Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings

Name: Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Chicken: 3 lbs, cut into pieces; Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons; Fresh parsley: 1/2 teaspoon; Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon; Flour: 2 cups; Baking powder: 1 tablespoon; Butter: 1/4 cup, chilled; Milk: 3/4 cup

Isabella

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Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings the flavors of the Southern kitchen right to your table. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with fluffy, buttery dumplings in a rich, savory broth. It’s the perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

Chicken: 3 lbs, cut into pieces

Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons

Fresh parsley: 1/2 teaspoon

Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon

Flour: 2 cups

Baking powder: 1 tablespoon

Butter: 1/4 cup, chilled

Milk: 3/4 cup

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken:

In a large pot, add the chicken pieces along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme.

Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.

Prepare the Dumplings:

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Cut in 1/4 cup of chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add 3/4 cup of milk to form a dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Roll and Cut the Dumplings:

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Cut the dough into strips or squares, depending on your preference for dumpling size.

Cook the Dumplings:

Bring the pot with the chicken broth to a boil.

Add the dumpling strips to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and simmer until the dumplings are tender and cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.

Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Serving Tips:

Serving Size: Serve the chicken and dumplings hot from the pot. A typical serving size is about 1 to 1.5 cups per person.

Garnish: Enhance the flavor and presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can add an extra touch.

Accompaniments: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with cornbread or biscuits.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chicken and dumplings can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and dumplings. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the mixture if it has thickened during storage. If reheating from frozen, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits

FAQs:

Can I use boneless chicken breasts or thighs instead of bone-in pieces?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Boneless pieces will cook faster and may not impart as much flavor to the broth, so consider adding extra herbs or seasoning to enhance the flavor. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken usually cooks more quickly than bone-in pieces.

Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time. If you want to make them in advance, roll out and cut the dumplings, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, add the frozen dumplings directly to the boiling broth; they may need a few extra minutes to cook.

What can I do if my dumplings turn out too dense or heavy?

Dense or heavy dumplings can result from overworking the dough or using too much flour. To avoid this, handle the dough as little as possible and measure ingredients carefully. If your dumplings are already dense, try adding a bit of extra milk to the dough to lighten them up, or consider cooking them in a bit more broth to help soften them.

Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that dairy-free alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dumplings, but the dish will still be delicious. Just ensure that the milk substitute is unsweetened to avoid affecting the taste of the broth.

Conclusion:

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings as a delightful family meal that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

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