Description
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings deliver Southern comfort with creamy, hearty goodness straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Home cooks can savor this classic American recipe that promises warmth and nostalgia in each spoonful, inviting you to enjoy a timeless culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 454 grams each)
Liquid and Broth Components:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) + 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 medium onion (halved)
- 2 ribs celery (halved)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme, for garnish – optional)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, combine chicken broth (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters), diced celery (/ 75 grams), and chopped onion (/ 75 grams). Heat the mixture over medium temperature until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place whole chicken breasts into the simmering liquid. Cook for approximately 15-18 minutes, ensuring the meat becomes completely tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the broth and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then set aside while maintaining a warm temperature.
- Prepare the dumpling mixture by combining all-purpose flour (/ 240 grams), baking powder (), and salt () in a medium mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour milk (/ 240 milliliters) into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The consistency should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with additional flour. Gently roll out the dumpling dough to approximately 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) thickness using a rolling pin.
- Cut the rolled dough into small, uniform squares measuring roughly 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters) using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Carefully drop each dumpling into the simmering broth, ensuring they do not overlap. Stir gently to prevent sticking, then cover the pot and allow to cook for 12-15 minutes until dumplings are fully cooked and slightly puffy.
- Reintroduce the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the broth and dumplings. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired.
- Optional: Enhance richness by stirring in of unsalted butter until melted and incorporated.
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a generous amount of broth, chicken, and dumplings. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Prep this comforting classic when craving a hearty, homestyle meal that reminds you of grandma’s cooking.
- Tender chicken and pillowy dumplings create a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings or when needing culinary comfort.
- Shredding chicken by hand ensures rustic texture and allows meat to absorb rich, savory broth more effectively.
- Cutting dumplings into irregular shapes adds charming, homemade appeal and prevents overly uniform appearance.
- Simmering dumplings directly in broth infuses them with deep, complex flavors that elevate this traditional Southern recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg