Cracker Barrel chicken n’ dumplins

Savor the Southern Comfort of Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins

Transport yourself to the heart of Southern cooking with this authentic Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. This cherished dish combines tender chicken with pillowy dumplings, all swimming in a rich, velvety broth that's simply irresistible.

Perfect for those cozy family gatherings or when you're craving the familiar taste of down-home cooking, this recipe captures the essence of what makes Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings a beloved classic.

A Classic Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins Experience

This homestyle recipe delivers that signature Cracker Barrel taste while giving you the satisfaction of creating it yourself. If you enjoy hearty comfort foods, you might also love our chicken pot pie with biscuit crust for another cozy meal option.

The magic lies in the perfect balance between the tender chicken, silky broth, and those wonderfully tender dumplings that seem to melt in your mouth. Just like our comforting chicken noodles crock pot recipe, this dish brings pure comfort to your table.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken n' Dumplins:

1. Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking to ensure tender chicken and perfectly cooked dumplings.
2. Dough Consistency: The dumpling dough should be soft but manageable - if it's too sticky, dust with a little extra flour.
3. Rolling Technique: Roll the dumplings to an even thickness for consistent cooking time.
4. Broth Management: Keep the broth at a gentle boil when adding dumplings to prevent them from falling apart.
5. Patient Cooking: Allow the dumplings to cook fully - they should be tender but not mushy.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our chicken marsala casserole or delicious no-peek chicken.

Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins Recipe:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Equipment: Large pot, rolling pin, cutting board

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds), cut into pieces
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 quarts water
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes

For the Dumplings:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup cold milk
• Extra flour for rolling

Directions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • Place chicken pieces in a large pot with celery, onion, carrots, and bay leaves
   • Add water, salt, and pepper
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until chicken is tender
2. Process the Chicken:
   • Remove chicken from broth and let cool slightly
   • Strain the broth and return to pot
   • Shred chicken, discarding skin and bones
   • Return meat to pot with bouillon cubes
3. Make the Dumplings:
   • Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl
   • Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
   • Gradually stir in milk until dough forms
   • Turn onto floured surface and knead gently 4-5 times
4. Shape and Cook Dumplings:
   • Roll dough to ⅛-inch thickness on floured surface
   • Cut into 1x3 inch strips
   • Bring broth to a gentle boil
   • Drop dumplings one at a time into broth
   • Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender
5. Final Steps:
   • Gently stir occasionally while dumplings cook
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste
   • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving

Storage Solutions:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings will continue to absorb broth, so you may need to add a little chicken broth when reheating. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

This Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins recipe is more than just a meal—it's a bowl of Southern comfort that brings people together. Whether you're cooking for family or simply craving some home-style goodness, this recipe delivers that authentic Cracker Barrel taste right in your own kitchen.

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