ensure the broth is gently simmering when adding the dumplings.
4. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
5. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or a combination of water and bouillon cubes are good substitutes.
6. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the chicken in the slow cooker, shred it, and then add the dumplings during the last hour of cooking.
7. What type of flour is best for dumplings?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, but you can use self-rising flour for extra fluffiness.
8. Can I add cream to the broth?
Yes, adding cream or half-and-half will give the broth a richer and creamier texture.
9. How do I prevent dumplings from sticking together?
Add the dumplings one at a time and gently stir the broth as you go.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free milk and butter to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern comfort dish thatโs both nostalgic and satisfying. With its tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and flavorful broth, itโs sure to become a family favorite. Whether youโre recreating the restaurant experience or customizing it to your taste, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and savor the taste of homemade goodness!
Print
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Enjoy a homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe combines tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, savory brothโa perfect comfort meal for any day.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 celery stalks, halved
- 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, water, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Discard the celery and onion.
- Make the Dumpling Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Dumplings:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the broth, one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the dumplings are cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the dumplings. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker broth, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the simmering broth before adding the dumplings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
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