Delicious homemade chicken n dumplings served in a bowl

Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken n Dumplings

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to the dining table. This recipe offers a homemade version that surpasses the classic restaurant dish. Using simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty meal that everyone in your family will love. The rich chicken broth and fluffy dumplings are sure to make this a staple in your cooking repertoire.

How to Make Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Water to cover
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced (or more to taste)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Place the chicken and a pinch of salt in a large pot. Cover the chicken with water and bring it to a boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface with a slotted spoon.
  2. Add the lemon halves, celery, onion, and carrots to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer until the chicken starts to fall off the bone, which takes about 1 hour. Once the chicken is done, discard the lemon.
  3. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool down.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper together. Create a well in the center of the flour.
  5. Ladle in 2 to 3 scoops of hot broth from the pot into the well. Stir with a spoon until the dough comes together to form a ball.
  6. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Roll it out into a large rectangle and cut it into small rectangular dumplings.
  7. One at a time, drop the dumplings into the simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, which should take about 30 minutes.
  8. Bone the chicken and chop it into pieces. Add the chicken back to the pot and cook until it is heated through, about 5 minutes.

How to Serve Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Serve the dish hot in bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken and dumplings in each serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley for added color. This dish pairs well with a side of green beans or a garden salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

To store leftovers, let the chicken and dumplings cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Tips to Make Better than Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

  • Always use a whole chicken for the best flavor in the broth.
  • Make sure the water covers the chicken completely for even cooking.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you can add herbs like thyme or parsley for more flavor.
  • Don’t skip kneading the dough; it helps create fluffy dumplings.

Variation

You can add different vegetables, such as peas or corn, to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

FAQs

1. Can I make chicken and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broth in advance. Just add the dumplings when you are ready to serve.

2. How do I know when the dumplings are done?
Dumplings are done when they have expanded in size and are tender to the bite. They should float to the surface of the broth.

3. Can I freeze chicken and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze them. However, the dumplings may become a bit softer when reheated. It’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the dumplings if you plan to keep them for a longer time.