There’s something magical about a big pot of Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings simmering on the stove. It instantly takes me back to cozy family gatherings where laughter and warmth filled the air. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, reminding me of chilly evenings wrapped in a blanket with a hearty bowl of goodness in hand. The way the tender chicken mingles with fluffy dumplings in that savory broth? Pure bliss! Plus, it’s so simple to make—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a little extra love in your life. Trust me, once you take that first warm, delicious bite, you’ll understand why this dish is such a cherished favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) – This is the star of the dish! You want a good, plump chicken that will give you tender meat and rich flavor.
- 6 cups chicken broth – Use homemade if you have it, but store-bought works just fine too. It’s the base of our savory broth that makes everything taste amazing.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This will be the backbone of your dumplings, giving them that delightful texture we all love.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy, so don’t skip this step!
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for seasoning; it brings out all the flavors in your dish.
- 1/2 cup milk – This adds moisture and richness to your dumpling dough.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – Oh, the flavor! This will make your dumplings extra special and buttery.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Just the right amount of spice to elevate the taste without overwhelming it.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor of the broth.
How to Prepare Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken Dumplings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken cooking! In a large pot, place your whole chicken and pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can tell it’s done when the juices run clear, and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. Once it’s cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool a bit before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Preparing the Dumpling Dough
While your chicken cools, let’s whip up that dumpling dough! In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder. Give it a good stir to mix all the dry ingredients together. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix until everything is just combined; the dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash more milk. You’re looking for a dough that holds together but is still fluffy!
Cooking the Dumplings
Now it’s time for the fun part! Bring your broth back to a gentle boil and drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough right into the bubbling goodness. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll puff up and look beautiful as they cook. Once all the dumplings are in, add your shredded chicken back into the pot. Cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, and here’s a little tip: don’t lift the lid too often! You want to keep that steam in. You’ll know the dumplings are done when they’ve doubled in size and are fluffy. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken dumplings to wrap you in a cozy hug!
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Flavor Explosion: The rich chicken broth combined with fluffy dumplings creates an irresistible taste that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile: You can easily customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To make your Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, consider using a rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—it’s a total game changer and still super delicious! Just shred the meat and toss it in the broth when you’re ready. For an extra flavor boost, don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley; they bring a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. Also, if you prefer a thicker broth, simply reduce the amount of chicken broth you add, or let it simmer a bit longer after adding the dumplings. And remember, every kitchen is different, so feel free to tweak the seasonings to your taste. Trust me, these little adjustments can elevate your dumplings to the next level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your scrumptious Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that incredible flavor! Just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the dumplings from drying out. Stir gently until everything is warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overheat; you want them steamy, not rubbery! Enjoy the comfort all over again!
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional values for Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are approximate and meant to give you a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy every cozy bite of this delicious dish!
FAQ Section
Common Questions About Chicken Dumplings
How long do I need to cook the chicken for the dumplings?
You’ll want to simmer the chicken in the broth for about 30-40 minutes until it’s fully cooked and tender. Make sure to keep an eye on it and check for those clear juices!
Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
Absolutely! Store-bought chicken broth is a great time-saver, and it still gives you the rich flavor we love in Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings. Just pick a good quality brand, and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for the all-purpose flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best texture. You can also try using whole wheat flour for a heartier dumpling!
How can I make the dumplings more flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the broth or the dumpling dough. You can also sprinkle in some extra spices like paprika or cayenne for a little kick!
What do I serve with chicken dumplings?
These dumplings are a delicious main course on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up that savory broth. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Cracker Barrel homemade chicken dumplings, there are plenty of delicious sides that can elevate your meal! I love serving them alongside a simple garden salad tossed with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch. You could also whip up some buttery cornbread or warm, crusty bread to soak up that savory broth—trust me, it’s heavenly! For a bit of brightness, consider adding steamed green beans or roasted carrots. These sides complement the heartiness of the dumplings perfectly and make for a comforting, well-rounded meal!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of dumplings, you can read this Spruce Eats article.
For tips on making the perfect chicken broth, visit this Serious Eats guide.
Print
Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken Dumplings: Pure Comfort Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cracker Barrel style homemade chicken dumplings are a comforting dish made with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the chicken in chicken broth until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Adjust broth quantity for desired thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cracker barrel homemade chicken dumplings, chicken dumplings, comfort food
