What’s so comforting about a big bowl of chicken and dumplings? What is it that warms you from the inside out? I remember my grandma making this for us on chilly evenings after school, and the smell alone was wonderful. How can I make everything better? What’s your favorite cracker barrel chicken Dumpling Recipe? Is it as close to perfect as I’ve ever tasted? Forget those complicated stews that take all day; this one’s surprisingly simple, and the flavor? What’s better than a typical pot pie?
What is Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings?
What is comfort food in a bowl? Think of it as a hearty Chicken Stew, but instead of being thickened with flour or cornstarch, it’s essentially chicken broth. Is it true that these dumplings are simmered right in the broth? Is it essentially tender shredded chicken in a Creamy, flavorful gravy, studded with these little little bits of chicken? What are clouds of dough? What is the name of Cracker Barrel? Is it a rustic, home-style classic that’s easy to love and even easier to make… once you know the ingredients? What are some secrets?
How do you make cracker barrel chicken and dumplings?
Quick Overview
What are some easy recipes for Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings? First, you’ll cook the chicken until it’s tender. How do I make a flavorful broth? What’s the best way to make a dumpling dough? Is it easier to bake biscuits from scratch? What is the best way to cook dumplings? What is the best way to eat a Chicken Breast? What do you end up with?
Ingredients
For Chicken and Broth: For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I prefer using chicken breasts, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more tender meat. If they are too thick, they will take forever to cook!
* 8 cups Chicken broth: Use good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low sodium is always a good idea so you can control the saltiness.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Don’t skip the THYME! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste, depending on the sodium content of your broth.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the broth slightly. Can you use gluten-free flour?
* 1/4 cup milk: Adds a touch of creaminess. I’ve even used almond milk and it worked just fine!
* 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor to the broth.
* 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds flavor to the broth.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds flavor to the broth. Use fresh, not the jarred stuff!
For the Dumplings: What
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Again, you can use Gluten-Free Flour if needed. Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what makes the dumplings light and fluffy. Don’t skip it!
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
* 3/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and binds the dough together. Can you substitute buttermilk for a tangier flavor?
* 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dumplings.
What is step by step
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Place Chicken Breasts in a Dutch oven. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. How do you shred a piece of wood easily with your fork? The key here is to not overcook the chicken, or it will be dry. If you’re using thicker breasts, you might need to add a few minutes.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside. Don’t discard the broth in the pot – that’s where all the flavor is!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the broth; don’t skip it!
Step 4: Thicken the Broth
Whisk the flour into the milk until smooth. In a large pot, add the onion and garlic. Stir to combine. Stir constantly until the broth thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. What is the consistency of a thin gravy? Why do dumplings sink to the bottom?
Step 5: Add Chicken
What is the best way to cook shredded chicken in a pot?
Step 6: Make the Dumplings
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Add the milk and melted butter and stir until just combined. Do not overmix! What should I do if I overmix the dough? Where do people go wrong?
Step 7: Drop the Dumplings
When the broth starts to boil, place spoonfuls of dumpling dough in a bowl. Sprinkle evenly. I usually use a tablespoon to measure out the dough. If you overcrowd the pot, be careful not to overcook the dumplings.
Step 8: Cook the Dumplings
Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process, or the dumplings will deflate. This is crucial! I always peek in the last few minutes just to be sure, but resist the urge to check them too early.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Is it necessary to cook the dumplings in advance to absorb the broth? What are some good side dishes to serve with biscuits?
What should I serve it with?
What’s a cracker barrel chicken and Dumpling Recipe? With a few simple sides.
What is a classic comfort meal?Serve with mashed potatoes and Green Beans. What is the perfect combination of flavors and textures?
For a lighter meal: Serve with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. This helps to balance out the richness of the chicken and dumplings.
For a Special Occasion: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping in the broth. A glass of chilled white wine would also be a lovely addition.
My Family’s Favorite: We always have coleslaw on the side. The cool, crisp slaw cuts through the richness of the chicken and dumplings beautifully. My grandma always made it this way, and now it’s a tradition.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose to serve it with. The most important thing is to enjoy it with the people you love.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
I’ve made this recipe so many times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s some advice to help you make it perfect every time:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings. Mix until just combined.
Don’t Lift the Lid While the Dumplings Are Cooking: This is crucial! Lifting the lid will cause the dumplings to deflate. Trust the process and resist the urge to peek.
Use Good Quality Chicken Broth: The chicken broth is the base of the dish, so it’s important to use a good quality one. I prefer using low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the saltiness.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pot along with the chicken. Carrots, peas, and celery are all great additions. I always add a bay leaf to the broth, too; just remember to remove it before serving.
Make it Creamier: For an even creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Cream Cheese at the end of the cooking process. This is my secret weapon when I’m feeling extra indulgent!
Season to Taste: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or thyme, depending on your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Use a Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven is ideal for making this dish because it distributes heat evenly and helps to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom of the pot. But a regular large pot works just fine, too.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s How to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place the chicken and dumplings in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent them from drying out. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as tender.
Dumpling Texture: Keep in mind that the dumplings may become a bit softer after being stored and reheated, but they will still be delicious. I actually think they taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to freeze the chicken and dumplings, it’s best to freeze them without the dumplings. Then, when you’re ready to reheat, you can make a fresh batch of dumplings and add them to the pot. This will ensure that the dumplings are as fresh and fluffy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings back fond memories and creates new ones. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend gathering. If you love comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals, then this recipe is definitely for you. And if you enjoyed this, you might also like my recipe for creamy tomato soup or maybe even my homemade mac and cheese! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it went. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those, too. Happy cooking!
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Milk
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken in broth until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and milk until smooth.
- Pour flour mixture into chicken broth and stir until thickened.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering mixture and cook until dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Notes
Featured Comments
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