Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

This Cracker Barrel-inspired recipe brings the essence of Southern comfort food right into your kitchen. Tender chicken, fluffy homemade dumplings, and a rich, flavorful broth create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings. With simple ingredients and a bit of care, you can recreate the hearty, wholesome flavors that make this classic dish a true favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Dumplings Recipe:

Comfort in a Bowl: Every bite of tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and flavorful broth is pure comfort food at its finest.
Easy to Follow: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple steps to achieve that Cracker Barrel taste at home.
Hearty and Satisfying: With a rich broth, tender chicken, and soft dumplings, this dish is incredibly filling and perfect for family meals.
Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like flour, milk, and chicken broth, this recipe provides a large, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth will make a big difference here, as it forms the base of the dish’s flavor. Homemade or low-sodium broth is ideal to control saltiness.
Celery and Onion: These add depth to the broth and subtly enhance the overall flavor. You can add more vegetables if desired, like carrots, for a slight sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the dumplings, and combining it with baking powder provides the perfect rise and texture.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the dumplings become soft and tender without being overly dense.
Milk: The milk in the dumpling dough adds moisture and richness, making the dumplings soft and delicious.
Butter (Optional): Stirring in a bit of butter at the end creates a rich, velvety broth that elevates the dish.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth

Simmer the Broth: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth, celery, and onion to a simmer over medium heat. This will infuse the broth with extra flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot, allowing it to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.

2. Prepare the Dumplings

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring well to ensure even distribution.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Adjust with a little more flour or milk if needed to achieve a soft but non-sticky consistency.

3. Cook the Dumplings

Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough onto a floured surface and roll it to about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles, about 1-2 inches in size.
Simmer the Dumplings: Bring the pot of broth back to a gentle simmer. Add the dumplings one by one, stirring to prevent them from sticking. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dumplings are soft and tender.

4. Finish the Dish

Add Shredded Chicken: Once the dumplings are cooked, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and let it heat through.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the broth and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness.

5. Garnish and Serve

Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken and Dumplings is a filling dish on its own, but here are a few ways to round out the meal:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty bread like a baguette or dinner rolls to soak up the broth.
Side Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the warmth and heartiness of the chicken and dumplings.
Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe is great for leftovers, and the flavors tend to meld even more as it sits.

Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the dumplings may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a little broth or water if the mixture has thickened too much during storage.

Recipe Variations:

Herbed Dumplings: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary directly into the dumpling dough for an extra burst of flavor.
Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or milk to the broth in Step 4 for a creamier texture.
Add Vegetables: Include diced carrots, peas, or even mushrooms to the broth for additional texture and nutrients.
Spicy Chicken and Dumplings: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the broth if you enjoy a little kick.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts for an even quicker option.

Conclusion:

Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a nostalgic, comforting meal that brings together the best of homemade cooking with minimal fuss. The rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings are a timeless combination that satisfies every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of traditional Chicken and Dumplings—it’s sure to become a family favorite!