Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken & Dumplings

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The Ultimate Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings Recipe (Copycat)

Stepping into a Cracker Barrel evokes warmth, nostalgia, and the undeniable aroma of classic Southern comfort food. Among their most beloved offerings, the Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings stand out, embodying that perfect culinary bliss. Now, you can recreate that magic right at home! This authentic Southern Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

This isn’t just any homemade chicken and dumplings recipe; it’s your definitive guide to a perfect copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings experience. Prepare for signature soft, thin, rolled dumplings in a rich, savory broth, with tender shredded chicken in every spoonful. Bring authentic Southern charm and delicious comfort food to your table, turning any weeknight into a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

Why choose this specific Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe? It perfectly captures the essence of the original, offering a deeply satisfying meal that’s simpler to achieve than you might think.

Authentic Rolled Dumplings

The hallmark of Cracker Barrel’s dish is its unique dumpling style: flat, noodle-like, and incredibly tender. Unlike fluffy drop dumplings, this recipe meticulously replicates that authentic texture and comforting chew. They remain soft, not gummy, absorbing the flavorful broth beautifully for a delightful experience every time.

Simple, Flavorful Broth

This homemade chicken and dumplings starts with a deeply savory broth. By poaching chicken with simple aromatics, we build a rich flavor foundation without complexity. The broth becomes wonderfully creamy as the dumplings cook, releasing natural starches. It’s hearty, perfectly seasoned, and truly reminiscent of traditional old-fashioned chicken and dumplings. This simple yet rich broth is what elevates these Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings.

Weeknight-Friendly Comfort Food

Despite tasting like it simmered all day, this recipe delivers profound comfort food with surprising ease. Designed as an easy chicken and dumplings option, it’s a perfect one pot chicken dinner for busy weeknights. Enjoy this beloved classic without hours of effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting perfect Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings relies on quality, simple ingredients, mostly pantry staples.

For the Chicken and Broth

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Two large breasts are ideal. Bone-in chicken or thighs can add more depth, just adjust cooking time and remove bones/skin.
• Chicken Broth: Use good quality, low-sodium broth to control seasoning. Homemade stock or bouillon are great alternatives for deeper flavor.
• Aromatics (Onion & Celery): A halved onion and celery stalks infuse flavor into the broth; they’ll be strained out, so coarse chopping is fine.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the broth and overall dish.

For the Old-Fashioned Dumplings

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for our signature flat, tender dumplings. Extra for dusting.
• Baking Powder: A touch gives slight lift, ensuring tender, not dense, dumplings.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough.
• Milk: Whole milk for richness and binding. Buttermilk offers a subtle tang and added tenderness.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings (Step-by-Step)

Ready to master the art of Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings? Follow these detailed steps to bring that authentic taste right into your kitchen. This is how to make rolled dumplings from scratch!

Step 1: Poach the Chicken & Make the Broth

In a large pot, combine 6-8 cups chicken broth, the halved onion, celery, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken to cool. Strain broth through a sieve into a clean bowl, discarding vegetables. This flavorful broth is the base for your perfect southern chicken and dumplings recipe and ensures your Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings have that signature taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While chicken cools, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Add 3/4 cup milk and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead just a few times (4-5) until it comes together. Remember, do not overwork the dough for tender chicken dumplings!

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dumplings

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. The thinner, the more authentic to Cracker Barrel’s style. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut into 1-inch wide strips, then 2-3 inch long rectangles or squares. Transfer cut dumplings to a floured plate to prevent sticking. This prepares your dough for those perfect tender chicken dumplings.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

Return strained broth to the pot, bringing to a steady, gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Carefully drop dumplings in one by one. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring gently every few minutes to prevent sticking. The flour from the dumplings will naturally thicken the broth into a luscious, creamy chicken and dumplings consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Shred cooled chicken with two forks. Once dumplings are cooked and broth thickened, add shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir gently and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle generous portions of your incredible Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings into bowls and serve hot. Pure comfort awaits!

