introduction

This recipe makes warm, homey chicken and dumplings like Cracker Barrel. It uses simple ingredients and a soft dumpling dough that cooks in the broth. For another easy chicken meal, try the best crispy chicken taquitos recipe for a different flavor.

why make this recipe

This dish is cozy and filling.
It cooks in one pot and does not need fancy skills.
Kids and adults both like the soft dumplings and thick broth.
You can make it with simple pantry ingredients.

how to make Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

You will cook the chicken in broth and then make the dumplings fresh.
Add the raw dumpling pieces to the simmering broth so they cook in place.
Shred the chicken and add it back to the pot near the end.
Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Ingredients :

6 cups chicken broth
1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts, halved)
2 ribs of celery (broken in half)
1/2 medium onion (kept as a whole chunk)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions :

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover partially and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, begin preparing the dumplings.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until the ingredients are just combined into a shaggy dough.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into strips or squares, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size, using a pizza cutter.
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Discard the celery and onion from the broth.
Add the dough strips to the simmering broth, stirring occasionally. Let them simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked and the broth has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
While the dumplings are cooking, shred or chop the chicken, then return it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve the dish warm.

how to serve Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Serve hot in bowls.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it.
Offer extra black pepper at the table.
Serve with simple sides like green beans or a light salad.

how to store Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Cool to room temperature before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place in a freezer container and keep up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring so dumplings do not stick. Add a little water or broth if it looks too thick.

tips to make Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Do not overmix the dumpling dough. Mix until it just comes together.
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch for soft, tender dumplings.
Keep the broth at a low simmer when dumplings cook. Boiling can break them apart.
Taste and add salt at the end so you do not over-salt the broth.
If the broth is thin, simmer longer with lid off to reduce and thicken.

variation (if any)

Add diced carrots or peas when you return the shredded chicken for a vegetable boost.
Use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of boiling raw breasts; add it near the end.
Swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier dough (may be firmer).
Make smaller dumplings or drop spoonfuls of dough instead of cutting strips.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs add more flavor and stay moist. Cook until fully done.

Q: How do I know when dumplings are cooked?
A: Dumplings are done when they are no longer doughy inside. Cut one to check or taste a small piece.

Q: Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours. Let it come slightly toward room temperature before rolling.

Q: Can I thicken the broth faster?
A: You can mash a few cooked dumplings in the pot to help thicken, or simmer with the lid off to reduce liquid.