Bringing the cozy allure of Cracker Barrel's comfort food to your table, our easy copycat recipe transforms the classic chicken and dumplings into a homemade delight. This rendition wraps tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a warm embrace, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings or a comforting meal on a cool evening.
Echoing the timeless charm of Southern cuisine, this recipe not only replicates the beloved flavors but also invites a sense of nostalgia into your dining room. Whether it's the centerpiece of a festive Sunday dinner, a comforting choice for holiday meals, or a satisfying solution to satisfy a spontaneous craving, it fits seamlessly into any scenario craving the warmth of a cherished classic.
Accompany it with sides like the signature Cracker Barrel cinnamon apples or the iconic mac and cheese for a complete, heartwarming meal.
Recipe Requirements
Ingredients needed for your copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are as follows:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 rotisserie chicken or 2 cups cooked chicken tenders, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Organize your ingredients to streamline the cooking process, beginning with the chicken broth and ending with the seasoning elements, salt, and pepper.
How to Proceed
- Start by placing the chicken broth and butter in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Bring the broth to a boil.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the buttermilk to form a soft dough. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Lightly dust a cutting board with flour. Turn the dough out onto the board and roll it flat, about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into strips.
- Once the chicken broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Drop the dumplings in the broth one by one, ensuring they do not stick together.
- Allow the dumplings to cook in the simmering broth for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- As the dumplings cook, take the pre-cooked chicken and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the dumplings are done, add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Allow to heat through.
- Season the pot with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. If the broth needs thickening, a slurry of flour and water can be introduced to the pot.
- Continue to simmer the entire pot for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
- Once everything is thoroughly combined and heated, the chicken and dumplings are ready to serve.
Additional Choices
- For a lighter version, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and skinless chicken breasts.
- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- For a dairy-free alternative, swap the buttermilk with your preferred non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar to replicate the tanginess of buttermilk.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
These values are based on a single serving and can vary depending on modifications to the recipe. Remember to adjust accordingly if you make changes to the ingredients.
Tips to Follow
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when adding dumplings to prevent them from dissolving.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dumpling dough into strips for uniform cook times.
- Don't overcrowd the pot; add dumplings in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their shape.
Equipment Requirements
- Dutch oven or large stock pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large, heavy-bottomed pot will do. A silicone mat can substitute for a cutting board when rolling out dumpling dough.
Prep Time
This copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe requires approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 35-45 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you should budget about 1 hour to have this dish ready to serve.
Preparing the Perfect Dish
- Serve the chicken and dumplings hot from the stove, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Complement the meal with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or Cracker Barrel’s southern-style green beans for a full Southern dining experience.
How to Store
Proper storage of your copycat Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings is crucial for maintaining its deliciousness and safety. Here's how to keep your leftovers in top condition:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's well-sealed to avoid absorbing other flavors.
- If freezing, portion out servings and use freezer-safe bags or containers; it can last up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Notes
While enjoying the comfort of Cracker Barrel’s classic dish at home, consider these additional insights to enhance your cooking experience:
- Seasonal vegetables can be added to the pot for a nutritious twist; think summer squash in July or root vegetables in the fall.
- For a thicker broth, a flour slurry can be incorporated just before adding the dumplings to cook.
- Experiment with the dough by cutting it into strips or squares, depending on your preference for texture.
- Turn this recipe into a chicken pot pie by using the filling and topping it with a pie crust before baking.
Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
To recreate the Cracker Barrel homemade chicken and dumplings, cook a whole chicken in a stock pot to make the broth. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it, let it cool, and then shred it.
Prepare the dumplings by rolling out the dough, then slice the dough into small pieces. Please return to your broth, bring it to a simmer, and drop the dumplings into the pot. Let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes until they are done.
This easy copycat Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe brings the comfort of Cracker Barrel's homey dish into your kitchen.
Are Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Healthy?
While the Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings offer comfort, it's one of my favorite dishes that might need to align with strict health-focused diets. This dish, rich in flavor and hearty in portion, contains chicken and flour-based dumplings, contributing to its higher calorie and carb content.
For a healthier version, consider using chicken breasts for leaner meat and integrating whole wheat flour for the dumplings to increase fiber content.
Can I Make This a Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe?
Making this recipe in a crockpot is a great way to save time and ensure tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. To adapt the traditional stovetop method to a crockpot, add the chicken breasts and broth into your pot, letting it cook until you can easily shred the chicken.
After shredding, return the chicken to the pot, roll the dough for the dumplings, and drop them in to cook on high for another 15-20 minutes. This method simplifies the process, making it an easy Cracker Barrel copycat you can enjoy without much fuss.
Can You Freeze Chicken and Dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze chicken and dumplings, making it convenient for meal prep or saving leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing to ensure the best quality. It's best to freeze the chicken and dumplings separately if possible, as this helps maintain the texture of the dumplings.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and when ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove top, adding chicken broth as needed to thin the broth and ensure the dumplings are heated through without becoming too soft.
Homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large stock pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 rotisserie chicken or 2 cups cooked chicken tenders, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Organize your ingredients to streamline the cooking process, beginning with the chicken broth and ending with the seasoning elements, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken broth and butter in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Bring the broth to a boil.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the buttermilk to form a soft dough. If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Lightly dust a cutting board with flour. Turn the dough out onto the board and roll it flat, about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into strips.
- Once the chicken broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Drop the dumplings in the broth one by one, ensuring they do not stick together.
- Allow the dumplings to cook in the simmering broth for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
- As the dumplings cook, take the pre-cooked chicken and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the dumplings are done, add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Allow to heat through.
- Season the pot with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary. If the broth needs thickening, a slurry of flour and water can be introduced to the pot.
- Continue to simmer the entire pot for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
- Once everything is thoroughly combined and heated, the chicken and dumplings are ready to serve.
Notes
- Seasonal vegetables can be added to the pot for a nutritious twist; think summer squash in July or root vegetables in the fall.
- For a thicker broth, a flour slurry can be incorporated just before adding the dumplings to cook.
- Experiment with the dough by cutting it into strips or squares, depending on your preference for texture.
- Turn this recipe into a chicken pot pie by using the filling and topping it with a pie crust before baking.
More Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes
Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
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