Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. This recipe takes you back to the heartwarming flavors of Cracker Barrel, offering a taste of home with every bite. Imagine tender, fluffy dumplings swimming in a rich chicken broth, mingling with succulent pieces of cooked chicken. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients Overview
Flour: This is the base of your dumplings, providing the structure and texture that makes them delightfully tender.
Baking Powder: This helps the dumplings rise just a bit, ensuring they aren’t too dense.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dumpling dough.
Milk: Brings the dough together and adds moisture.
Chicken Broth: The foundation of the dish, infusing the dumplings and chicken with a savory flavor.
Cooked Chicken: Provides protein and hearty substance to the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Cut in Butter: Using a fork or a pastry blender, cut 2 tablespoons of butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk: Stir in 1 cup of milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball. The dough should be slightly tacky but not too sticky.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Roll the Dough: Roll out the dough thinly, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into approximately 2×2-inch squares.
Prepare the Dumplings for Cooking:
- Transfer to Plate: Place the cut dumplings on a heavily floured plate. Be sure to flour between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the Dumplings:
- Boil the Broth: Bring 2 quarts of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Add Dumplings: Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring gently to ensure they don’t stick together. The excess flour on the dumplings will help thicken the broth.
Add Chicken and Serve:
- Cook Dumplings: Cook the dumplings for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer doughy.
- Add Chicken: Stir in 3 cups of cooked chicken, mixing well to combine.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish!
Valuable Tips for Perfect Dumplings
Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough isn’t too sticky or too dry. It should be slightly tacky but workable.
Flouring: Don’t skimp on flouring your rolling surface and cutting tools to prevent sticking.
Boiling Time: Avoid overcooking the dumplings, as they can become too soft. Keep an eye on them and taste-test to ensure they are just right.
Flavor Boost: Add a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme to the broth while it’s boiling for extra flavor.
Uniform Dumplings: Try to cut the dumplings as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the dumplings have absorbed too much liquid.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the broth thicker?
Adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken the broth. You can also let the dumplings cook longer to naturally thicken the broth.
Can I use store-bought dumplings?
Yes, you can use store-bought dumplings, but making them from scratch gives a more authentic and delicious result.
What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works best. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, diced carrots and celery make great additions. Add them to the broth while it’s boiling.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?
Ensure each dumpling is well-floured before adding them to the broth. Stir gently after adding them to the pot.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Whole wheat flour makes denser dumplings.
What’s the best way to cut the butter into the flour?
Using a pastry blender or fork works well. You can also use your fingers, but be careful not to melt the butter with your body heat.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, including non-dairy options like almond milk.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They should be cooked through and no longer doughy. Taste-testing is the best way to check.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Is it okay to use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth works well, and you can adjust the salt to taste.
Can I add spices to the dumpling dough?
Yes, adding herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor of the dumplings.
What can I serve with chicken and dumplings?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this dish.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Add the cooked chicken at the end, just long enough to heat through, to avoid overcooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the broth and chicken in a slow cooker, but add the dumplings about 30 minutes before serving.
How do I keep the dumplings from falling apart?
Ensure the dough is the right consistency and don’t overcook them.
Can I use butter alternatives?
Yes, you can use margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the consistency.
20 Secrets for Culinary Perfection
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
- Quality Broth: Use a high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour for the perfect texture.
- Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out to relax the gluten.
- Uniform Size: Cut the dumplings uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Flour Generously: Flour your work surface and tools generously to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Gently: Cook the dumplings at a gentle simmer to prevent them from falling apart.
- Stir Carefully: Stir the dumplings gently to avoid breaking them.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the broth as needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pot with dumplings to ensure they cook evenly.
- Layer Flouring: Flour between layers of dumplings to prevent sticking.
- Taste Test: Always taste test the dumplings for doneness.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs to the broth for extra flavor.
- Chicken Options: Use a mix of white and dark meat for a richer flavor.
- Broth Consistency: Adjust the broth consistency by adding more flour or cornstarch if needed.
- Homemade Broth: Make your own chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic before adding the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
- Butter Addition: Add a pat of butter to the finished dish for extra richness.
- Leftover Chicken: Use leftover roast chicken to save time and add depth of flavor.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy making this timeless classic, and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your table
