Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: Super Comforting!

why make this recipe

This chicken and dumplings recipe gives warm, simple comfort. It uses common ingredients and cooks into a thick, cozy soup with soft dumplings. You can make it for family dinners, cold nights, or when you want easy home food.

introduction

This copycat of Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings tastes homey and mild. It has tender chicken, soft dumplings, and rich broth. For other easy, hearty chicken dishes you might also like the best smothered chicken and rice recipe on the same site.

how to make Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: Super Comforting!

Follow these steps to make the dish. Work step by step and keep the heat low when simmering dumplings.

Ingredients :

• 8 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium for better control over saltiness)
• 1 cup celery, chopped (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced (can substitute with shallots)
• 2-3 pieces chicken breasts (rotisserie can be used for convenience)
• 2 cups flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
• 3/4 cup milk (use plant-based milk for dairy-free version)

Directions :

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and diced onion. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Cook until the chicken is done, about 15–20 minutes for fresh breasts. If using rotisserie chicken, add it later shredded.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool a bit, then shred or dice the meat. Return the meat to the pot. Keep the broth at low simmer.
4. Make the dumpling dough: in a bowl, mix 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in 3/4 cup milk until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Make dumplings about 1 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons each. Do not stir after adding dumplings.
6. Cover the pot and cook the dumplings on low heat for 10–12 minutes. Do not lift the lid while they cook so they steam through.
7. Check one dumpling to make sure it cooks through. If done, taste the broth and add salt if needed. Serve hot.

how to serve Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: Super Comforting!

Serve in deep bowls. Spoon extra broth over dumplings. Add a sprinkle of black pepper or chopped parsley if you like. Serve with a side of biscuits or simple green salad.

how to store Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: Super Comforting!

Let the dish cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Note: dumplings soak up broth over time and will become thicker.

tips to make Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings: Super Comforting!

• Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt.
• Keep the simmer low when cooking dumplings to avoid tough texture.
• If dumplings look undercooked, cover and cook a few minutes more.
• For faster prep, use rotisserie chicken and add it shredded near the end.
• If you want thinner soup, add extra hot broth or water when reheating.

variation (if any)

• Add carrots or peas for more veggies.
• Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer broth.
• Make smaller or larger dumplings by changing the spoon size.
• Use herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes. Add shredded leftover chicken near the end so it warms but does not dry out.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze the soup without dumplings for best texture. Freeze dumplings in a separate bag and add after thawing and reheating the broth.

Q: How do I know dumplings are done?
A: Split one dumpling. The inside should be cooked through, not doughy. If it is doughy, cook covered a few more minutes.

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