Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth, just like the classic dish served at the restaurant.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
🍗 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or a whole chicken, cut into pieces)
🧅 1 small onion, quartered
🥕 2 carrots, cut into large chunks (optional)
🥛 4 cups chicken broth
🧂 1 bay leaf
🧂 1 tsp salt
🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Dumplings:
🍚 2 cups all-purpose flour
🧈 1/2 tsp baking powder
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
🥛 3/4 cup milk
📝 Directions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Simmer the Chicken: 🍗 In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, onion, carrots (if using), chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: 🍗 Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Strain the broth and discard the onion, carrots, and bay leaf.
- Make the Dumplings:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: 🍚 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: 🧈 Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: 🥛 Gradually stir in the milk, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Roll and Cut the Dumplings:
- Prepare the Dough: 🍞 On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, then cut the strips into 2-inch lengths.
- Cook the Dumplings:
- Simmer the Dumplings: 🍲 Bring the strained chicken broth back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth, a few at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked through.
- Combine Chicken and Dumplings:
- Add Chicken: 🍗 Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir in the shredded chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Serve:
- Plate and Enjoy: 🍽️ Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve hot.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your warm and comforting Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, a deliciously hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
⏱ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6 servings
🔥 Calories: 350 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the broth before adding the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings! 🍲✨