Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings
Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumplings is a classic comfort food dish that features tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners and is incredibly satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make, homemade version of the beloved dish served at Cracker Barrel restaurants. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few steps, you’ll enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large Pot – 1 (for cooking chicken and broth)
- Mixing Bowl – 1 (for preparing dumpling dough)
- Fork or Shredding Tool – 1 (for shredding chicken)
- Spoon or Cookie Scoop – 1 (for dropping dumplings)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - 1 set (for measuring ingredients)
- Knife – 1 (for chopping vegetables, if desired)
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots diced (optional)
- 1 cup celery chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts (or thighs) and chicken broth. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broth, set aside to cool slightly, then shred the chicken using two forks.
Prepare the Broth:
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional diced carrots and celery to the pot. Let the broth simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Make the Dumplings:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and cut them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until just combined into a thick dough. Avoid overmixing.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Once the broth is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Do not overcrowd the pot, and let the dumplings cook for 15–20 minutes with the lid on. The dumplings should puff up and become fluffy.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, and stir gently to combine the chicken with the dumplings and broth. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Broth Thickness: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can make a simple slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour with a little water, and adding it to the simmering broth.
- Dumpling Texture: Be sure not to overmix the dumpling dough to keep them light and fluffy. Gently stir the ingredients until combined.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn to the broth to make it more hearty.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen, but the dumplings may become denser when reheated. Store the chicken and broth separately for better results.