Description
A comforting copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s classic chicken and dumplings, featuring tender shredded chicken in a rich, thickened broth with soft, homemade dumplings.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Broth Base:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 celery ribs, broken in half
- ½ medium onion, kept in a large chunk
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each cut in half
- For the Dumplings:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for final seasoning)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery halves, onion chunk, and halved chicken breasts. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken is simmering, prepare your dumpling dough. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir in the milk until a shaggy, soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- With a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into strips or squares, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. These will be your dumplings.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it to a cutting board. Discard the onion chunk and celery pieces from the pot.
- Add the raw dumpling strips, one by one, to the simmering broth. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring gently and occasionally to prevent sticking. The dumplings will cook through and the broth will thicken to a gravy-like consistency.
- While the dumplings are cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Season the chicken and dumplings with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish.
Notes
- This recipe mimics the creamy, hearty style of Cracker Barrel’s dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.