Fluffy Homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Memories of sunday suppers often swirl around this classic cracker barrel chicken and dumplings recipe that reminds me of grandma’s kitchen.

Hearty comfort wafts through the house with tender shreds of chicken nestled between soft, pillowy dumplings.

Southern cooking carries deep traditions of love and warmth in every spoonful.

Generations have passed down this soul-satisfying dish that speaks directly to our hunger for nostalgia.

Wooden spoons and cast-iron skillets transform simple ingredients into something magical and deeply comforting.

We gather around steaming bowls, ready to savor each creamy, rich bite that connects us to cherished moments.

Dive into this recipe and let the flavors transport you home.

What’s Great About Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a classic Southern dish that wraps you in warm, homey flavors reminiscent of grandma's kitchen, providing ultimate satisfaction with every comforting spoonful.
• Adaptable Meal Marvel: Easily customize this recipe by pairing it with multiple side dishes like cornbread, mashed potatoes, green beans, or salads, making it incredibly versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-Friendly Option: Works brilliantly for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinner parties, offering a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting taste profile.

Chicken and Dumplings Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender, succulent meat that forms the heart of this classic Southern comfort dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft white flour for creating tender, pillowy dumplings.
• Milk: Creamy liquid to help bind and soften the dumpling mixture.
• Butter: Rich dairy ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a smooth texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that provides depth and richness to the recipe.
• Onion, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that add subtle complexity and traditional Southern flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy addition that creates a velvety smooth sauce.
• Dried Parsley: Light herb for a subtle green garnish and extra visual appeal.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Grab a large pot and get ready to create a rich, flavorful broth.

Combine chicken pieces with water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the chicken cook slowly until it becomes tender and starts falling apart.

Remove the chicken from the broth and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Use two forks to pull the chicken meat apart into bite-sized, rustic pieces.

Discard any bones or tough skin, keeping only the soft, delicious meat.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Broth

Strain the cooking liquid to remove any solids.

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Craft the Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Shortening or cold butter

Mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.

Slowly add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Shape the Dumplings

Dust your work surface with flour.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut the dough into small, rustic rectangles or drop spoonfuls directly into the simmering broth.

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering broth.

Cover the pot and let them cook for about 15 minutes.

The dumplings will puff up and become light and fluffy.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Fold the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Gently stir to combine the chicken, dumplings, and creamy broth.

Let everything heat through for a few minutes.

Step 8: Final Touch

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle the chicken and dumplings into warm bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of creamy broth and tender dumplings.

Cooking Tips for Chicken and Dumplings

• Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought to elevate the richness and depth of your chicken and dumplings.
• Mix dumpling dough gently and avoid overmixing to ensure light, fluffy dumplings that melt in your mouth.
• Swap traditional flour dumplings with cauliflower or almond flour dumplings for a lower-carb version that still delivers incredible taste.
• Add heavy cream or half-and-half gradually to control the sauce's thickness and prevent separation.
• Prepare the chicken and base a day ahead and reheat slowly to enhance the flavors and make meal prep easier.

Keeping Chicken and Dumplings Tasty After Cooking

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and dumplings fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dumplings separately to prevent texture changes.
• Gently warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir carefully to maintain dumpling integrity.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent uneven heating. Add a tablespoon of broth to keep the dish moist.

Chicken and Dumplings Pairing Tips

• Savor Complementary Southern Comfort: Rich, creamy chicken and dumplings shine brightest with classic sides that enhance its homestyle flavor profile.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the dish's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Introduce Zesty Vegetable Sides: Roasted garlic green beans or a tangy coleslaw add bright, crunchy elements that perfectly balance the comforting, soft dumplings.
• Embrace Bread Companions: Serve warm buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to soak up the delicious chicken gravy, creating a complete and satisfying Southern meal experience.

Chicken and Dumplings Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornstarch as a thickener for dumplings and sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk and use olive oil instead of butter for cooking.
• Lighter Healthier Option: Use skinless chicken breasts, reduce cream content, add more vegetables like carrots and celery to increase nutritional value.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into dumpling mixture for enhanced aromatic flavor profile and added depth to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What makes Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings different from other chicken stew recipes?

This recipe uses a classic Southern technique of creating hand-rolled, thick dumplings that are dropped directly into the creamy chicken broth, giving them a unique, rustic texture unlike thin, pasta-like dumplings.

• Is this dish difficult to prepare at home?

Not at all! While it might seem complicated, this recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have in their kitchen. The key is patience and following the steps carefully to achieve the right consistency.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and still deliver delicious results. Just shred the chicken and add it to the broth near the end of cooking to keep it tender and moist.

• What type of flour works best for the dumplings?

All-purpose flour is the ideal choice for this recipe. It provides the right texture and helps create those classic, soft dumplings that are a hallmark of Southern comfort cooking.

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this classic Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe, offering hearty spoonfuls of creamy nostalgia. Warm, tender chicken nestled among fluffy dumplings promises a satisfying meal that brings family closer around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/453 g each)

Vegetables:

• 2 celery ribs, halved
• 1 medium onion, halved

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gently poach chicken breasts in a seasoned broth until they’re tender and fully cooked, ensuring the meat remains juicy and flavorful.
2. Remove chicken from the liquid and allow it to cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. Strain the poaching broth and return it to the pot, maintaining a gentle simmer that will help develop rich flavors.
4. Prepare the dumpling dough by combining flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix in milk until a soft, slightly sticky consistency forms.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture directly into the simmering broth, creating rustic, pillowy dumplings that will absorb the savory liquid.
6. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for several minutes until they become puffy and fully cooked through, avoiding lifting the lid too frequently.
7. Gently fold the shredded chicken back into the pot, allowing it to warm through and meld with the dumplings and broth.
8. Season the final dish with additional salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a well-balanced and comforting flavor profile.
9. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Opt for homemade stock to enhance the depth of flavor and richness of the chicken and dumplings.
• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for more tender and juicy meat that falls apart easily during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch in the dumpling mixture.
• Achieve creamy consistency by slowly whisking the broth and allowing it to simmer gently, preventing any lumps from forming.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg