Savor the classic comfort of Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken and Dumplings, a dish that brings the heartwarming goodness of a Southern kitchen right to your dining table. This recipe captures the essence of what makes chicken and dumplings a beloved comfort food across many homes, especially during the cooler months or whenever you need a bowl full of soothing flavors.
Cracker Barrel Style Chicken n’ Dumplins: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl
This homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings is not just a meal; it’s a reminder of family gatherings and cozy evenings. With tender chunks of chicken enveloped in soft dumplings, simmered in a rich broth, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to recreate a restaurant favorite at home.
Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend meals.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment: Large bowl, rolling pin, pizza cutter, large pot
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup buttermilk (slightly less than a full cup; substitute with regular milk if needed)
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Directions:
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Roll Out Dumplings: Heavily flour a work surface. Roll the dough out to a thin layer with a heavily floured rolling pin. Use a pizza cutter dipped in flour to cut the dough into approximately 2×2 inch squares; irregular shapes are perfectly fine.
- Prepare Dumplings for Cooking: Transfer the cut dumplings to a heavily floured plate, layering and flouring between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Drop the dumplings into the boiling broth one at a time, stirring continuously to prevent them from sticking together. The flour from the dumplings will help thicken the broth.
- Finish the Dish: Cook the dumplings for 15-20 minutes, or until they are no longer doughy. Add the cooked chicken to the pot, stir well, and heat through.
Enjoy a Delicious Meal: Serve your Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside a fresh side salad or a glass of sweet tea for an authentic Southern dining experience. This dish not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart with each flavorful spoonful.
