Craving a comforting, hearty meal that reminds you of home? This Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a delicious choice that will warm you up from the inside out. With tender dumplings and savory chicken in a flavorful broth, this dish captures the essence of classic comfort food. Follow this easy recipe to make a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked chicken
Directions:
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and mix with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough out thinly, ensuring the surface and rolling pin are well-floured to prevent sticking. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into approximately 2×2-inch squares.
- Prepare the Dumplings for Cooking: Transfer the cut dumplings to a heavily floured plate. Make sure to flour between layers to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring gently as you add them. The excess flour on the dumplings will help thicken the broth.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Cook the dumplings for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy. Add the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Dumplings:
- Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough isn’t too sticky or too dry. It should be slightly tacky but workable.
- Flouring: Don’t skimp on flouring your rolling surface and cutting tools to prevent sticking.
- Boiling Time: Avoid overcooking the dumplings, as they can become too soft. Keep an eye on them and taste-test to ensure they are just right.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. A touch of black pepper or a dash of paprika can also add a little extra flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your chicken and dumplings with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal. A slice of crusty bread or cornbread also pairs wonderfully.
- Portion Control: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good balance of dumplings and chicken.
- Keep Warm: If you’re serving the dish for a gathering, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to ensure it stays at a pleasant temperature throughout the meal.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool to room temperature before transferring to storage containers. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the dish from becoming soggy.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To maintain freshness, make sure the container is sealed tightly.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers you won’t use within a few days, freeze the chicken and dumplings. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the broth has thickened too much, add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be cautious not to overcook the dumplings as they can become mushy. Heat gently and stir occasionally for even warming.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings remain delicious and enjoyable for future meals.
Variations:
- Vegetable Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas to make the dish more hearty and nutritious. Sauté the vegetables in a separate pan and add them to the pot with the dumplings. Alternatively, add them to the broth before cooking the dumplings.
- Frozen Vegetables: For convenience, use frozen mixed vegetables. Add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through but not overcooked.
- Herbed Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the broth as it simmers, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
- Dried Herbs: If using dried herbs, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the broth for a more robust flavor.
- Creamy Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Cream: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half into the broth during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will create a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Cream of Celery Soup: Substitute part of the chicken broth with a can of cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for added creaminess.
- Spicy Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the broth. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or chili pepper for extra spice.
- Spicy Chicken: Use a spicy seasoning blend or marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce before adding it to the dish.
- Gluten-Free Chicken & Dumplings:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with texture.
- Gluten-Free Broth: Ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten or be processed in facilities with gluten.
- Low-Carb Chicken & Dumplings:
- Substitute Noodles: Replace traditional dumplings with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini. Add these substitutes to the pot towards the end of cooking.
- Almond Flour Dumplings: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a low-carb dumpling. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Southwestern Chicken & Dumplings:
- Add Southwestern Flavors: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the broth for a southwestern twist. Add black beans, corn, or diced green chilies for added flavor and texture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the broth at the end of cooking to heat through.
- Can I make this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and dumplings in advance. Cook the dish as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
- Yes, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How do I prevent the dumplings from becoming soggy?
- To avoid soggy dumplings, don’t overcook them. They should be cooked until tender but not mushy. Adding the dumplings in batches and ensuring they’re not overcrowded can also help.
- Can I use a different type of flour for the dumplings?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
- What can I do if the dumplings turn out too dense?
- If the dumplings are too dense, try adding a bit more baking powder to the dough or ensure that you’re not overworking the dough. Also, make sure to roll the dough out to the right thickness.
This Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings recipe brings the comforting flavors of a classic dish right to your kitchen. With its tender, fluffy dumplings and savory chicken in a rich broth, it’s a meal that will please any palate. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the heartwarming taste of homemade comfort food with every delicious bite!