Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken and Dumplings made with tender chicken in a flavorful sauce with 4-ingredient buttermilk dumplings for a cozy copycat dinner that comes together in no time!
This Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe offers a comforting taste of home that many crave. With its hearty ingredients and easy preparation, this chicken soup & dumplings provides an inviting meal perfect for any occasion.
Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Cracker Barrel serves up such great comfort food and these Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are the ultimate comfort dinner! Tender white meat chicken, a flavorful creamy broth and perfect buttermilk dumplings make this such a cozy copycat dinner that comes together in no time.
Eating chicken and dumplings often brings forth a nostalgic sense of comfort. It is a dish commonly associated with home-cooked meals, evoking warmth and satisfaction. The flavor can vary based on cooking methods and individual recipes. Some may lean towards a more seasoned or spiced version, achieving different flavor profiles.
Ultimately, the combination of ingredients and cooking techniques contributes significantly to the taste and texture, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience!
Why You Will Love This Chicken Dumplings Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Chicken & Dumpling recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward and uncomplicated. This recipe offers a chance for anyone to enhance their cooking skills without feeling overwhelmed.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The flavors are rich and satisfying. The tender chicken, hearty broth, and fluffy dumplings combine to create a balanced and filling meal. This dish appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken stock: You need 6 cups of low sodium chicken stock for the base of this delicious dinner.
Celery: Use 2 whole stalks of celery to add flavor to the chicken stock while cooking.
Onion: Add 1 onion, peeled but left whole, to give the sauce base an amazing subtle sweet taste.
Chicken: The protein base of this dish is 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Or you can use rotisserie chicken if you want to simplify this recipe even further.
Flour: You will need 3 cups flour, + more for dusting, to create the soft dough for the dumplings.
Baking powder: Help the dumplings puff up as they cook by adding 1 TBSP of baking powder to the dough.
Salt: Enhance the flavors in this dish by using 2 tsp of salt in the dumpling dough.
Buttermilk: You need 1 ⅓ cup of buttermilk to create soft, flavorful dough balls.
How to make Cracker Barrel Dumplings recipe
Prep
In a large pot, over medium-high heat, combine the chicken stock, chicken breast, onion and celery. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Then remove the chicken and set it aside. Also discard the onion and celery.
Making Homemade Dumplings
Next in a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk. Combine until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more buttermilk, if it is too wet add a little more flour. Once the dough just comes together, dust it heavily with more flour, then roll the dough out thinly and slice the dough into squares.
Assemble
Add the dumplings to the simmering stock, stirring gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Let the dumplings cook for another 20 minutes to let the stock thicken.
Meanwhile shred the chicken. Once the sauce is nice and thick, add the chicken to the dumplings and stir. Serve & enjoy!
Add ins for Chicken Dumplings Recipe
Adding ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of chicken and dumplings. Here are popular add-ins to consider:
- Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and celery add nutrition and flavor. They can be added at the beginning to cook along with the chicken.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary provide depth. Dried herbs can also work, but fresh tends to have a brighter taste.
- Cream or Milk: For a richer broth, adding a splash of cream or milk creates a luxurious finish.
- Dumpling Variations: Try adding cheese or herbs directly to the dumpling dough for a twist.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients
- 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 onion peeled but left whole
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups flour + more for dusting
- 1 TBSP baking powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 ⅓ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Prep: In a large pot, over medium-high heat, combine the chicken stock, chicken breast, onion and celery. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Discard the onion and celery.
- Dumplings: In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk. Combine until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry add a little more buttermilk, if it is too wet add a little more flour. Once the dough just comes together dust it heavily with more flour, then roll the dough out thinly and slice the dough into squares.
- Assemble: Add the dumplings to the simmering stock, stirring gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Let the dumplings cook for another 20 minutes to let the stock thicken.
- Meanwhile shred the chicken. Once the sauce is nice and thick add the chicken to the dumplings and stir. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are chicken & dumplings good for?
If you have any leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will last up to 3 days. Reheat a single serving in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.
How can I achieve a thick consistency for my chicken and dumplings?
To achieve a thick consistency, one can use a roux made from flour and fat. Adding cornstarch mixed with broth can also thicken the mixture. Simmering the dish uncovered allows moisture to evaporate, further enhancing thickness.
Why might dumplings disintegrate, and how can I prevent it?
Dumplings may disintegrate if overmixed or cooked at too high a temperature. To prevent this, mix just until combined and ensure a gentle simmer. Additionally, ensuring adequate liquid can help maintain their structure during cooking.
How do I make chicken and dumplings using a slow cooker?
To replicate Cracker Barrel’s dish in a slow cooker, combine chicken, broth, and vegetables. Cook on low for several hours, then add dumpling dough near the end of the cooking time.
Is it possible to make chicken and dumplings using biscuit dough?
Yes, biscuit dough can be used to create dumplings for chicken and dumplings. This method may yield a different texture, often denser than traditional dumplings. It offers a quicker preparation time and can still be quite flavorful.
Comfort Food Chicken Recipes and Cozy Family Dinners:
If you love hearty comfort food meals, there are so many cozy chicken recipes to try next! Copycat KFC Chicken Pot Pie is another classic family dinner filled with chicken and vegetables, while Chicken Pot Pie is a homemade favorite that’s perfect for chilly nights. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Stew, and Chicken Corn Chowder are all warm, comforting meals that make great weeknight dinners. For even more comfort food favorites, try Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Soup or Chicken Hash Brown Casserole for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
For more family dinner favorites, Best Homemade Chicken Strips and McDonald’s Copycat Chicken Nuggets are two of our most popular chicken recipes and always a hit with kids. Easy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken and Zesty Italian Chicken are both easy chicken dinners packed with flavor and simple ingredients.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that can be easily made at home. This chicken & dumplings recipe offers the taste of restaurant quality right from your own kitchen!
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