Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Experience the warmth and comfort of Southern cuisine with our delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings recipe. This timeless dish embodies the essence of traditional comfort food, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection, this recipe captures the rustic flavors of homemade cooking that will leave you feeling nostalgic and satisfied. Join us as we take a culinary journey through the heart of the South and discover the irresistible charm of this classic favorite.

How to make Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Ingredients

2 quarts chicken broth

3 cups cooked chicken

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

1 pinch salt

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Step 1:

Now, in a bowl, take the flour, Baking powder, and salt to make it all get mixed properly.

Add the pieces of the butter in it with the fork or pastry blender. Stir in the milk , until the mixture gets ready and the dough becomes the ball.

Step 2:

All these have to hence, stir properly and well so that the final Dough becomes extra soft.

Now, heavily flour a work surface, that means just spread the flour on the surface where you are going to prepare the chicken and dumplings.

Step 3:

Now, you will need to use the pin or something to cut the dumplings with.

I love to do it with the pizza cutter and even the small spatula to do it, one can see which one suits them.

Step 4:

The small spatula, l use, is to lift the Dumplings off the cutting surface.

Now, roll the dough out and dip the flour in it and cut the dumplings into any shape.

Step 5:

Use a spatula to lift them on a heavily floured plate and keep flouring between the layers. Bring broth to boil , drop the dumplings, keep extra flour on them.

Cook for 20 minutes and add cooked chicken.

ENJOY!

Notes:

Southern Comfort Food: This recipe for chicken and dumplings captures the essence of traditional Southern comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cooler weather or any time you crave a hearty meal.

Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like chicken broth, cooked chicken, milk, butter, flour, and baking powder, this recipe is accessible and easy to prepare, requiring pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Homemade Dumplings: The dumplings are made from scratch, adding a homemade touch to the dish. Mixing flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk creates a soft and tender dough that forms the base for the dumplings.

Customizable Dumpling Shapes: You have the freedom to cut the dumplings into any shape you prefer, whether it’s traditional squares or something more unique. Using a pizza cutter or spatula makes the process easier and allows you to tailor the dumplings to your liking.

Cooking Technique: Boiling the dumplings in the chicken broth allows them to absorb the flavorful broth while cooking to perfection. This step ensures that the dumplings are tender and infused with the rich taste of the broth.

Addition of Cooked Chicken: Incorporating cooked chicken into the dish adds protein and heartiness, making it a complete meal. You can use leftover chicken or cook chicken specifically for this recipe, depending on your preference and convenience.

Heavily Floured Surface: Keeping the work surface heavily floured prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to handle. It’s essential to flour the surface between layers of dumplings to ensure they don’t stick together.

Flouring Dumplings: Coating the dumplings in extra flour before dropping them into the boiling broth helps thicken the broth and gives the dumplings a slightly crispy exterior, adding texture to the dish.

Boiling and Simmering: Boiling the dumplings for about 20 minutes allows them to cook through and become tender. Adding the cooked chicken at the end ensures it remains juicy and flavorful without overcooking.

Serving and Enjoyment: Once the dumplings and chicken are cooked, it’s time to enjoy this comforting dish. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh herbs if desired, providing a satisfying and wholesome meal for your family or guests.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.

The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Using bone-in chicken adds flavor to the broth as it cooks.

Simply simmer the chicken in the broth until it’s cooked through, then remove the bones and shred the meat before adding the dumplings.

How long does it take to cook the dumplings?

The dumplings typically take about 20 minutes to cook in boiling broth.

Ensure they are cooked through and tender before adding the cooked chicken.

Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken and dumplings for future meals.

Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings if you follow a gluten-free diet.

Be sure to check the consistency of the dough and adjust the amount of flour or liquid as needed.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the dumplings fresh before cooking, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting the dumplings.

What’s the purpose of the baking powder in the dumplings?

The baking powder helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy as they cook.

It contributes to the light texture of the dumplings, ensuring they are not dense or heavy.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the dumplings?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the flour in the dumplings if you prefer a heartier texture.

Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may produce denser dumplings compared to using all-purpose flour.

Can I add additional seasonings to the broth?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of the broth by adding herbs and spices like thyme, sage, or bay leaves.

Simmering the broth with these aromatics will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Is it necessary to use butter in the dough for the dumplings?

The butter adds richness and flavor to the dumplings, but you can omit it if desired.

However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the dumplings may be slightly different without the butter.