Ultimate Homestyle Chicken and Fluffy Dumplings

Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 1018.2 kcal
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 from 17 reviews)

Description

This Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe is a labor of love that yields deliciously comforting results. Simmered to perfection in a rich broth with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, it’s a dish worth the time and effort.

Ingredients

• 3 quarts water
• 3 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 bunch fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stock:

   • In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil.
   • Add chicken pieces, 1 teaspoon of salt, chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, and parsley. Simmer over medium-low heat for 2 hours until chicken is cooked through.
   • The liquid should reduce by about one-third during this time.

2. Prepare the Dumplings:

   • Remove cooked chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
   • Strain the stock through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Return 6 cups of the strained stock to the pot (extra stock can be frozen for later use).
   • Stir in black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and lemon juice. Reheat the stock over medium heat while preparing the dumplings.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1-1/4 teaspoons of salt.
   • Gradually stir in milk until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes.

4. Cook the Dumplings:

   • On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Handle the dough as little as possible for light and fluffy dumplings.
   • Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 1/2 inch squares.
   • Drop each square into the simmering stock. Use all of the dough.
   • The dumplings will initially swell and then slowly shrink as they partially dissolve, thickening the stock into a creamy gravy.
   • Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until the stock has thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Finish the Dish:

   • While the stock is simmering, shred the cooled chicken, discarding bones and skin.
   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the dumplings. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the chicken.

6. Serve:

   • Once the gravy has thickened and the chicken is heated through, ladle the Chicken & Dumplings into bowls.
   • Serve hot, optionally over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

Notes

• This recipe requires patience but results in a deeply flavorful dish.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using canned broth instead of homemade.
• Leftover stock can be frozen for future use in soups or stews.

Enjoy the hearty goodness of homemade Chicken & Dumplings with this classic recipe! Perfect for cozy family dinners or whenever you crave a comforting meal.