Craving the comforting taste of a Southern classic? This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness right to your kitchen. With tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re reminiscing about family dinners or simply need a hearty meal, this recipe will satisfy every craving. Best of all, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor, ensuring it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep forever.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 ribs of celery, broken in half
- 1/2 medium onion (keep it as a chunk of onion)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in half
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth:
In a stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. - Make the Dumplings:
While the chicken is cooking, start preparing the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips or squares, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. - Cook the Dumplings:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery and onion pieces from the broth. Add the dough strips to the simmering broth. Let the dumplings cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will thicken, creating a rich, gravy-like consistency. - Finish the Dish:
While the dumplings are cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the dumplings and broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well-combined and heated through, serve the chicken and dumplings warm. Enjoy the savory, comforting flavors of this Southern classic!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of your chicken and dumplings for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Serve this dish alongside classic Southern sides like green beans, cornbread, or a crisp garden salad to create a well-rounded meal.
- Customize the Dish: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can also add vegetables like peas or carrots to make it even heartier.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken in the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and dumplings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth as needed to restore the consistency.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe to the fullest, whether you’re savoring it fresh out of the pot or enjoying leftovers later in the week.
Variations:
1. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For an extra rich and creamy version, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This adds a luxurious texture and depth of flavor, making the dish even more comforting.
2. Vegetable-Packed Chicken and Dumplings
Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables to the dish. You can include diced carrots, peas, corn, or green beans. Simply add these veggies to the broth during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking the chicken, so they become tender but not overcooked.
3. Herb-Infused Dumplings
Enhance the flavor of your dumplings by mixing fresh or dried herbs into the dough. Chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives work particularly well. This adds a fresh, aromatic twist to the traditional recipe.
4. Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings
For a cheesy variation, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dumpling dough before cutting it into strips. The cheese will melt into the dumplings as they cook, adding a savory richness to each bite.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumpling dough with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The result is a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
6. Spicy Chicken and Dumplings
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth while it’s simmering. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the dumpling dough or sprinkle it over the finished dish for an extra kick.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
For a hands-off approach, prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Cook the chicken, broth, celery, and onion on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it, and add the dumpling dough pieces to the slow cooker. Return the chicken to the pot, and let everything cook until the dumplings are tender.
FAQs:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Thighs have a richer flavor and can add a bit more depth to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
2. How do I prevent my dumplings from being too dense?
To keep your dumplings light and fluffy, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to form a shaggy dough. Also, be gentle when rolling and cutting the dough to avoid compressing it.
3. Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough a few hours ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just make sure to roll it out and cut it fresh before adding to the broth.
4. What can I use if I don’t have a pizza cutter for the dumplings?
If you don’t have a pizza cutter, you can use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into strips or squares. A cookie cutter or even kitchen scissors can also work for shaping the dumplings.
5. How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings are done when they are no longer doughy in the center. They should be firm and fluffy throughout. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes of simmering, depending on their size.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk in the dumpling dough. Just ensure the milk substitute you choose doesn’t have a strong flavor that will overpower the dish.
7. What’s the best way to reheat chicken and dumplings?
Reheat chicken and dumplings on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
8. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, chicken and dumplings freeze well. Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
9. How can I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?
If your broth isn’t thickening to your liking, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering broth and dumplings to thicken the sauce.
10. What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
Chicken and dumplings are a hearty meal on their own, but you can serve them with side dishes like green beans, cornbread, or a simple salad to round out the meal. For a Southern twist, consider serving with collard greens or mashed potatoes.
This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or indulging in a bit of comfort food nostalgia, this dish is sure to impress. The tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and rich, savory broth create a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Make this recipe a staple in your kitchen, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—it’s too good to keep to yourself!