Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty dumplings, and a savory broth for a classic meal. The dish starts by simmering chicken with aromatic vegetables and herbs until tender, creating a flavorful base. The dumplings are made from a simple dough mixture that cooks up soft and fluffy as it simmers in the soup. This meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need a taste of homemade comfort. The recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying result every time.
Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is a cozy and comforting meal that’s perfect for bringing warmth to your table. With tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory broth and fluffy dumplings, this dish offers a classic taste of home cooking. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this beloved recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- Onion: 1 large, chopped, for an aromatic base.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to enhance the flavor.
- Carrots: 3, sliced, to add sweetness and color.
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced, for additional flavor and texture.
- Whole chicken: 1 (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces, providing tender meat for the dish.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups, creating a rich base for the soup.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon, for herbal notes.
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, used for the dumplings.
- Baking powder: 1 tablespoon, to help the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
- Milk: 1/2 cup, for the dumpling dough.
- Melted butter: 1/4 cup, adding richness to the dumplings.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the broth.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter to form a dough.
- Step 4:
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
- Step 5:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken and dumplings warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings immediately after cooking to enjoy the fluffy dumplings and savory broth at their best.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- This dish can also be frozen. Allow the chicken and dumplings to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a dash of cream to the broth before serving.
- Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like rosemary or sage for a more aromatic profile.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten recommends using high-quality butter and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of the dumplings.
- Chef Alton Brown suggests letting the dumpling dough rest for a few minutes before dropping it into the soup to allow the baking powder to activate for fluffier results.
- Chef Emeril Lagasse advises cooking the chicken with the skin on for extra flavor, removing it before shredding the meat.