Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern comfort dish that brings together tender cooked chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe replicates the restaurant favorite, with homemade dumplings that soak up the delicious chicken broth. It’s a hearty meal perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a fork or pastry knife, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk and mix with the fork until the dough forms a sticky ball.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Generously flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it.
- Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into roughly 2-inch squares. Don’t worry if the squares aren’t perfect—rustic is just fine!
- Use a floured spatula to lift the dumpling squares onto a floured plate, ensuring you dust each layer with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- While preparing the dumplings, bring 2 quarts of chicken stock to a boil in a large pot.
- Once boiling, carefully drop the dumplings into the broth one at a time, stirring gently as you add them.
- Cook the dumplings for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender and no longer taste doughy.
- Add the Chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken to the pot with the dumplings and allow it to heat through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Dumplings
- Flour Your Dumplings Well: Adding extra flour to the dumpling dough before cooking helps thicken the broth, giving it that rich, creamy texture.
- Cooking Time: Be sure to cook the dumplings until they no longer taste doughy. If the dumplings are too thick, they may require a little extra cooking time.
- Stock Options: For even more flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock or add a splash of heavy cream to the broth for a creamier version.
- Leftovers: Chicken and dumplings make great leftovers! Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.
This Cracker Barrel-inspired dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a special family meal. Enjoy the soft dumplings and tender chicken in a rich broth for a taste of home!
Leave a Reply