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Why Make This Recipe
Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings brings the comfort of southern cooking right to your home. It’s a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cold weather days. This dish combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth, making it a favorite for many. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the flavors to your liking!
How to Make Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery ribs, broken into large pieces
- ½ medium onion (keep intact as a large piece)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently stir in the milk until the dough forms a shaggy ball.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into strips or squares that are approximately 1–2 inches wide.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the broth and set it aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery pieces and the onion from the broth.
Carefully drop the dough strips into the simmering broth, stirring gently. Let the dumplings simmer for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and the broth thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
As the dumplings cook, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and mix gently.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
Serve the chicken and dumplings hot in bowls, with the thick broth spooned over the top. It pairs well with a side of cornbread or a simple salad. This dish is filling enough to stand on its own but can easily complement any meal.
How to Store Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Tips to Make Homemade Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
- Make sure not to overmix the dumpling dough; this keeps them light and fluffy.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer it longer after adding the dumplings.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variation
You can try different herbs and spices, such as thyme or parsley, to give your broth a unique taste. Additionally, you may substitute the chicken with turkey or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Just add the dumplings right before serving for the best texture.
2. What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
It goes well with cornbread, a simple green salad, or even steamed vegetables.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but note that the dumplings may become a bit mushy when thawed. They are best enjoyed fresh.