Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: A Taste of Home

Cracker Barrel's chicken and dumplings is a comfort food classic, beloved for its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings. While the restaurant's exact recipe remains a secret, this recipe comes remarkably close, capturing the essence of that iconic dish. Get ready to recreate this Southern favorite in your own kitchen!

Understanding the Key Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the key ingredients that contribute to Cracker Barrel's signature flavor:

• Chicken: Using a combination of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts ensures maximum flavor and juicy tenderness. The bone adds richness to the broth.
• Broth: A rich and flavorful chicken broth forms the base of the dish. Homemade is best, but a high-quality store-bought broth will work in a pinch.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Don't underestimate the power of the mirepoix!
• Dumplings: The dumplings are the star of the show! These soft, fluffy pillows of dough are what truly elevates this dish. The key is to use a simple, drop biscuit-style dough.
• Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices, including thyme, sage, and black pepper, brings everything together. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite seasonings.

The Recipe: Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe aims to replicate the hearty and delicious chicken and dumplings served at Cracker Barrel.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and breasts
• 8 cups water
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shortening or butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:

• Place the chicken, water, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Strain the broth, reserving the vegetables if desired.

2. Make the Dumplings:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky.

3. Assemble and Cook:

• Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the broth. If desired, add back the cooked vegetables. Heat through.
• Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
• Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overmix the dumpling dough: Overmixing will result in tough dumplings.
• Don't overcrowd the pot: Give the dumplings enough space to cook evenly.
• Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to your liking.
• Experiment with variations: Add other vegetables like potatoes or corn. You can even add a splash of cream or milk at the end for extra richness.

This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying approximation of Cracker Barrel's famous chicken and dumplings. Enjoy the process, and savor the wonderful taste of home-cooked comfort food! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – let's see your amazing results!