Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially on a chilly evening or during a rainy day. This dish has a way of wrapping you up in nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. A classic Southern favorite, its hearty nature makes it a beloved cornerstone of comfort food. Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings come packed with flavor and a delightful consistency that warms the heart and fills the stomach.
Why Make This Recipe
Stepping into the kitchen to prepare homemade chicken and dumplings connects you to generations of home cooks. There’s a certain magic that happens when you combine fresh ingredients with love and care. This recipe not only delivers a taste reminiscent of dining at your favorite restaurant but also offers an opportunity to create a cherished experience for your family.
Making this dish from scratch allows you to control the quality of your ingredients, ensuring a hearty meal without any preservatives or artificial flavors. The satisfaction derived from crafting this classic dish with your own hands is one to cherish. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of chicken simmering in broth, mingling with the scent of fresh dumplings cooking away. It draws everyone to the kitchen and promises a delightful meal is on the way.
How to Make Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Creating your own chicken and dumplings may seem daunting, but it is a straightforward process. With a few simple steps, you can recreate that beloved taste in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces
- ½ medium onion (keep intact as a large piece)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Begin your cooking journey by placing a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove. Pour in the chicken broth and add the broken celery, intact onion, and halved chicken breasts. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once it reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
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While the chicken is cooking, turn your attention to the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Slowly stir in the milk, mixing gently until the dough forms into a shaggy ball.
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Lightly dust your counter with flour. Place the dumpling dough on the counter and roll it out to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, slice the dough into strips or squares, roughly 1 to 2 inches wide.
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Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the broth and set it aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery pieces and onion from the broth, as they have served their purpose.
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Carefully drop the dough strips into the simmering broth. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. Allow the dumplings to cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally as they simmer, watching as they puff up and the broth thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
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As the dumplings cook away, take the opportunity to shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once you’re done, return the chicken back to the pot, mixing gently to combine everything.
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Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your homemade chicken and dumplings warm, and enjoy the comforting embrace of this dish.
How to Serve Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Serving this dish is as simple as it is delightful. Ladle generous portions into deep bowls, ensuring each serving is filled with a hearty helping of both chicken and dumplings. The gravy-like broth should elevate the entire meal, making it visually appealing and mouthwatering.
To garnish, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Pair it with some warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it with family around the dinner table, reminding each other of the warmth and comfort only food can bring.
How to Store Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
If you have leftovers (which can be a bit rare with such a delicious dish), storing them is essential. Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating is best done on the stovetop. Gently heat them in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or milk if you find the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid.
Tips to Make Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Homemade broth can elevate your dish even more, so consider making it from scratch if you have the time.
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Don’t Rush the Dumplings: The key to fluffy dumplings lies in not overworking the dough. Mix until just combined to achieve a light texture.
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Keep the Soup Simulation in Mind: If you prefer a thicker stew-like broth, allow it to simmer longer. You could also add a cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding vegetables like carrots or peas towards the end of cooking. This will provide additional flavors and nutrition.
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Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the dumplings may become too soft when stored. If you anticipate leftovers, consider keeping the broth and dumplings separate until ready to serve.
Variations
While the classic version is always a hit, feel free to explore variations to tailor the dish to your tastes.
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Herb Infused: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth for a fragrant touch.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead. The dumplings will remain a delightful treat.
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Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can give your dish a delightful kick.
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Dumpling Alternatives: Instead of traditional dumplings, explore biscuit-style toppings or even drop-style dumplings for variety.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Make sure to extend the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked. -
What if my dumplings are too dense?
Dense dumplings usually result from overworking the dough. Make sure to mix just until combined and avoid rolling them out too thin. -
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, but it’s best to store the dumplings separately if you anticipate leftovers. They tend to absorb liquid and can become mushy when reheated.
Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is a warm hug of a meal. It embodies comfort and nostalgia, perfect for nurturing both the body and the soul. By following this straightforward recipe, you too can create a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings smiles and cherished moments at the dinner table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your family, and enjoy creating your own family memories with this timeless dish.
Print
Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings, reminiscent of classic Southern cuisine, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces
- ½ medium onion (keep intact)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until a shaggy dough forms.
- Dust counter with flour, roll out dumpling dough to ¼ inch thick, and cut into strips or squares about 1 to 2 inches wide.
- Remove chicken from broth and set aside. Discard celery and onion.
- Carefully drop dumpling strips into the simmering broth, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until puffy and broth thickens.
- Shred or chop cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Consider adding herbs or vegetables for variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg