Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or a comforting meal on chilly nights. The rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a weekend gathering, this classic dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps, making it ideal for both beginner and seasoned cooks.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken broth and spices creates a deeply satisfying flavor that delights your taste buds.
• Comforting Meal: Perfect for any occasion, these chicken and dumplings are sure to bring warmth to your table.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fluffy dumplings and tender chicken, making it a hit with the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment can enhance your efficiency while preparing this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Medium bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering broth and cooking chicken evenly. Its size allows for easy stirring of ingredients.
• Rolling pin: Necessary for rolling out the dumpling dough to achieve the perfect thickness for cooking.

Ingredients

Enjoy comforting, homemade chicken and dumplings inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel recipe. Rich broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings make this dish the ultimate comfort meal.

For the Broth

• 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

For the Dumplings

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumpling dough:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually stir in milk until you form a shaggy dough ball.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, slice it into strips or squares about 1–2 inches wide.

Step 4: Cook Dumplings

When the chicken is fully cooked:
1. Remove it from the broth and set aside on a cutting board.
2. Discard celery pieces and onion from the broth.
3. Carefully drop dough strips into simmering broth while stirring gently.

Step 5: Simmer Until Done

Simmer dumplings for approximately 20–30 minutes:
1. Stir occasionally until they are cooked through.
2. The broth will thicken to resemble gravy.

Step 6: Shred Chicken & Combine

As dumplings cook:
1. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix gently.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings!

How to Serve Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that is best enjoyed warm. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: A few thyme leaves can enhance the savory flavor profile.

With Bread

• Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory dumplings.

With Vegetables

• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a healthy crunch to your plate.
• Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach provides a nutrient boost and complements the dish nicely.

How to Perfect Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

To achieve the ultimate comfort food experience, consider these helpful tips for making your Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings even better.

• Use Quality Broth: A flavorful chicken broth enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Gently mix the dumpling dough to maintain lightness and fluffiness.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on dumplings to ensure they don’t become too soft or mushy.
• Taste Before Serving: Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings can be complemented with various side dishes. Consider these tasty options for a full meal experience.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich, comforting addition.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
3. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots are a simple yet delicious side choice.
4. Fried Apples: These sweet, cinnamon-flavored apples make for a delightful balance.
5. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings summer flavors to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings can be easy, but certain mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using the wrong chicken: Always opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts to ensure tenderness. Avoid using bone-in chicken as it can alter cooking times and textures.
• Ignoring the broth: The flavor of your broth is crucial. Skipping seasoning or using low-quality broth will result in a bland dish. Use good quality chicken broth and season it appropriately.
• Overworking the dumpling dough: Mixing the dumpling dough too much can lead to tough dumplings. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy results.
• Not cooking dumplings long enough: Undercooking your dumplings can leave them doughy inside. Make sure to simmer them for at least 20–30 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
• Rushing the process: Patience is key when making this dish. Don’t skip steps or rush cooking times; allow flavors to meld for the best outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container.
• They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They will keep well for about 2–3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20–25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid, and heat on medium power for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary. Stir often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings?

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a rich broth served with fluffy dumplings. It’s inspired by the classic recipe from Cracker Barrel, perfect for family meals.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can substitute with turkey or even use a combination of meats based on your preference.

How do I make gluten-free dumplings?

To create gluten-free dumplings, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking. Adjust liquids as needed for consistency.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings pairs beautifully with sides like green beans, cornbread, or a simple garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. This cozy meal is perfect for family gatherings or any chilly evening—give it a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Experience the ultimate comfort of Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings, a dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings, this recipe is easy to prepare and offers deep, satisfying flavors that everyone will love. With its versatile ingredients, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes while keeping the essence of this classic dish intact. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this comforting recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 celery ribs
• ½ medium onion
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
2. While the chicken cooks, mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add milk to form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thick and cut into strips or squares.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and discard celery and onion. Drop dumpling pieces into simmering broth and stir gently.
5. Simmer dumplings for 20–30 minutes until cooked through; shred chicken and return it to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg