There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. This hearty dish features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings cooked in a flavorful broth, offering that perfect blend of homestyle warmth. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re craving some Southern comfort food. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 ribs of celery, broken in half
- ½ medium onion, kept whole as a chunk
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions: How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
1. Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth, celery, and onion to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the broth and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the celery and onion. Set aside both the chicken and broth.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If needed, add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky or more milk if it’s too dry.
3. Roll and Cut the Dumplings
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dumpling dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1×2 inch strips. These strips will expand slightly as they cook, so don’t make them too large.
4. Cook the Dumplings
- Bring the reserved chicken broth back to a simmer. Drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth, a few at a time to avoid sticking. Stir gently to prevent them from clumping together.
- Cover the pot and simmer the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and tender.
5. Add the Chicken
- Once the dumplings are fully cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir gently to combine, letting the chicken heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season and Serve
- Taste the chicken and dumplings, and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Cook’s Notes and Tips for Success
- Broth: For extra flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth or add a chicken bouillon cube to enhance the flavor of store-bought broth.
- Dumplings: Be careful not to overwork the dumpling dough, as this can make the dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Thickness of Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the broth during the final simmer.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Chicken and Dumplings
Vegetable Additions
For a heartier dish, feel free to add vegetables like:
- Carrots: Dice and simmer with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Peas: Stir in frozen peas at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Herbed Dumplings
Add a tablespoon of fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, or sage to the dumpling dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For a creamier version of this dish, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking for a rich and velvety texture.
Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and adjust the liquid as needed to ensure the right dough consistency for your dumplings.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Dumplings
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Q2: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, chicken and dumplings freeze well! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Q3: What sides go well with Chicken and Dumplings?
This dish is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or a fresh saladfor a complete meal.
Q4: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! If you want to save time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the broth once the dumplings are done cooking.
A Southern Comfort Classic in Your Kitchen
This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings the classic, comforting flavors of homestyle cooking right to your table. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner at home or as a hearty dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!
