Prepare to be transported to a cozy Southern kitchen with this mouthwatering Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled among pillowy, soft dumplings swimming in a rich, flavorful broth - this is the ultimate comfort meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're craving a hearty dinner or looking to impress your guests with a classic American dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Reserve 4 cups of the cooking liquid as your chicken broth. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove and shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into roughly 1-inch wide strips or diamond shapes.
- Return the reserved chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the dough strips into the simmering broth, making sure they don't overlap too much.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffy and cooked through. Do not stir too much to prevent breaking the dumplings.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and gently stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of dumplings, chicken, and broth.
Tips
- Use a whole chicken for the most authentic and rich flavor - the bones and skin contribute to a deeper, more complex broth.
- Be gentle when dropping dumplings into the broth to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Avoid overmixing the dumpling dough to keep them light and tender.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly thicken.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or parsley to the dumpling dough.
- If the broth seems too thin, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it slightly.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best possible taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
