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This comforting chicken and dumplings recipe recreates the beloved Cracker Barrel classic right in your own kitchen. The tender chicken and pillowy dumplings swimming in rich, savory broth deliver that nostalgic flavor that keeps diners returning to the restaurant chain year after year. I perfected this copycat version after my family begged me to recreate their favorite comfort food at home.
I first made this during a particularly cold winter when we couldn't make it to our local Cracker Barrel. My husband declared it even better than the original, and it has become our go-to comfort food when anyone is feeling under the weather or we need a heartwarming meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken broth 6 cups provides the savory base for your dumplings to cook in
- Celery ribs add subtle aromatic flavor without overwhelming the dish
- Half an onion infuses the broth with sweetness while keeping preparation simple
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts create tender meat pieces throughout the dish
- All-purpose flour forms the backbone of the pillowy dumplings
- Baking powder gives the dumplings their signature light texture
- Salt enhances all the flavors and brings authenticity to the recipe
- Milk creates the perfect dumpling consistency that rivals Cracker Barrel's
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Flavorful Broth
- Add chicken broth, celery ribs, onion chunk, and halved chicken breasts to a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Partially cover the pot and let this mixture cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. This step infuses the broth with essential flavor while cooking the chicken perfectly.
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough
- While the chicken simmers, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Pour in the milk and stir just until the ingredients come together to form a shaggy dough. Overmixing will make tough dumplings, so stop stirring as soon as no dry flour remains. The texture should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Roll and Cut the Dumplings
- Turn the prepared dough onto a generously floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips or squares about 1 to 2 inches in size. The rustic, imperfect shapes are part of what makes this dish so homey and authentic. Let the cut dumplings rest briefly while you finish preparing the broth.
- Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the broth and place on a cutting board. Also remove and discard the celery pieces and onion chunk as they have already released their flavors into the broth. While the broth continues to simmer, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the finished dish.
- Cook the Dumplings
- Add the cut dumpling pieces to the simmering broth one by one, being careful not to splash the hot liquid. Allow the dumplings to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. During this time, the dumplings will puff slightly while the broth transforms into a velvety, gravy-like consistency through the natural thickening power of the flour.
- Finish the Dish
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot during the final 5-10 minutes of cooking. Gently stir to incorporate the meat throughout the dumplings and gravy. Taste the mixture and season with additional salt and pepper as needed until the flavor perfectly matches that classic Cracker Barrel taste. Serve in deep bowls while piping hot.
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This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where chicken and dumplings was always the most requested meal by all the cousins. The simple combination of chicken, broth, and flour creates something truly magical that transcends its humble ingredients.
The Secret to Authentic Flavor
The key to capturing that signature Cracker Barrel flavor lies in two important techniques. First, cooking the chicken directly in the broth rather than using pre-cooked meat allows the broth to become infused with genuine chicken flavor. Second, the thickness of the dumplings matters tremendously. Roll them to exactly 1/4 inch for that perfect balance between fluffy and substantial. Thinner dumplings will dissolve, while thicker ones may remain doughy in the center.
Storage and Reheating
This chicken and dumplings recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it possibly even more delicious the next day. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the original consistency. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the dumplings tough.
Easy Variations
For a time-saving version, you can certainly use rotisserie chicken as mentioned in the notes. Simply shred about 3 cups of meat and add it toward the end of cooking. Another popular variation includes adding frozen peas and diced carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients. Some families enjoy a dash of poultry seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme sprinkled in with the flour for additional flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the dumplings and chicken. While it certainly stands alone as a complete meal, traditional accompaniments include a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing or steamed green beans. Some Cracker Barrel enthusiasts insist that corn muffins or buttermilk biscuits are essential for sopping up every last bit of the delicious gravy.
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Common Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this dish?
Yes! If using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), simply simmer the onion, celery, and dumplings in the broth together. Remove the aromatics and add your pulled chicken during the final 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
- → How thick should I roll the dumpling dough?
Roll the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. This creates dumplings that will cook through properly while maintaining their texture in the broth.
- → Can I freeze leftover chicken and dumplings?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
- → Why does the broth thicken during cooking?
The flour from the dumplings slowly releases into the broth as they cook, creating a natural thickening effect that develops the signature gravy-like consistency of traditional chicken and dumplings.
- → How do I know when the dumplings are fully cooked?
Properly cooked dumplings will be tender throughout with no doughy center. After simmering for 20-30 minutes and stirring occasionally, test one by cutting it in half - it should be consistent in texture throughout.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! While the classic version keeps it simple, feel free to add diced carrots, peas, or corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.