Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a dish that evokes the comfort and warmth of traditional Southern cooking, bringing a taste of home-style cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of what makes this dish so beloved: tender dumplings and juicy chicken pieces bathed in a savory broth. Having made this recipe myself, I can attest to its simplicity and heartiness, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. The process of making the dumplings from scratch, rolling them out, and cutting them into squares, adds a personal touch that elevates the dish, ensuring it’s not just delicious but also filled with care and attention.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked chicken
Directions
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: Start by mixing flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually stir in the milk, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Roll and Cut Dumplings: On a floured surface, roll the dough to a thin sheet with a rolling pin. With a pizza cutter or knife dipped in flour, cut the dough into 2×2 inch squares.
- Flour the Dumplings: Use a floured spatula to transfer the cut dumplings to a floured plate, layering flour between each to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling broth one at a time, stirring to prevent them from sticking. The flour from the dumplings will help thicken the broth as they cook.
- Simmer: Cook the dumplings for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are no longer doughy in the middle.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken, heating through.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving is packed with dumplings and chicken.
Recipe Tips
- Stirring Dumplings: Stir the dumplings gently when adding them to the broth to keep them from sticking together.
- Flavor Enhancements: For added flavor, sprinkle in some freshly chopped parsley or a dash of black pepper before serving.
- Chicken Preparation: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. If cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, seasoning it well with herbs and spices before cooking adds more depth to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but can be paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a fuller meal.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
- Absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth works well and saves time.
- What if my dumplings are too soft or fall apart?
- Ensure the dough isn’t too wet before rolling it out. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour to achieve a manageable consistency.
- Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
- While best when fresh, you can prepare the dumplings up to the point of boiling and store them in the refrigerator on a floured plate, covered, for a few hours before cooking.
- How can I thicken the broth if it’s too thin?
- A mixture of flour and water, or a cornstarch slurry, can be stirred into the broth to thicken it up. Add this mixture gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
- Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if necessary.
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is not just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl, designed to satisfy and warm the soul. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table with family or enjoying a cozy meal on your own, this recipe is sure to bring a taste of Southern comfort to your dining experience.