Experience the comfort and flavor of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken and Dumplings in your own kitchen. This homemade recipe replicates the beloved restaurant dish, offering tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a rich broth. Learn how to recreate this comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners and chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth:
- In a large pot, place the whole chicken, chopped celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Add enough water to cover the chicken and vegetables. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
2. Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Prepare the Dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll and Cut the Dumplings:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles, approximately 1×1 inch.
5. Cook the Dumplings:
- Return the pot with the broth to a simmer.
- Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the dumplings and broth.
- Gently stir to combine and heat through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve your homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings hot, and enjoy the comfort of this classic dish.
With this homemade recipe, you can bring the warmth and comfort of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken and Dumplings to your kitchen. This comforting classic begins with a whole chicken simmered with vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful broth. The chicken is shredded and combined with homemade soft, fluffy dumplings. The end result is a soul-warming dish ideal for family dinners and chilly evenings. Enjoy the flavor of this popular restaurant dish from the comfort of your own home.