Imagine a dish so comforting, so incredibly delicious, that it transports you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen with just one bite. Our Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken Dumplings recipe is the ultimate culinary hug you've been craving – a classic American comfort food that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your deepest hunger. Whether you're looking to impress your family or recreate that nostalgic restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to becoming a kitchen hero!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by placing the whole chicken in a large pot and covering it with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve 4 cups of chicken broth. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangular dumpling strips, approximately 1 inch wide and 2-3 inches long.
- Bring the reserved chicken broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot. Carefully drop the dumpling strips into the simmering broth, making sure they don't overlap too much.
- Cook the dumplings for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. They will expand and become tender as they cook.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. The dumplings will continue to absorb the broth and become more tender.
- Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of dumplings and chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose a whole chicken for maximum flavor – the bones and skin contribute to a richer broth.
- Be patient when simmering the chicken; low and slow ensures tender, falling-apart meat.
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough – this can make them tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Cut dumplings into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer when adding dumplings – boiling too vigorously can make them break apart.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- Fresh parsley as a garnish adds a beautiful pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
