Description
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings is a cozy, old-fashioned comfort food made with tender shredded chicken, homemade dumplings, and a rich savory broth. This simple recipe brings the comforting flavors of a classic Southern-style meal right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 ribs celery, broken in half
- ½ medium onion, left in a chunk
- 1 lb chicken breasts, halved
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts to a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and completely cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, celery, and onion from the broth.
- Discard the celery and onion, then shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to an even thickness.
- Cut the dough into small strips or squares.
- Bring the chicken broth back to a gentle boil.
- Add the dumplings a few at a time, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cook the dumplings until tender and the broth has thickened.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot in bowls with plenty of broth and dumplings in each serving.
- Pair it with green beans, roasted vegetables, a simple side salad, or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days.
- The dumplings will absorb some of the broth as they sit, so add a little chicken broth when reheating if needed.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing is possible, but the dumplings may become softer after thawing. For the best texture, freeze the chicken and broth separately when possible.