There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, and Cracker Barrel’s version is a beloved classic. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this comforting dish at home, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings from scratch. Get ready to savor the flavors of home-cooked goodness.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are a timeless favorite, and this homemade version will be cherished by:
- Comfort Food Enthusiasts: If you find solace in the warm embrace of comfort food, this recipe is tailor-made for you.
- Family Cooks: If you enjoy preparing hearty meals that bring the family together, this dish will be a hit.
- Southern Food Lovers: If you have a soft spot for Southern cuisine and its rich, hearty flavors, you’ll adore this recipe.
- Anyone Seeking Nostalgia: Cracker Barrel fans and anyone looking to recreate the restaurant’s beloved dish will appreciate this recipe.
What Makes It Special?
Our Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe stand out due to its:
- Homemade Goodness: This recipe allows you to create the dish from scratch, ensuring that every element, from the chicken to the dumplings, is made with care.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft dumplings makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll need basic ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen, making it accessible to all home cooks.
- Heartwarming Appeal: This dish evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hug in a bowl.
Tips for a Homestyle Dish
Here are some tips to ensure your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings turn out just like a comforting Southern meal:
- Chicken Choice: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
- Dumpling Consistency: The dumpling dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Adjust the flour or milk as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Heavily Flouring: Don’t be shy about flouring your work surface and the dumplings themselves. It helps prevent sticking and ensures a proper dumpling texture.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences. You can also add other seasonings like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Broth:
- 2 quarts of chicken broth
- 3 cups of cooked chicken (you can use pre-cooked or cook it yourself)
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- A pinch of salt
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
Add the pieces of butter to the dry ingredients. You can use a fork or a pastry blender to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually stir in the milk and continue mixing until the dough forms a ball.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dumplings
On a heavily floured work surface, roll out the dumpling dough. You can use a rolling pin or any kitchen tool that suits you.
Use a pizza cutter or a small spatula to cut the dumplings into your desired shape. Cracker Barrel-style dumplings are typically squares or rectangles, but you can get creative.
A small spatula comes in handy for lifting the dumplings off the cutting surface.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth and be sure to keep some extra flour on them.
Cook the dumplings in the broth for about 20 minutes, or until they become tender.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Season
Once the dumplings are cooked, add the cooked chicken to the pot. You can use pre-cooked chicken or cook it separately while the dumplings are simmering.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are ready to be served. Ladle them into bowls, and savor the heartwarming flavors.