Pro Tips for Perfect Dumplings Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings at home is within reach, especially with these expert tips, ensuring success and tender results. These tips will help you create the truly authentic Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings experience.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

This is crucial for tender chicken dumplings. Excessive kneading develops gluten, leading to tough or rubbery dumplings. Mix just until the dough forms, then handle minimally. A light touch ensures a wonderfully soft texture, just like traditional old-fashioned chicken and dumplings.

Simmer, Don’t Boil

Maintain a gentle, consistent simmer, not a vigorous boil, when cooking dumplings. A hard boil can cause them to break apart or become mushy. A steady simmer ensures even cooking, allowing them to absorb flavor without disintegrating. This is key to keeping your dumplings from falling apart.

Lid On or Off?

For these flat, rolled dumplings, keep the lid on for most of the cooking. This steamy environment ensures they cook through evenly. You can remove the lid for the last 5-10 minutes if you desire a thicker broth. Steam helps create perfectly soft, resilient homemade chicken and dumplings.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Once you master this classic Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings recipe, feel free to explore delightful variations or pair it with traditional Southern sides for a complete meal.

Delicious Recipe Variations

• Time-Saver: In a rush? Opt for a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded and added at the end. Use quality store-bought broth for an easy chicken and dumplings shortcut.
• Slow Cooker Method: For crock pot Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings, combine chicken breasts, broth, and aromatics in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Remove chicken, shred, and strain broth. Return broth to slow cooker on high, drop in dumplings, and cook for another 1-2 hours until tender. Add chicken back in and serve.
• Add Veggies: Elevate this hearty dish by incorporating finely diced carrots, peas, or small potato chunks into the broth during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Alternative Dumplings: While our focus is how to make rolled dumplings from scratch, you can adapt. Some home cooks use chicken and dumplings with flour tortillas cut into strips, or even flattened chicken and dumplings with canned biscuits for a quicker option.

What to Serve with Chicken and Dumplings

This savory and comforting dish stands beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic Southern accompaniments. Consider serving your southern chicken and dumplings recipe with crisp fried okra, fresh steamed green beans, a light side salad, or some warm, buttery cornbread perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious broth. It transforms a simple dinner into a truly memorable feast.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, knowing how to properly store and reheat leftovers ensures you can savor the comfort for another meal.

How to Store

Allow any leftover chicken and dumplings to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth, so the dish may thicken considerably.

The Best Way to Reheat

For optimal results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You’ll likely need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water, as the dumplings will have absorbed much of the liquid. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving is generally discouraged, as it can make the tender dumplings turn rubbery.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

While technically possible, freezing homemade chicken and dumplings is not ideal. The texture of the dumplings can change significantly upon thawing and reheating, often becoming mushy or crumbly. For the best experience, this comfort food recipe is truly best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making perfect Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings at home.

What are Cracker Barrel dumplings made of?

Cracker Barrel’s distinctive dumplings are simple, flat, rolled dough, primarily consisting of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. They are cooked directly in the savory chicken broth, imparting their signature soft texture and rich flavor.

Why are my homemade dumplings tough or gummy?

Tough or gummy dumplings often result from overworking the dough, which develops gluten excessively. Cooking at too high a temperature (a rolling boil instead of a gentle simmer) can also negatively impact texture. For tender chicken dumplings, use a light touch with the dough and a gentle simmer.

How do you make the broth in chicken and dumplings thicker?

The broth for Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings thickens naturally from the starch released by the cooking dumplings. For a thicker, more creamy chicken and dumplings consistency, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the simmering broth at the end and cook for a minute or two until thickened.

How do I keep my dumplings from falling apart?

To prevent dumplings from falling apart, maintain a gentle simmer, not a hard boil. Also, avoid aggressive stirring. Drop dumplings into the simmering broth one by one to help them set individually. A properly balanced dough, neither too wet nor too dry, also contributes to their stability.

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