Introduction:
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. This beloved recipe, inspired by Cracker Barrel’s famous dish, offers a creamy, hearty soup brimming with tender chicken and fluffy, pillowy dumplings. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner with family or looking to indulge in a nostalgic meal, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious homemade dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients that create a rich and flavorful chicken and dumplings dish.
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dumplings, giving them their soft, doughy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
- 1 pinch salt: Just a small amount of salt to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumplings.
- 1 cup milk: Helps bind the dough together and keeps the dumplings tender.
For the Soup:
- 2 quarts chicken broth: The heart of the soup, creating a flavorful, savory base.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, this adds protein and flavor to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
Preparation for Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Step 1: Make the Dumpling Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Using a fork or a pastry blender, cut the 2 tablespoons butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly pour in the 1 cup of milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s easy to handle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Shape the Dumplings
Flour your work surface generously to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough using a heavily floured rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. To cut the dumplings, dip a pizza cutter in flour and slice the dough into approximately 2×2 inch squares. Don’t worry about making them perfect—some dumplings will be larger, smaller, or have irregular shapes, and that’s part of the charm!
Once cut, use a small spatula to lift the dumplings and place them on a heavily floured plate, making sure to sprinkle flour between the layers to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings in the Broth
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is boiling, carefully drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring gently to avoid them sticking together. The flour on the dumplings will help thicken the broth as they cook. Reduce the heat to medium and let the dumplings cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are no longer doughy in the center.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Serve
Once the dumplings are fully cooked, add the 3 cups of cooked chicken to the pot. Stir gently to combine, allowing the chicken to warm through. Taste the broth and add salt or pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings
- Use rotisserie chicken: For an easy and quick option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and perfectly shredded, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Don’t overwork the dough: When mixing the dumpling dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can make the dumplings tough. Mix until just combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the broth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add vegetables for extra flavor: You can add diced carrots, celery, or onions to the broth for added flavor and texture. Simply sauté them with the butter before adding the chicken broth.
- Fluffier dumplings: To make the dumplings even fluffier, you can add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder to the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze this chicken and dumplings recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the soup and dumplings separately. The dumplings can absorb too much liquid when frozen and reheated. Once thawed, you can reheat the soup and cook fresh dumplings on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use homemade chicken broth?
A: Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth adds extra depth and flavor to the dish. If you’re using homemade broth, make sure it’s well-seasoned before adding the dumplings, as homemade broths can sometimes be milder in flavor.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. You may also need to adjust the amount of milk or flour slightly, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
Q: Can I make the dumplings larger or smaller?
A: Yes! You can make the dumplings as large or small as you like. Just keep in mind that larger dumplings may take a bit longer to cook through, while smaller dumplings will cook faster.
Conclusion
There’s something special about a bowl of homemade Chicken & Dumplings, and this Cracker Barrel-inspired recipe doesn’t disappoint. With tender dumplings, savory chicken, and a rich, flavorful broth, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this classic dish, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—this is one recipe you won’t want to lose!