The Ultimate Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with memories of comfort, and this copycat cracker barrel chicken and dumplings recipe captures pure home-style magic.

Hearty bowls of creamy goodness transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen table.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between pillowy dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Generations have cherished this classic dish for its simple, satisfying flavors.

Carefully selected ingredients blend into a nostalgic meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal effort creates maximum satisfaction with this straightforward recipe.

You will savor every comforting spoonful of this beloved Southern classic.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for making Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings?

The key ingredients are chicken broth, chicken breast, all-purpose flour, milk, baking powder, salt, celery, and onion.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe is moderately easy and suitable for intermediate home cooks with basic kitchen skills. The dumpling-making process requires some practice but is straightforward.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the broth after preparing the dumplings to save time.

• What type of flour works best for the dumplings?

All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. It provides the right texture and consistency for traditional-style dumplings.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Overview

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making restaurant-quality food right in your kitchen.
• Master Meal Prep: Perfect for busy families wanting a hearty, satisfying dinner that requires minimal complicated techniques and comes together with straightforward steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A nostalgic southern dish that brings warmth and memories to the table, guaranteed to impress everyone from kids to grandparents with its rich, creamy texture and homemade goodness.
• Adaptable Cooking Adventure: Customize the recipe by adjusting seasoning, using different proteins, or adding vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Chicken Breast: Tender meat that forms the primary protein of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the flavorful liquid foundation for the recipe.
• Celery: Adds subtle vegetable depth and aromatic background to the broth.
• Onion: Contributes a sweet and savory flavor to the overall dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure for the tender dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings and dish.
• Milk: Binds the dumpling ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.

• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note to the final dish.

How to Prepare Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Grab a big pot and toss in chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Cook until the chicken is perfectly tender and cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Dumpling Dough

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Pour in milk and mix until a soft dough forms.

The mixture should feel slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Roll Out Dumplings

Dust your countertop with a sprinkle of flour.

Roll out the dough until it’s thin and even, about the thickness of a quarter. Slice the dough into neat little rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 4: Remove Vegetables

Pull out the cooked chicken and set aside. Fish out the celery and onion pieces and discard them.

Your broth is now ready for dumplings.

Step 5: Cook Dumplings

Carefully drop the dough rectangles into the simmering broth.

Let them dance around and cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the broth thicken into a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Shred and Return Chicken

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the chicken to the pot, mixing it gently with the dumplings.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir and serve piping hot in big, comforting bowls.

Tips for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Create a flavorful base by simmering chicken in broth with aromatic vegetables, enhancing the overall depth of taste.
• Handle dumplings gently while cutting to maintain their delicate texture and prevent them from becoming tough during cooking.
• Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust flavor profile compared to pre-ground alternatives.
• Shred chicken into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish and consistent texture in every bite.
• Allow dumplings to cook slowly in the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a perfect gravy-like consistency.

Variations of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Dumpling Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, using rice flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for those with lactose intolerance.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Classic: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the broth for an aromatic herbal enhancement.
• Veggie-Packed Protein Option: Include diced carrots, peas, or spinach for additional nutrition and color in the dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones to complement the creamy chicken and dumplings, balancing the dish's rich flavors.
• Craft a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, parsley, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the main course.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread with salted butter to soak up the delicious gravy and add textural contrast to the soft dumplings.
• Pour sparkling apple cider or a light wheat beer to refresh the taste buds between bites of the hearty chicken dish.

Storage Guidelines for Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

• Seal cooled chicken and dumplings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer completely cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid storing with dumplings for best texture preservation.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Country-style chicken and dumplings highlight comfort food from Southern kitchens with hearty, creamy chicken stew nestled under pillowy dough strips. Homemade goodness brings warmth to dinner tables when you want classic, satisfying meals.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken breasts (each piece bifurcated)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsps milk
• 2 celery ribs (each halved)
• 1/2 medium onion (left in a sizable chunk)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 1/4 tsps salt
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (adjusted according to preference)

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Instructions

1. Gather a large stockpot and combine chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 15 minutes until chicken is completely tender and cooked through.
3. While chicken simmers, prepare dumpling dough by blending flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually introduce milk, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
4. Transfer dough onto a flour-dusted surface and roll out to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
5. Slice the rolled dough into uniform rectangular pieces approximately 1-2 inches in size using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
6. Remove cooked chicken from broth and set aside. Discard the onion and celery remnants, leaving a clear, seasoned broth.
7. Gently drop dumpling segments into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and enable the broth to thicken.
8. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the pot, integrating with the dumplings.
9. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Check chicken tenderness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Homemade chicken stock enhances the overall flavor profile, creating a richer, more authentic taste compared to store-bought broth.
• Experiment with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious dumpling option, adding extra fiber and nutty undertones to the dish.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt seasoning during the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 284 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 605 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg