Description
Cracker Barrel’s homemade chicken & dumplings comfort welcomes diners to southern culinary warmth. Rich, creamy broth and tender chicken nestled between pillowy dumplings create a heartwarming meal you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs or 1.8 kilograms) or 4-6 chicken thighs
Broth Ingredients:
- 8 cups (2 liters) water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Flour and Dumpling Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) milk
Soup Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious pot with chicken, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, covering the ingredients with water to create a flavorful base.
- Gently simmer the mixture over low heat until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, carefully removing skin and bones, then shred the meat into delicate pieces.
- Strain the fragrant broth, returning the liquid to the original pot for further preparation.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, leavening agent, and a pinch of seasoning to create the dumpling foundation.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients, using fingertips or a specialized pastry tool to form a crumbly texture.
- Pour milk into the mixture, gently blending until a soft, pliable dough emerges.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to a uniform thickness, cutting into precise strips.
- Bring the reserved broth to a gentle bubbling state, carefully introducing dumpling strips one by one.
- Allow dumplings to simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent adhesion, until they become pillowy and fully cooked.
- Create a smooth thickening agent by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a golden roux.
- Slowly integrate the roux into the broth, stirring continuously to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Enhance the mixture with a splash of cream for added richness, if desired.
- Reintroduce the shredded chicken, warming thoroughly and adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
- Ladle the comforting dish into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Choose bone-in chicken for richer, more flavorful broth that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Experiment with low-sodium chicken stock instead of water to intensify the depth of flavor without excessive saltiness.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is certified gluten-free.
- Reduce cooking time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which cuts preparation to under an hour while maintaining delicious homestyle taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg