This classic comfort dish recreates the homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken and Dumplings. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth thickened to perfection, this recipe is a nostalgic treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Homemade Flavor: Captures the rich and hearty taste of the original dish.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm and filling, perfect for cozy dinners.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust seasonings or add vegetables for a personal touch.
Ingredients:
• 6 cups high-quality chicken broth
• 2 celery ribs, halved
• 1/2 medium onion, cut into a large chunk
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough
• While the chicken cooks, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add the milk and stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Dumplings
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut the dough into rectangular pieces, about 1–2 inches in size, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
4. Cook the Dumplings
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery and onion from the broth.
• Add the dumpling pieces to the simmering broth, stirring occasionally. Cook for 20–30 minutes, allowing the dumplings to cook through and the broth to thicken into a gravy-like consistency.
5. Shred and Add the Chicken
• Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Season and Serve
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
• Dumpling Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Broth Flavor: Use homemade or high-quality broth for the best taste.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots or peas for added texture and color.
Storage Options:
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe is a timeless dish that brings the warmth of Southern cooking to your table.
