Description
A hearty, homestyle meal, Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings combines tender chicken in a savory broth with soft, pillowy dumplings. This classic comfort dish is simple to make and tastes just like it came from your favorite country kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Make the Chicken and Broth:
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and bay leaves, then return the broth to the pot. Discard the vegetables or save them for another use.
Make the Dumplings:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.Roll and Cut the Dumplings:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch squares or rectangles.
Combine and Cook:
Simmer the Dumplings:
Bring the strained broth to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings into the broth one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.Add the Chicken Back:
Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve:
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.
- If you prefer thicker broth, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the broth before adding the dumplings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Chicken and dumplings, comfort food, Cracker Barrel recipe, homestyle chicken, hearty meals