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Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings

Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings
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Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings is a classic Southern comfort dish combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with fluffy dumplings and a creamy, savory broth. This heartwarming recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, offering simple ingredients transformed into a rich, flavorful meal that’s beloved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Broth

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dumplings

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for variation)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (or gluten-free baking powder for variation)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups milk or heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

Aromatics & Finishing

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by simmering bone-in chicken thighs in chicken broth over low heat until cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and reserve the broth for later use.
  2. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Gradually add milk or heavy cream, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms that can be dropped by spoonfuls into the broth.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate pan, gently cook diced onions and celery in butter over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  4. Combine Broth and Aromatics: Return the shredded chicken to the reserved broth, add the sautéed onions and celery, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, preparing the base for dumplings.
  5. Cook the Dumplings: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam and cook over low heat until they are light, fluffy, and fully set, approximately 15 minutes.
  6. Finish with Cream: Stir in milk or heavy cream to create a creamy broth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional few minutes to meld all flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat.
  • Simmer the broth gently to avoid tough chicken and overcooked dumplings.
  • Drop dumplings carefully with a spoon or ice cream scoop for uniform size and to prevent sticking.
  • Keep the pot covered while cooking dumplings to trap steam and ensure fluffy texture.
  • Mix dumpling dough just until combined to keep dumplings tender instead of dense.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken and Dumplings, Southern Comfort Food, Homemade Chicken Dumplings, Cracker Barrel Recipe, Cozy Chicken Soup

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cracker-barrels-chicken-and-dumplings/